“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:”
My Notes
What Does 1 Corinthians 12:10 Mean?
Paul lists spiritual gifts distributed to the church: working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Each gift is given to a specific person ("to another") by the same Spirit (verse 11). The distribution is diverse. The source is unified.
The gift of "discerning of spirits" (diakriseis pneumatōn) is the ability to distinguish between spiritual sources — to tell whether something is from the Holy Spirit, from a human spirit, or from a demonic spirit. In a charismatic community like Corinth, where many claimed spiritual experiences, this gift was essential for quality control.
The pairing of "divers kinds of tongues" with "interpretation of tongues" shows that tongues without interpretation is incomplete. The gift of speaking needs the gift of understanding. The Spirit gives both because both are needed for the body to benefit.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which spiritual gift on this list do you recognize in yourself — and are you using it for the body?
- 2.Why is 'discerning of spirits' so critical — and do you see it valued in your community?
- 3.How does the pairing of tongues and interpretation teach about the relationship between spectacular gifts and practical ones?
- 4.Are you pursuing spiritual gifts for personal experience or for the community's benefit?
Devotional
Miracles. Prophecy. Discernment. Tongues. Interpretation. Different gifts. Same Spirit. Different people. One body.
Paul's list isn't exhaustive — it's illustrative. The Spirit distributes gifts the way a body distributes functions. Not everyone gets the same gift because not everyone has the same role. The eye doesn't do what the hand does. The ear doesn't do what the foot does. And the person who prophesies doesn't need to speak in tongues, and the person who speaks in tongues needs someone else to interpret.
"Discerning of spirits" is the most undervalued gift on the list — and possibly the most needed. In a world full of spiritual claims, supernatural experiences, and competing voices all claiming divine authority, the ability to tell the difference between the Holy Spirit, a human spirit, and a demonic spirit is critical. Without discernment, the charismatic gifts become a minefield.
The pairing of tongues and interpretation is Paul's way of saying: the spectacular gift needs the practical gift. Speaking in an unknown language is meaningless without someone who can translate. The flashy gift serves the body only when accompanied by the grounding gift. Spectacle without understanding is noise.
Every gift on the list — from miracles to interpretation — serves the same purpose: the body. Not the individual. The community. The gifts aren't for your spiritual résumé. They're for the people around you.
What gift has the Spirit given you? And are you using it for the body?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
To another the working of miracles,.... Or "powers": mighty deeds, wonderful works, such as are apparently above, and…
To another the working of miracles - Commentators have felt some perplexity in distinguishing this from what is…
The apostle comes now to treat of spiritual gifts, which abounded in the church of Corinth, but were greatly abused.…
the working of miracles Literally, effects produced by the active exercise of powers, as in Act 5:1-11; Act 9:40; Act…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture