1 Corinthians 12:7

Amplified Bible

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.

Parallel Translations

Simplified Cowboy Version
Listen close and don't let your mind get to wanderin' off. Special abilities we have are for the benefit of others, not yourself.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Legacy Standard Bible
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is profitable.

Bible in Basic English
But to every man some form of the Spirit's working is given for the common good.

Darby Translation
But to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for profit.

Christian Standard Bible®
A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial:

World English Bible
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each, to profit withal.

Weymouth's New Testament
But to each of us a manifestation of the Spirit has been granted for the common good.

King James Version (1611)
But the manifestation of the spirit, is giuen to euery man to profit withall.

Literal Translation
And to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit.

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
The giftes of the sprete are geuen vnto euery man to profit the cogregacion.

Mace New Testament (1729)
now to particular men the spirit gives particular gifts, that they may be displayed to greater advantage.

American Standard Version
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

Revised Standard Version
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
The gyftes of ye sprete are geven to every man to proffit ye congregacion.

Update Bible Version
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit as well.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for profit.

Young's Literal Translation
And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit;

New Century Version
Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good.

New English Translation
To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.

Berean Standard Bible
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Contemporary English Version
The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.

Complete Jewish Bible
Moreover, to each person is given the particular manifestation of the Spirit that will be for the common good.

English Standard Version
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Geneva Bible (1587)
But the manifestation of the Spirit is giuen to euery man, to profite withall.

George Lamsa Translation
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man as help to him.

Hebrew Names Version
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.

International Standard Version
To each person has been given the ability to display the Spirit for the common good.Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11;">[xr]

Etheridge Translation
But to each is given (such) a revelation of the Spirit as is profitable to him.

Murdock Translation
And to each man, there is given a manifestation of the Spirit, that it may aid him.

New King James Version
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

New Living Translation
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

New Life Bible
The Holy Spirit works in each person in one way or another for the good of all.

English Revised Version
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

New Revised Standard
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
But, unto each one, is given the manifesting of the Spirit, with a view to that which is profitable;

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit.

King James Version
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Lexham English Bible
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is beneficial to all.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
The manifestation of the spirite, is geuen to euery man, to profite withall.

Easy-to-Read Version
Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person. The Spirit gives this to each one to help others.

New American Standard Bible
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Good News Translation
The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And to ech man the schewyng of spirit is youun to profit. The word of wisdom is youun to oon bi spirit;

Contextual Overview

¹Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ²You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. ³Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is [my] Lord," except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit. ⁴Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. ⁵And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. ⁶And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. ⁷But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.⁸To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; ⁹to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; ¹⁰and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:5, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:17, 1 Corinthians 14:19, 1 Corinthians 14:22-26, Matthew 25:14-30, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:7-12, 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Peter 4:11

Reciprocal: Exodus 28:3 - filled Exodus 35:34 - Aholiab Daniel 1:17 - Daniel had understanding Mark 4:21 - Is a Luke 19:13 - delivered Acts 20:20 - profitable Romans 12:3 - according 1 Corinthians 12:28 - God 1 Corinthians 14:6 - what shall I 1 Corinthians 14:26 - Let Galatians 3:2 - Received Ephesians 4:12 - perfecting 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - in the 2 Timothy 3:16 - and is

Cross-References

Genesis 8:20
And Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every [ceremonially] clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Genesis 12:8
Then he moved on from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD [in worship through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving].

Genesis 12:9
Then Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev (the South country of Judah).

Genesis 12:12
so when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me [to acquire you], but they will let you live.

Genesis 13:4
where he had first built an altar; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD [in prayer].

Genesis 13:15
for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants forever.

Genesis 13:18
Then Abram broke camp and moved his tent, and came and settled by the [grove of the great] terebinths (oak trees) of Mamre [the Amorite], which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to [honor] the LORD.

Genesis 15:18
On the same day the LORD made a covenant (promise, pledge) with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates—

Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me].

