But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:11KJV
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1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:11 mean?

1 Corinthians 12:11 teaches that the Holy Spirit is the one who gives different spiritual gifts to each person, deciding personally how and to whom each gift is given. The verse emphasizes that these gifts are not earned or chosen by individuals, but are distributed by the Spirit’s own decision.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing confusion and pride about spiritual gifts among believers. He wants them to understand that all the various gifts come from the same Spirit, and that it is the Spirit’s will—not human effort or status—that determines who receives which gift. This helps keep the focus on unity and God’s purpose, not personal achievement.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 12:11

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma) — "Spirit": This word refers to the Holy Spirit, highlighting that the source of all spiritual gifts is not human ability but God’s Spirit.
  • διαιροῦν (diairoun) — "dividing": This verb means to distribute or apportion. It shows that the Spirit actively and intentionally assigns gifts, not randomly or equally, but as He chooses.
  • ἑκάστῳ (hekastō) — "to every man": This word stresses that each individual receives something, reinforcing that no one is left out, but the gift may differ from person to person.
  • καθὼς βούλεται (kathōs bouletai) — "as he will": This phrase means according to the Spirit’s own will or choice, underlining that the Spirit’s decision is personal and purposeful, not mechanical or based on human preference.

Why 1 Corinthians 12:11 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that people can earn or demand certain spiritual gifts; it is the Spirit who decides.
  • It emphasizes the unity of the church, since all gifts come from the same source and are given for the Spirit’s reasons, not to elevate individuals.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that diversity in gifts is intentional and good, meant to serve the whole community, not to create competition or division.

Where else these words appear

“dividing” Greek G1244 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

“worketh” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • Galatians 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“will” Greek G1014 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Acts 19:30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.