1 Corinthians 12:16

And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church to correct divisions over spiritual gifts by using a body metaphor. He presents a hypothetical scenario where a body part claims exclusion based on functional difference.

The words — οὖς (ous) names the ear, and εἴπῃ (eipē) introduces the hypothetical speech act. The conjunction καὶ (kai) ties this example directly to the preceding foot analogy.

The thread — This example extends the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12:15 and 17 while echoing the humility warning in Romans 12:3 and the mutual honor command in Romans 12:10. The principle of functional necessity resurfaces in 1 Corinthians 12:22.

Why it lands — The text states that a part cannot nullify its membership by refusing to match another part’s function. It requires the reader to accept their assigned role within the community without measuring worth against 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

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

Cross-references

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
1 Corinthians 12:22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.