Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 12:5
There are different ministries, but the same Lord.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation while clarifying the structure of spiritual operations. He frames the discussion by noting the existence of varied roles within a unified group.
The words — διαιρέσεις (diaireseis) translates literally to "varieties" or "divisions," and διακονιῶν (diakoniōn) means "services" or "ministries." The verse explicitly declares that these varieties of services exist.
The thread — This structural pattern appears immediately in 1 Corinthians 12:4 and 1 Corinthians 12:6, and recurs in Ephesians 4:11 regarding appointed roles and Romans 12:6 regarding gifted functions.
Why it lands — The text states that diverse roles operate under a single Lord rather than multiple authorities. It requires readers to subordinate their specific function to that central authority without elevating the role itself.
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 there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 4:11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
- Romans 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
- Romans 14:8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
- Matthew 23:10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
- Acts 10:36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
- Philippians 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.