King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:9 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:9 in the King James Version says “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:9 · KJV


Context

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;

9

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To another faith by the same Spirit—This is not saving faith (common to all believers, Ephesians 2:8) but supernatural trust that moves mountains (Matthew 17:20), confidence for extraordinary acts of obedience, miraculous provision, or answered prayer. This gift enables believers to trust God for what seems humanly impossible, acting with certainty based on divine promises. George Müller's orphanages, fed without soliciting funds, exemplify this charisma.

To another the gifts of healing by the same SpiritCharismata iamatōn (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, "gifts of healings")—the double plural suggests variety: different kinds of healings, perhaps for different diseases, or different occasions rather than a permanent healing-office. These are supernatural restorations of health, signs of the in-breaking kingdom (Luke 9:2, 10:9). The phrase by the same Spirit (repeated with each gift) becomes a liturgical refrain, hammering home unity amid diversity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ancient world was rife with disease lacking medical remedies. Healing shrines (like Asclepius temples) dotted the Mediterranean. Christian healing, however, occurred through prayer and faith in Christ's name, not magic rituals or patron deities, demonstrating Yahweh's superior power and compassion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'gift of faith' differ from everyday Christian faith in salvation and sanctification?
  2. Why might healing gifts come in various forms ('gifts of healings' plural) rather than one uniform ability?
  3. How should churches today understand and exercise healing gifts without presumption or superstition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἑτέρῳ1 of 15

To another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δὲ2 of 15
G1161

but, and, etc

πίστις3 of 15

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐν4 of 15

by

G1722

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

τῷ5 of 15
G3588

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

αὐτῷ6 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

πνεύματι7 of 15

Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἄλλῳ8 of 15

to another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ9 of 15
G1161

but, and, etc

χαρίσματα10 of 15

the gifts

G5486

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

ἰαμάτων11 of 15

of healing

G2386

a cure (the effect)

ἐν12 of 15

by

G1722

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

τῷ13 of 15
G3588

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

αὐτῷ14 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

πνεύματι15 of 15

Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin


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 12:9 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 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study