King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:30 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:30 in the King James Version says “Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

1 Corinthians 12:30 · KJV

Context

28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. diversities: or, kinds

29

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? workers: or, powers?

30

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?—Mē pantes charismata echoysin iamatōn; mē pantes glōssais laloysin; mē pantes diermēneyoysin;—Paul continues rhetorical questions expecting "No!" Not all have healing gifts; not all speak in tongues; not all interpret. The Greek construction (mē + question) makes the negative answer emphatic. This is God's design, not a deficiency to correct.

The focus on tongues in verses 29-30 (mentioned twice) suggests the Corinthians overemphasized this gift, perhaps viewing it as the premier sign of spirituality. Paul systematically dismantles this hierarchy: tongues is one gift among many, given to some (not all), and listed last in importance (v.28). The coming chapter (13) will relativize all gifts in light of love, and chapter 14 will regulate tongues-use for body-edification. Paul's point: stop obsessing over one gift; embrace the diversity the Spirit designed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth's charismatic excesses—uninterpreted tongues dominating worship, ecstatic disorder, gift-pride—necessitated Paul's corrective. His rhetorical questions establish that gift-diversity, not gift-uniformity (especially regarding tongues), reflects the Spirit's intention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do these verses challenge modern movements that emphasize tongues as essential evidence of Spirit-fullness?
  2. Why might Paul mention tongues repeatedly in these rhetorical questions given its last-place ranking in verse 28?
  3. What would healthy gift-diversity look like in your church's worship and ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
μὴ1 of 12

“Have”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πάντες2 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

χαρίσματα3 of 12

“the gifts”

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

ἔχουσιν4 of 12
G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἰαμάτων5 of 12

“of healing”

G2386

a cure (the effect)

μὴ6 of 12

“Have”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πάντες7 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γλώσσαις8 of 12

“with tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

λαλοῦσιν9 of 12
G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

μὴ10 of 12

“Have”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πάντες11 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

διερμηνεύουσιν12 of 12

“interpret”

G1329

to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 12:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 12:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:10

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