1 Corinthians 12:22

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1 Corinthians 12:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

King James Version KJV

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

American Standard Version ASV

Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:

Bible in Basic English BBE

No, those parts which seem to be feeble are the more necessary;

Free Bible Version FBV

Quite the opposite: some of those parts of the body that seem the most insignificant are the most essential.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yea, much rather those members of the body, which seeme to be more feeble, are necessarie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

But much more the members of the body which seem to be more infirm are necessary,

World English Bible WEB

No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Yea, much more those that seem to be the more feeble members of the body, are more necessary.

Translation for Translators T4T

Instead, the parts of our body that seem to be weaker are the ones that are absolutely necessary.

Plain English Version PEV

A body needs every part, even the parts that we think are weak. In the same way, the church needs every sort of Christian.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 12:22

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 12:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αλλα πολλω μαλλον τα δοκουντα μελη του σωματος ασθενεστερα υπαρχειν αναγκαια εστιν

αλλα alla G235 but Conj

πολλω polus G4183 much Adj-DSN

μαλλον mallon G3123 more Adv

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPN

δοκουντα dokeō G1380 to think Verb-PAP-NPN

μελη melos G3196 member Noun-NPN

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN

σωματος sōma G4983 body Noun-GSN

ασθενεστερα asthenēs G772 weak Adj-NPN-C

υπαρχειν huparchō G5225 be already Verb-PAN

αναγκαια anagkaios G316 necessary Adj-NPN

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 12:22

αλλα alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

πολλω polus G4183 "much" Adj-DSN

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

Definition: πολύς, πολλή, πολύ, [in LXX chiefly for רַב and cognate forms ;] __1. as adj., much, many, great, of number, space, degree, value, time, etc.: ἀριθμός, Act.11:21; ὄχλος, Mrk.5:24; θερισμός, Mat.9:37; χόρτος, Jhn.6:10; χρόνος, Mat.25:19; γογγυσμός, Jhn.7:12; πόνος, Col.4:13; δόξα, Mat.24:30; σιγή, Act.21:40; pl., προφῆται, Mat.13:17; ὄχλοι, Mat.4:25; δαιμόνια, Mrk.1:34; δυνάμεις, Mat.7:22, __2. As subst., pl. masc, πολλοί, many (persons): Mat.7:22, Mrk.2:2, al.; with genitive partit., Mat.3:7, Luk.1:16, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.7:31, Act.17:12; with art., οἱ π., the many, Mat.24:12, Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:17, 33 2Co.2:17; opposite to ὁ εἶς (Lft., Notes, 291), Rom.5:15, 19; neut. pl., πολλά: Mat.13:3, Mrk.5:26, al.; accusative with adverbial force, Mrk.1:45, Rom.16:6 (Deiss., LAE, 317), 1Co.16:12, Jas.3:2, al.; neut. sing., πολύ: Luk.12:48; adverbially, Mrk.12:27, al.; πολλοῦ (genitive pret.), Mat.26:9; with compar. (Bl., §44, 5), π. σπουδαιότερον, 2Co.8:22; πολλῷ πλείους, Jhn.4:41. Compar., πλείων, neut., πλεῖον and πλέον (see WH, App., 151), pl., πλείονες, -ας, -α, contr., πλείους, -ω (cf. Mayser, 69), more, greater; __1. as adj.: Jhn.15:2, Act.18:2o, Heb.3:3; before παρά, Heb.11:4 (cf. Westc, in l. Was ΠΛΙΟΝΑ here a primitive error for ΗΔΙΟΝΑ ?); pi., Act.13:31, al.; with genitive compar., Mat.21:36; with num. (ἤ of comp. omitted), Act.4:22 24:11, al. __2. As subst., οἱ π., the greater number: Act.10:32 27:12, 1Co.10:5 15:6; also (Bl., §44, 3) others, more, the more: 2Co.2:6 4:15, Php.1:14; πλείονα, Luk.11:53; πλειον, πλέον, Mat.20:10, 2Ti.3:9; with genitive comp., Mk 12:43, Luk.21:3; π. Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε, Mat.12:41; adverbially, Act.4:17 20:9 24:4. __3. As adv., πλεῖον: before ἤ, Luk.9:13; with genitive comp., Mat.5:20; πλείω: with num., Mat.26:53. Superl., πλεῖστος, -η, -ον, __(a) prop., most: Mat.11:20 21:8; adverbially, τὸ π., 1Co.14:27; __(b) elative (M, Pr., 79), very great: ὄχλος π., Mrk.4:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 386 NT verses. KJV: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 23:21; 1 Peter 1:3.

