1 Corinthians 12:8-10
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Notice how "utterance" is used for both wisdom and knowledge, suggesting these aren't just abstract ideas but meant to be spoken and shared, actively communicated to others. It highlights that spiritual gifts are given not just for personal possession, but for the building up and benefit of the whole community. This means wisdom and knowledge from the Spirit are meant to flow out of us.
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly in their worship services. He's just explained that these gifts, from tongues to prophecy, are meant for building up the whole church, not for individual display. This verse kicks off a list of specific spiritual gifts, emphasizing that they all originate from the same Holy Spirit for the common good.
Ever wondered how some people just know the right thing to say, or have such deep insight? The Apostle Paul addresses this directly, pointing to a divine source.
God's Spirit as the Source of Gifts
Paul is talking about supernatural abilities, or gifts, that God gives to His people. These aren't just natural talents; they are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The verse clearly states that these gifts are given 'through the Spirit' and 'according to the same Spirit.' This means every true spiritual gift originates from God Himself.
Two Distinct Expressions
Paul highlights two specific gifts here:
Why does God give these gifts? It's not just for show or personal benefit. There's a crucial purpose behind every divine enablement.
Gifts for the Common Good
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The context of 1 Corinthians 12 (and much of Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts) is the edification, or building up, of the church. These gifts are meant to serve the community of believers, helping them grow in faith and understanding.
Serving, Not Strutting
Wisdom and knowledge are given so that the body of Christ can function effectively. When these gifts are exercised rightly, they:
It's a powerful reminder that our spiritual gifts are about serving others, not elevating ourselves. They are tools God uses to advance His kingdom through His people.
Understand the original words
sophia · Greek Noun
God-given spiritual insight into the application of divine truth to daily life, distinguishing it from mere worldly intelligence.
gnōsis · Greek Noun
The divinely granted insight into the truth of God, His character, and His redemptive plan, allowing for deeper spiritual understanding.
pistis · Greek Noun
A specific gift or measure of trust in God, distinct from saving faith, enabling a believer to act with extraordinary confidence in God’s power during specific circumstances.
iama · Greek Noun
The supernatural enablement to serve as an instrument through which God restores health and physical wholeness to others.
dynamis · Greek Noun
Supernatural events or mighty works that transcend the ordinary laws of nature, demonstrating the power of God to validate the message of the Gospel.
prophēteia · Greek Noun
The Spirit-inspired proclamation of a message from God to His people, intended for edification, exhortation, and comfort, rather than necessarily predicting the future.
diakrisis pneumatōn · Greek Noun phrase
A spiritual gift of discernment that allows a believer to evaluate whether a message, action, or influence originates from the Holy Spirit, human spirit, or demonic forces.
glōssa · Greek Noun
The supernatural ability to speak in languages (either human or angelic) that the speaker has not learned, serving as a sign to unbelievers or for private prayer.
hermēneia · Greek Noun
The supernatural gift of explaining the meaning of a message spoken in an unknown tongue so that the church community can understand and be edified.
This passage immediately precedes our verse and sets the stage, explaining that the diverse spiritual gifts are all manifestations of the same Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5Paul continues to explore these gifts, particularly focusing on prophecy and speaking in tongues, showing how wisdom and knowledge gifts contribute to building up the church.
Ephesians 4:11-13This passage lists different gifts given to the church, including those who teach (related to wisdom and knowledge), emphasizing their purpose in maturing believers and equipping them for service.
Romans 12:6-8Here, Paul also lists various gifts, including prophecy, teaching, and exhortation, highlighting how believers use their God-given abilities in different ways within the body of Christ.
Notice how "utterance" is used for both wisdom and knowledge, suggesting these aren't just abstract ideas but meant to be spoken and shared, actively communicated to others. It highlights that spiritual gifts are given not just for personal possession, but for the building up and benefit of the whole community. This means wisdom and knowledge from the Spirit are meant to flow out of us.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly in their worship services. He's just explained that these gifts, from tongues to prophecy, are meant for building up the whole church, not for individual display. This verse kicks off a list of specific spiritual gifts, emphasizing that they all originate from the same Holy Spirit for the common good.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly in their worship services. He's just explained that these gifts, from tongues to prophecy, are meant for building up the whole church, not for individual display. This verse kicks off a list of specific spiritual gifts, emphasizing that they all originate from the same Holy Spirit for the common good.
"For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the work…" — Notice how "utterance" is used for both wisdom and knowledge, suggesting these aren't just abstract ideas but meant to be spoken and shared, actively communicated to others. It highlights that spirit…
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Last reviewed October 2026
