King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:6 in the King James Version says “And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:6 · KJV


Context

4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. administrations: or, ministries

6

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in allEnergēmatōn (ἐνεργημάτων, "workings" or "operations") stresses the effects or results of gifts. The root energeō means "to work effectively, to produce results." God the Father is the ultimate energizer of all spiritual activity—which worketh all in all (ho energōn ta panta en pasin).

This completes Paul's Trinitarian framework: the Spirit distributes gifts (v.4), Christ assigns ministries (v.5), the Father energizes operations (v.6). The threefold repetition of "the same" (auto) hammers home unity amid diversity. The Father's sovereign working "in all" persons and "all" situations means no gift, ministry, or result occurs independently of divine empowerment. Human agency cooperates with divine energy—we minister, but God produces fruit. This guards against both laziness ("I don't need to exercise my gift") and pride ("Look what I accomplished").

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophical thought debated the relationship between divine and human causation. Paul affirms both: humans exercise gifts, yet God energizes the outcome. This differs from pagan ecstatic religion (which obliterated human will) and from mere human effort (which claimed autonomous achievement).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God as the one 'energizing' all gifts affect your confidence in ministry?
  2. Where do you see the Trinity working cooperatively in the church's ministry today?
  3. How can Christians balance human responsibility in using gifts with dependence on God's empowerment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διαιρέσεις2 of 15

diversities

G1243

a distinction or (concretely) variety

ἐνεργημάτων3 of 15

of operations

G1755

an effect

εἰσίν4 of 15

there are

G1526

they are

τὰ5 of 15

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ6 of 15

but

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτός7 of 15

the same

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν8 of 15

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

θεός9 of 15

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὰ10 of 15

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐνεργῶν11 of 15

worketh

G1754

to be active, efficient

τὰ12 of 15

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πᾶσιν13 of 15

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐν14 of 15

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν15 of 15

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole


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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study