Genesis 17:3
Then Abram fell on his face [in worship], and God spoke with him, saying,

Gill's Notes on the Bible

But the manifestation of the Spirit,.... Not that which the Spirit manifests, as the grace and love of God, an interest in Christ, the doctrines of the Gospel, and the things of another world; for he is a spirit of revelation, more or less, in the knowledge of these things; but that which manifests that a man has the Spirit of God; or rather the gifts of the Spirit, as the fruits and graces of the Spirit, the least measure of which, as being able to say that Jesus is Lord, shows that a man has the Spirit of God; or rather the gifts of the Spirit, ordinary or extraordinary, which are such as manifestly declare their author:

is given to every man; not that the special grace of the Spirit is given to every individual man in the world, nor to every member of a visible church, for some are sensual, not having the Spirit; but as the same graces of the Spirit are given to every regenerate man, for all receive the same spirit of faith, so the gifts of the Spirit, more or less, either ordinary or extraordinary, are given to all such persons;

to profit withal; not to make gain of, as Simon Magus intended, could he have been possessed of them; nor to encourage pride or envy, or to form and foment divisions and parties; but for profit and advantage, and that not merely private, or a man's own, but public, the good of the whole community or church, to which the least grace or gift, rightly used, may contribute.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

But the manifestation of the Spirit - The word “manifestation” (φανέρωτις fanerōtis) means properly that which makes manifest, conspicuous, or plain; that which illustrates, or makes any thing seen or known. Thus, conduct manifests the state of the heart; and the actions are a manifestation, or “showing forth” of the real feelings. The idea here is, that there is given to those referred to, such gifts. endowments, or graces as shall “manifest” the work and nature of the Spirit’s operations on the mind; such endowments as the Spirit makes himself known by to people. All that he produces in the mind is a manifestation of his character and work, in the same way as the works of God in the visible creation are a manifestation of his perfections.

Is given to every man - To every man whose case is here under consideration. The idea is not at all that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to all people indiscriminately, to pagans, and infidels, and scoffers as well as to Christians. The apostle is discoursing only of those who are Christians, and his declaration should be confined to them alone. Whatever may be true of other people, this statement should be confined wholly to Christians, and means simply that the Spirit of God gives to each Christian such graces and endowments as he pleases; that he distributes his gifts to all, not equally, but in a manner which he shall choose; and that the design of this is, that all Christians should use his endowments for the common good. This passage, therefore, is very improperly adduced to prove that the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit are conferred alike on all people, and that pagans, and blasphemers, and sinners in general are under his enlightening influences. It has no reference to any such doctrine, but should be interpreted as referring solely to Christians, and the various endowments which are conferred on them.

To profit withal - (πρὸς τὸ συμθέρον pros to sumtheron). Unto profit; that is, for utility, or use; or to be an advantage to the church; for the common good of all. This does not mean that each one must cultivate and improve his graces and gifts, however true that may be, but that they are to be used for the common good of the church; they are bestowed “for utility,” or “profit;” they are conferred in such measures and in such a manner as are best adapted to be useful, and to do good. They are bestowed not on all equally, but in such a manner as shall best subserve the interests of piety and the church, and as shall tend harmoniously to carry on the great interests of religion, and further the welfare of the whole Christian body. The doctrine of this verse is, therefore:

1. That the Holy Spirit bestows such endowments on all Christians as he pleases; and,
2. That the design is, in the best manner to promote the common welfare - the peace and edification of the whole church.

It follows from this:

1. That no Christian should be unduly elated, as if he were more worthy than others, since his endowments are the simple gift of God;
2. That no Christian should be depressed and disheartened, as if he occupied an inferior or unimportant station, since his place has also been assigned him by God;
3. That all should be contented, and satisfied with their allotments in the church, and should strive only to make the best use of their talents and endowments; and,
4. That all should employ their time and talents for the common utility; for the furtherance of the common welfare, and the advancement of the kingdom of Christ on earth.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 1 Corinthians 12:7. The manifestation of the Spirit — φανερωσις του πνευματος. This is variably understood by the fathers; some of them rendering φανερωσις by illumination, others demonstration, and others operation. The apostle's meaning seems to be this: Whatever gifts God has bestowed, or in what various ways soever the Spirit of God may have manifested himself, it is all for the common benefit of the Church. God has given no gift to any man for his own private advantage, or exclusive profit. He has it for the benefit of others as well as for his own salvation.