And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:23KJV
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1 Corinthians 12:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:23 mean?

1 Corinthians 12:23 teaches that the parts of the body we might consider less important or less attractive are actually given special care and honor. Paul uses this image to show that every member of the church, even those who seem less noticeable or respected, is valuable and should be treated with dignity.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, using the human body as a metaphor for the Christian community. He points out that just as we cover and honor the less presentable parts of our bodies, we should also give special attention and respect to those in the church who might otherwise be overlooked or undervalued. This challenges the Corinthians’ tendency to rank people by their gifts or roles.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 12:23

  • ἀτιμότερος (atimoteros, "less honourable"): This word means "less respected" or "less esteemed." Paul is highlighting that what people might see as insignificant is actually worthy of special honor.
  • ἀσχήμων (aschēmōn, "uncomely"): This word refers to something "unpresentable" or "not graceful." Paul uses it to describe parts of the body that are not usually seen but are still important and cared for.
  • περιτίθημι (peritithēmi, "bestow"): This verb means "to put around" or "to give." Paul says we "bestow" or "give" more honor to these parts, showing intentional care.
  • εὐσχημοσύνη (euskhēmosynē, "comeliness"): This word means "good appearance" or "decorum." Paul says these less presentable parts actually receive more "comeliness" or dignity, turning the usual way of thinking upside down.

Why 1 Corinthians 12:23 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that some people in the church are less important because they are less visible or have less dramatic gifts.
  • Paul’s metaphor emphasizes unity and mutual care, showing that every person has a necessary place and deserves respect.
  • The verse fits into Paul’s larger teaching in this chapter that spiritual gifts and roles are diverse but all are needed for the health of the whole community.

Where else these words appear

“honourable” Greek G820 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

“bestow” Greek G4060 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 21:33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
  • Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
  • Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

“abundant” Greek G4055 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
  • Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
  • Luke 20:47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

“these” Greek G5125 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
  • Romans 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
  • Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.