Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 12:8
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church while cataloging how divine abilities are distributed among believers. He addresses them during a discussion on the purpose and variety of spiritual manifestations.
The words — λόγος (logos) renders as message or spoken word, and διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος (dia tou pneumatos) means through the Spirit. The text states that wisdom and knowledge are delivered as communicated content, not innate traits.
The thread — This theme of Spirit-sourced insight appears in Proverbs 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:6, and Ephesians 1:17. Each reference ties divine wisdom and revelation to God's direct provision rather than human acquisition.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that spiritual understanding is granted by the Spirit to different individuals for the community's benefit. It requires readers to stop treating insight as personal achievement and to rely on the Spirit's distribution for discernment.
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
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Cross-references
- Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
- 1 Corinthians 2:6 Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
- Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.
- Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
- 1 Corinthians 1:5 For in Him you have been enriched in every way, in all speech and all knowledge,
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
- Genesis 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
- Nehemiah 9:20 You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.
- Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.