1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Corinthians 12:7 in other translations
| BSB | Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. |
|---|---|
| WEB | But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. |
| ASV | But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal. |
| YLT | And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit; |
| DARBY | But to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for profit. |
| BBE | But to every man some form of the Spirit's working is given for the common good. |
| Webster | But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for profit. |
What does 1 Corinthians 12:7 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
Is given to every man. To every man whose case is here under consideration. The idea is not at all that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to all men indiscriminately--to pagans, and infidels, and scoffers, as well as to Christians. The apostle is discoursing only of those who are Christians, and his declaration should be confined to them alone. Whatever may be true of other men, this statement should be confined wholly to Christians; and means simply that the Spirit of God gives to each Christian such graces and endowments as he pleases; that he distributes his gifts to all, not equally, but in a manner which he shall choose; and that the design of this is, that all Christians should use his endowments for the common good. This passage, therefore, is very improperly adduced to prove that the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit are conferred alike on all men, and that pagans, and blasphemers, and sinners in general, are under his enlightening influences. It has no reference to any such doctrine, but should be interpreted as referring solely to Christians, and the various endowments which are conferred on them.
To profit withal. προςτοσυμφερον. Unto profit; that is, for utility, or use; or to be an advantage to the church; for the common good of all. This does not mean that each one must cultivate and improve his graces and gifts, however true that may be, but that they are to be used for the common good of the church; they are bestowed for utility, or profit; they are conferred in such measures, and in such a manner, as are best adapted to be useful, and to do good. They are bestowed not on all equally, but in such a manner as shall best subserve the interests of piety and the church, and as shall tend harmoniously to carry on the great interests of religion, and further the welfare of the whole Christian body. The doctrine of this verse is, therefore,
(1.) that the Holy Spirit bestows such endowments on all Christians as he pleases; and
(2.) that the design is, in the best manner to promote the common welfare--the peace and edification of the whole church. It follows from this,
(1.) that no Christian should be unduly elated, as if he were more worthy than others, since his endowments are the simple gift of God;
(2.) that no Christian should be depressed and disheartened, as if he occupied an inferior or unimportant station, since his place has also been assigned him by God;
(3.) that all should be contented and satisfied with their allotments in the church, and should strive only to make the best use of their talents and endowments; and
(4.) that all should employ their time and talents for the common utility; for the furtherance of the common welfare, and the advancement of the kingdom of Christ on earth.
(b) "profit withal" Eph 4:7
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Spiritual gifts were extraordinary powers bestowed in the first ages, to convince unbelievers, and to spread the gospel. Gifts and graces greatly differ. Both were freely given of God. But where grace is given, it is for the salvation of those who have it. Gifts are for the advantage and salvation of others; and there may be great gifts where there is no grace. The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit were chiefly…
1 Corinthians 12:7 in the original Greek
Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.
Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).
Cross references for 1 Corinthians 12:7
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 12:6-8
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:17
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
- Ephesians 4:7-12
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) …
- 1 Corinthians 14:22-26
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. …
- 1 Corinthians 14:5
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
- Matthew 25:14-30
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. …
Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Pe 4:10,11
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain
Context
- 1 Corinthians 12:6
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
- 1 Corinthians 12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1 Corinthians 12:7 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Empero á cada uno le es dada manifestación del Espíritu para provecho. |
|---|---|
| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Or à chacun est donnée la manifestation de l’Esprit en vue de l’utilité. |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Einem jeden aber wird die Offenbarung des Geistes zum Nutzen gegeben. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Unicuique autem datur manifestatio Spiritus ad utilitatem. |