1 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:1 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 12:1, Paul introduces spiritual gifts as a subject the Corinthian believers need to understand. He signals that he is about to give them instruction on a matter important to their life together as a group.

Paul addresses the Corinthians as “brethren,” a family term for fellow believers. The phrase “Now concerning” marks a change of subject after the discussion of the shared meal in the preceding passage.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 12:1

• “spiritual” — πνευματικός (pneumatikos): The Greek word carries the sense of something related to the Spirit. The KJV supplies “gifts” to express what Paul is discussing.
• “ignorant” — ἀγνοέω (agnoeō): This word can mean being unaware or lacking knowledge. Here it points to Paul’s desire that the Corinthians understand the subject he is introducing.

Why 1 Corinthians 12:1 matters

• Spiritual gifts are a subject for the whole group to understand. Paul addresses the “brethren,” rather than singling out people with particular abilities.
• Paul’s opening leads into a discussion of different gifts and their shared purpose. Verse 7 says that a gift of the Spirit is given “to profit withal,” meaning for the common good.
• The KJV’s “spiritual gifts” gives a name to the subject before Paul lists examples. Verses 8–10 go on to describe several different gifts.