μαλλον mallon G3123 "more" Adv

The Greek word for more or rather, used to show a greater degree of something, as seen in Mark 10:48 and Romans 5:15. It means a higher amount or extent. Used in comparisons to show increase.

Definition: μάλα adv., [in LXX for אֲבָל, 3Ki.1:43, Dan LXX 10:21, al.; compar. for מ, Num.13:32 (31), al.; μᾶλλον ἠ (מ), Gen.19:9, al.; superlat., 2Ma.8:7, 4Ma.4:22 12:9 15:4 ;] __I. Pos., very, very much, exceedingly (cl.; LXX ut supr.; in NT its place is taken by λίαν, σφόδρα, etc.). __II. Compar., μᾶλλον. __1. Of increase, more; with qualifying words: πολλῷ, Mrk.10:48, Luk.18:39, Rom.5:15, 17, Php.2:12, al.; πόσῳ, Luk.12:24, Rom.11:12, al.; τοσούτῳ . . . ὅσῳ, Heb.10:25. __2. Of comparison, the more: Luk.5:15, Jhn.5:18, Act.5:14, 1Th.4:1, 10, 2Pe.1:10; ἔτι μ. καὶ μ., Php.1:9; with compar., Mrk.7:36, 2Co.7:13; πολλῴ μ. κρεῖσον, Php.1:23; μ. διαφέρειν, with genitive, Mat.6:26; μ. ἤ, Mat.18:13; with genitive, 1Co.14:18; as periphr. for compar., Act.20:35, 1Co.9:15, Gal.4:27; μ. δέ (EV, yea rather), Rom.8:34. __3. Of preference, rather, the rather, sooner: with qualifying words, πολλῷ, Mat.6:30, al.; πολύ, Heb.12:25; πόσῳ, Mat.7:11, al.; in a question, οὐ μ., 1Co.9:12; after a neg., Mat.10:6, al.; θέλω (εὐδοκῶ) μ., 1Co.14:5, 2Co.5:8; ζηλῶ, 1Co.14:1; with subst., τ. σκότος ἢ τ. φῶς, Jhn.3:19; μ. δέ, Gal.4:9. __III. Superl., μάλιστα, most, most of all, above all: Act.20:38 25:26, Gal.6:10, Php.4:22, 1Ti.4:10 5:8, 17, 2Ti.4:13, Tit.1:10, Phm 16, 2Pe.2:10; μ. γνώστης, Act.26:3 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: + better, X far, (the) more (and more), (so) much (the more), rather See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Hebrews 12:25; Hebrews 9:14.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δοκουντα dokeō G1380 "to think" Verb-PAP-NPN

To think means to have an opinion or suppose something, as in Matthew 24:44 and Luke 12:40. It involves having a thought or idea about something, which may or may not be true.

Definition: δοκέω, -ῶ (δόκος, opinion, δέκομαι, Ion, form of δέχ-), [in LXX for טוֹב, נָדַב, etc. ;] __1. to be of opinion, suppose: Mat.24:44, Luk.12:40, Heb.10:29; with inf., Mat.3:9, Luk.8:18 24:37, Jhn.5:39 16:2, Act.12:9 27:13, 1Co.3:18 7:40 8:2 10:12 14:37, Gal.6:3, Php.3:4, Jas.1:26; with accusative and inf., 1Co.12:23, 2Co.11:16; before ὅτι, Mat.6:7 26:53, Mrk.6:49, Luk.12:51 13:2, 4 19:11, Jhn.5:45 11:13, 31 13:29 20:15, 1Co.4:9, 2Co.12:19, Jas.4:5. __2. to seem, be reputed: Act.25:27; with inf., Mrk.10:42, Luk.10:36 22:24, Act.17:13 26:9, 1Co.11:16 12:22, 2Co.10:9, Gal.2:6, 9, Heb.4:1 12:11; οἱ δοκοῦντες, those of repute, Gal.2:2. Impers., it seems, with dative of person(s); __(a) to think: Mat.17:25 18:12 21:28 22:17, 42 26:66, Jhn.11:56, Heb.12:10; __(b) to please, seem good to: with inf., Luk.1:3, Act.15:22, 25 15:23, 34.† SYN. (δοκέω 1): ἡγέομαι 2, νομίζω2, οἴομαι; ἡ. and ν. properly express belief resting on external proof, ἡ. denoting the more careful judgment; δ. and οἴ. imply a subjective judgment which in the case of οἴ. is based on feeling, in δ. on thought (see Schmidt, with 17) (δοκέω2): φαίνομαι; φ., from the standpoint of the object, "expresses how a matter phenomenally shows and presents itself"; δ., from the standpoint of the observer, expresses one's subjective judgment about a matter (see Tr., Syn., LXXx; Cremer, 204). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; John 5:39; Hebrews 4:1.

μελη melos G3196 "member" Noun-NPN

A member refers to a part of the body, like a limb, and is also used to describe Christians as parts of the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.

Definition: μέλος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly for נֵתַח ;] a member, limb of the body: 1Co.12:14 12:19 12:26 Eph.4:16 (WH, mg.), Jas.3:5; pl. (as always in cl.), τὰ μ. : Mat.5:29-30, Rom.6:13, 19 7:5, 23 12:4, 1Co.12:12 ff, Col.3:5, Jas.3:6 4:1. Metaphorical, πόρνης, 1Co.6:15; of Christians, μ. ἀλλήλων, Rom.12:5, Eph.4:25; Χριστοῦ, 1Co.6:15; σώματος Χριστοῦ, 1Co.12:27, Eph.5:30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: member See also: 1 Corinthians 6:15; Ephesians 5:30; James 3:5.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σωματος sōma G4983 "body" Noun-GSN

The word for body refers to the whole physical person, used literally or figuratively in the Bible, as seen in Matthew 27:58 and 1 Corinthians 6:13.

Definition: σῶμα, -τος, τό, [in LXX for גְּוִיָּה ,בָּשָׂר, etc., and for Aram. נְבֵלָה ;] a body. __1. Prop., of the human body, __(a) as always in Hom. (opposite to δέμας), of the dead body: Mat.27:58, 59 Mrk.15:43, al.; __(b) of the living body: Luk.11:34, 1Co.6:13, al.; ἐν σ. εἶναι, Heb.13:3; as the instrument of the soul, τὰ διὰ τοῦ σ., 2Co.5:10; opposite to πνεῦμα, Rom.8:10, 1Co.5:3 7:4, Jas.2:26; to ψυχή, Mat.6:25 10:28, Luk.12:22 (cf. Wis.1:1, al.); to τὸ π. καὶ ἡ ψ., 1Th.5:23; σ. ψυχικόν, opposite to σ. πνευματικόν, 1Co.15:44; ὁ ναὸς τοῦ σ. αὐτοῦ (genitive epexeg.), Jhn.2:21; τὸ σ. τ. ταπεινώσεως (Hebraistic "genitive of definition"; M, Pr., 73f.; Bl., §35, 5), opposite to τὸ σ. τ. δοξῆς αὐτοῦ, Php.3:21; similarly, τὸ σ. τ. σαρκός, Col.1:22; σ. τοῦ θανάτου (subject to death), Rom.7:24; σ. τ. ἁμαρτίας, Rom.6:6; __(with) periphr., ἀνθρώπου, then absol., σῶμα (Soph., Xen., al.), a person, and in later writers (Polyb., al.), a slave: Rev.18:13 (cf. MM, i, ii, xxiv; Deiss., BS, 160). __2. Of the bodies of animals: living, Jas.3:3; dead, Heb.13:11 ( Exo.29:14, al.). __3. Of inanimate objects (cf. Eng. "heavenly bodies"): 1Co.15:37, 38 40 (Diod., al.). __4. Of any corporeal substance (Plat., al.): opposite to σκιά, Col.2:17. Metaphorical, of a number of persons united by a common bond; in NT, of the Church as the spiritual body of Christ: Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:16, 17 12:13, 27, Eph.1:23 2:16 4:4, 12, 16 5:23, 30, Col.1:18, 24 2:19 3:15; ἓν σ. κ. ἓν πνεῦμα, Eph.4:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 122 NT verses. KJV: bodily, body, slave See also: 1 Corinthians 5:3; Galatians 6:17; 1 Peter 2:24.

ασθενεστερα asthenēs G772 "weak" Adj-NPN-C

This word describes someone or something that is weak or feeble, lacking physical or moral strength, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 10:10.

Definition: ἀσθενής -ές (ἀ- neg., σθένος, strength), [in LXX for עָנִי, etc. ;] without strength, weak, feeble: 1Co.1:27 4:10 12:22, 2Co.10:10, Gal.4:9, 1Th.5:14, Heb.7:18, 1Pe.3:7. Rhetorically, τό ἀ. τ. θεοῦ, God's action of apparent weakness: 1Co.1:25; of bodily debility, sick, sickly: Mat.25:39 (Rec.) Mat.25:43-44, Luk.9:2 (Rec.) Luk.10:9, Act.4:9 5:15-16 In moral and spiritual sense (MM, see word; Cremer, 526), Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, Rom.5:6, 1Co.8:7 8:9-10 9:22 11:30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 4:9; 1 Peter 3:7.

υπαρχειν huparchō G5225 "be already" Verb-PAN

To be already in existence, like something or someone that was present from the start. It appears in Acts 19:40 and 27:12, describing things that were already happening. It can also mean to be ready or at hand.

Definition: ὑπάρχω [in LXX for הָיָה, יֵשׁ, לוּן, etc.; τ. ὑπάρχοντα for מִקְנֶה, רְכוּשׁ, etc. ;] __1. to begin, make a beginning (Hom., Hdt., al.). __2. to be in existence, be ready, be at hand (Hdt., Thuc., al.): Act.19:40 27:12, 21; before ἐν, Act.28:18. __3. to be, prop, expressing continuance of an antecedent state or condition (cf. Gifford, Incarnation, 11 ff.; MM, xxv): with, nom, pred., Luk.8:41 9:48, Act.4:34 7:55 8:16 16:3 19:36 21:20, 1Co.7:26 12:22, Jas.2:15, 2Pe.3:11; ptcp. with pred., Luk.16:14 23:50, Act.2:30, 32 17:24 22:3, Rom.4:19, 1Co.2:15, 2Co.8:17 12:16, Gal.1:14 2:14; pl., Luk.11:13, Act.16:20, 37 17:29, 2Pe.2:19; before ἐν, with dative of thing(s), Luk.7:25 16:23, Act.5:4 10:12, 1Co.11:18, Php.3:20; ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων (R, mg., being originally), Php.2:6; ἐν, with dative of person(s), (among), 1Co.11:18; μακρὰν ἀπό, Act.17:27; πρὸς τ. σωτηρίας, Act.27:34. __4. to belong to (Thuc., Xen., al.): with dative of person(s), Act.3:6 4:37 28:7, 2Pe.1:8; τὰ ὑπάρχοντα, one's belongings, possessions: with dative of person(s), Luk.8:3 12:15, Act.4:32; with genitive of person(s), Mat.19:21 24:47 25:14, Luk.11:21 12:33, 44 14:33 16:1 19:8, 1Co.13:3, Heb.10:34 (cf. προ-υπάρχω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: after, behave, live See also: 1 Corinthians 7:26; Acts 22:3; Hebrews 10:34.

αναγκαια anagkaios G316 "necessary" Adj-NPN

The Greek word for necessary or close, like a family bond. In Acts 13:46 and 1 Corinthians 12:22, it describes something essential. It can also mean near or intimate, like a close friend in Acts 10:24.

Definition: ἀναγκαῖος, -αῖα, -αῖον (ἀνάγκη), [in LXX: Est.8:13, Wis.16:3, Sir prol.22, 2Ma.4:23 2Mac 9:21, 4Ma.1:2 * ;] __1. necessary: Act.13:46, 1Co.12:22, 2Co.9:5, Php.2:25, Tit.3:14, Heb.8:3; comp. -αιότερον, Php.1:24. __2. Of persons connected by bonds of nature or friendship, near, intimate (Field, Notes, 118; ΜΜ, VGT, see word): ἀ. φίλοι, Act.10:24.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: near, necessary, necessity, needful See also: 1 Corinthians 12:22; Hebrews 8:3; Titus 3:14.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 12:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:22 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 12:22

Context — The Body of Christ

20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.”

22On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

23and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty, 24whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 14:28	A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.
2	Ecclesiastes 9:14–15	There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
3	Ecclesiastes 4:9–12	Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
4	Ecclesiastes 5:9	The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
5	2 Corinthians 1:11	as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
6	Titus 2:9–10	Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

1 Corinthians 12:22 Summary

This verse means that even the parts of our body that seem less important are actually very necessary. Just like how our feet help us stand and walk, even though they may not be as visible as our face, every part has a special job. In the same way, every person in the church has a special role, and we should appreciate and honor each other, no matter how different we may seem, just as 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 explains. By doing so, we reflect God's love and care for each of us, as seen in Psalm 139:14 where we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for body parts to seem weaker?

In the context of 1 Corinthians 12:22, weaker body parts refer to those that may appear less important or less capable, but are still essential to the overall functioning of the body, as seen in Romans 12:4-5 where every member has a unique role.

Why are weaker body parts indispensable?

Weaker body parts are indispensable because they provide unique functions that other parts cannot, much like how the church is composed of diverse members with different gifts and abilities, as explained in 1 Corinthians 12:14-20.

How does this verse relate to our treatment of others?

This verse encourages us to appreciate and honor those who may seem weaker or less capable, just as we would want to be treated if we were in their position, reflecting the principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves, found in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.

What does this teach us about God's design?

This verse reveals that God's design is not just about strength or appearance, but about the unique contributions each part makes, highlighting His wisdom and care in creating the body, as seen in Psalm 139:14 where we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have underestimated the importance of certain 'weaker' members in my community or church?
How can I show appreciation and honor to those who may seem less capable or less prominent?
In what ways can I recognize and utilize the unique gifts and abilities of others, even if they seem 'weaker' than my own?
What does this verse teach me about my own role and contribution to the body of Christ, and how can I humbly fulfill it?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 12:22

Nay, much more those members of the body,.... The apostle, in a beautiful gradation, proceeds to take notice of such parts of the body as are more weak, dishonourable, and uncomely, showing the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:22

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: More feeble - more susceptible of injury; e. g., the brain, belly, eye.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22

By feeble the apostle here doth not only mean most weak, but which seem to us most abject and contemptible; in which sense the word is used, ; such are the belly and the entrails; the eye also is a feeble member, &c.; yet these parts are most necessary for the use of the body, being such without the use of which the body cannot live.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22

22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: Ver. 22. Which seem to be, &c.] As the organs of nourishment, not so noble, but more necessary than those of the senses.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22

(22) Which seem to be more feeble.—The general argument of this and the following verse (without attempting to identify the particular parts of the body referred to) is that the weakest parts of the body are as necessary to the body as the strongest; and those parts which are considered less seemly are more abundantly cared for by being carefully covered with clothes, as distinguished from the face and hands which are uncovered.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22

Verse 22. Those members - which seem to be more feeble] These, and the less honourable and uncomely, mentioned in the next verses, seem to mean the principal viscera, such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestinal canal. These, when compared with the arms and limbs, are comparatively weak; and some of them, considered in themselves, uncomely and less honourable; yet these are more essential to life than any of the others. A man may lose an eye by accident, and an arm or a leg may be amputated, and yet the body live and be vigorous; but let the stomach, heart, lungs, or any of the viscera be removed, and life becomes necessarily extinct. Hence these parts are not only covered, but the parts in which they are lodged are surrounded, ornamented, and fortified for their preservation and defence, on the proper performance of whose functions life so immediately depends.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 12:22

22. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary] The more feeble parts of the body, those, that is, which are most delicate, least able to take care of themselves, are by no means the least valuable. The eye or the brain, for instance, are more necessary to the well-being of the body than other stronger and ruder organs.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 12:22

Which seem to be more feeble - Weaker than the rest; which seem less able to bear fatigue and to encounter difficulties; which are more easily injured, and which become more easily affected with disease.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:22

22. Nay, much more—The ruled can do without the rulers even better than the vice versa. It is for the ruled that the rulers exist. And often, in some way or other, the ruled are the real rulers.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 12:22

	Sermon	Description
	1 Corinthians 12:21 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of unity and mutual care among believers, using the analogy of the human body to illustrate how each member, regardless of status, is
	The Power of the Holy Spirit of God by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of the poor wise man from Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verses 14 to 18. The preacher emphasizes that although the world may see the po
	Nebuchadnezzars Dream by Peter Bisset	In this sermon, the preacher draws parallels between the story of Daniel and the plight of sinners who are under the sentence of death. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter what me
	The Little City by Raymond Golsworthy	Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the profound message found in Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, using the analogy of a small city besieged by a great king to illustrate the essence of the gospe
	Conversation Worthy of Christ by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having pure hearts and minds, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to let th
	(God and Man) Building Fellowship in Christ's Body by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to others, but rather comparing oneself to what they could have been with the resources of God's grac
	Draw Yourself a Circle Around Your Life by Steve Hill	Steve Hill shares his personal journey of being a drug addict saved by grace and emphasizes the importance of humility and approaching God with reverence. He delves into the biblic