King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:12 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:12 in the King James Version says “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. of spi... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. of spiritual gifts: Gr. of spirits

1 Corinthians 14:12 · KJV


Context

10

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification .

11

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. of spiritual gifts: Gr. of spirits

13

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts—Paul acknowledges their zēlōtai (ζηλωταί, "zealots, enthusiasts") for pneumatōn (πνευμάτων, "spirits" or "spiritual gifts"). Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church—Greek zēteite hina... perisseūēte (ζητεῖτε ἵνα... περισσεύητε, "seek that you may abound") redirects their zeal toward oikodomē tēs ekklēsias (οἰκοδομή τῆς ἐκκλησίας, "edification of the church").

Paul doesn't quench their enthusiasm ("zealous") but redirects it toward the right goal ("edifying of the church"). The verb perisseuō ("abound, excel") suggests abundance, but abundance measured by edification, not personal experience. This verse summarizes verses 1-11: pursue gifts that build up the body.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians' zeal for spiritual manifestations was misdirected toward self-glorification. Paul channels that energy toward corporate edification, the true measure of spiritual maturity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can zeal for spiritual gifts be both commendable and misguided?
  2. What does it mean to 'excel' in edifying the church rather than in personal experience?
  3. How should this principle guide our evaluation of worship practices and spiritual gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
οὕτως1 of 15

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 15

Even

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς3 of 15

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐπεὶ4 of 15

forasmuch as

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

ζηλωταί5 of 15

zealous

G2207

a "zealot"

ἐστε6 of 15

ye are

G2075

ye are

πνευμάτων7 of 15

of spiritual

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

πρὸς8 of 15

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὴν9 of 15
G3588

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

οἰκοδομὴν10 of 15

the edifying

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

τῆς11 of 15
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίας12 of 15

of the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ζητεῖτε13 of 15

gifts seek

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἵνα14 of 15

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

περισσεύητε15 of 15

ye may excel

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel


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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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