1 Corinthians 12:8 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

To one Class I: х hoo (G3757) men (G3303)] gifts of intellect-namely:

(1) wisdom;

(2) to another individual х alloo (G243)], knowledge.

To another Class II: х heteroo (G2087)] - to a distinct class gifts dependent on a special faith-namely, that of miracles (Matthew 17:20):

To another:

(1) individual х alloo (G243)], healings;

(2) Workings of miracles;

(3) Prophecy of future events;

(4) Discerning of spirits-the divinely-given faculty of distinguishing between those who are really inspired and the pretenders.

To another Class III: х heteroo (G2087)] - to a distinct class gifts referring to the tongues:

(1) Divers kinds of tongues;

(2) To another individual х alloo (G243)] interpretation of tongues.

The catalogue, 1 Corinthians 12:28, is not meant to harmonize with the one here, though some particulars correspond. The three genre are summarily referred to by single instances in 1 Corinthians 13:8. "by ... by ... by." The first х dia (G1223)] is, 'by means of,' 'through the operation of;' the second х kata (G2596)] is, 'according to' the disposing of (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:11); the third is, 'in' - i:e., under the influence of (so Matthew 22:43; Luke 2:27, Greek).

Word of wisdom - ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Ephesians 6:19) wisdom-namely, NEW revelations Word of wisdom - ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Ephesians 6:19) wisdom-namely, NEW revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, contrasted with human philosophy (1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:6-7; Ephesians 1:8; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 2:3).

Word of knowledge - ready utterance, supernaturally imparted, of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is distinguished from "the word of wisdom"). Compare 1 Corinthians 14:6, where "revelation" (corresponding to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from "knowledge." Wisdom or revelation belonged to "prophets;" knowledge, to "teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge. Knowledge relates to things to be done; wisdom, to things eternal: hence wisdom does not, like knowledge, "vanish away" (1 Corinthians 13:8).

1 Corinthians 12:8

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;