1 Corinthians 1:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:7 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 1:7, Paul tells the believers in Corinth that they lack no gift as they wait for Jesus Christ to come. Paul presents their gifts as evidence that God has supplied what they need during that time of waiting.

The phrase “come behind” pictures a shortage or failure to keep up. Following Paul’s mention of their rich speech and knowledge in verse 5, the sentence describes the Corinthians’ present condition while they look ahead to Jesus’ coming.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:7

• “gift” — χάρισμα (charisma): This word carries the sense of something freely given. Here it points to a gift received, rather than something earned by its recipient.
• “coming” — ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis): This word carries the sense of an uncovering or revealing. The KJV’s “coming” describes the event the Corinthians await in terms of Jesus Christ being revealed.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:7 matters

• Paul speaks to the Corinthians as a group. “Ye” addresses the believers together, and “no gift” describes their shared situation rather than listing what each person received.
• Paul connects their gifts with the message about Christ. In verse 6, he says that the testimony about Christ was confirmed among them; verse 7 continues that thought.
• Waiting belongs alongside Paul’s account of what the Corinthians already have. “Waiting for the coming” places their present experience within a period that looks toward a future event.