And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:6KJV
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1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 12:6 means that even though there are different kinds of ways God works through people ("diversities of operations"), it is always the same God who is behind every action and ability in everyone. The verse highlights that all spiritual activities and gifts come from one source—God Himself.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, a group struggling with division and pride about spiritual gifts. In this section, Paul is explaining that while people may have different roles or abilities, all these differences are united by the fact that God is the one working through them. This helps the Corinthians understand that no one is superior because of their particular gift or role.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 12:6

  • "operations" (ἐνεργημάτων, energēmatōn): This word refers to activities, workings, or effects. Here, it points to the different ways God’s power is seen in action through people.
  • "worketh" (ἐνεργῶν, energōn): This is the verb form, meaning "to be at work" or "to cause to be active." Paul uses it to stress that God is the one actively making all these things happen in everyone.
  • "all in all" (πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν, panta en pasin): This phrase means "everything in everyone," emphasizing the total reach of God’s activity—He is not limited to one person or type of gift.

Why 1 Corinthians 12:6 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that some spiritual gifts or roles are more important than others by showing that all come from the same God.
  • It emphasizes unity among believers, reminding the Corinthians that diversity in gifts is part of God’s design, not a reason for division.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where Paul explains how each person’s unique role fits into the larger body of Christ.

Where else these words appear

“operations” Greek G1755 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

“diversities” Greek G1243 · used in 3 verses

“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,

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.