Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 12:11
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation to correct their fragmentation and confusion over spiritual manifestations. He delivers this statement immediately after cataloging the specific gifts listed in the preceding verse.
The words — ἐνεργεῖ (energei) literally means "works" or "operates," denoting active divine power. It is coupled with ἓν (hen), meaning "one," to identify the singular agent behind the listed activities.
The thread — The text explicitly notes that the same Spirit distributes these gifts, a pattern mirrored in 1 Corinthians 12:4, which contrasts varied gifts with one Spirit. Hebrews 2:4 similarly records God confirming his message through gifts of the Holy Spirit, while 2 Corinthians 10:13 describes God assigning specific fields of influence.
Why it lands — The verse states that the Spirit apportions functions to each person according to His own determination. It requires the reader to accept divine allocation as the sole basis for spiritual function and to cease comparing or competing with others.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 12:4 There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.
- Hebrews 2:4 and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
- 2 Corinthians 10:13 We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.
- 1 Corinthians 12:6 There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.
- Ephesians 4:7 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
- Daniel 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”
- Matthew 11:26 Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
- Matthew 20:15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
- John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
- John 3:27 John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.