Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 12ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Α′ ΙΒ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Περὶ δὲ τῶν πνευματικῶν, ἀδελφοί, οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

Topic shiftΠερὶ δὲThe περὶ δέ formula introduces a new topic from the Corinthians' letter (cf. 7:1, 25; 8:1). Paul takes up 'spiritual things,' signaling the importance of the subject with a litotes — 'I do not want you ignorant.'
Περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
δὲnowtransitional conjunction (topic marker)δέ: 'and, now'; with περί it signals a new heading, likely answering a question raised in the Corinthians' letter.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
πνευματικῶνspiritual things/giftsGenitiveobject of περί (substantival adj.)πνευματικός: 'pertaining to the Spirit'; the gender is ambiguous — 'spiritual gifts' (neuter) or 'spiritual persons' (masculine); the topic of chs. 12–14 favors the gifts.
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the plural addresses the whole congregation as family, softening the corrective tone to come.
οὐnotnegative particle
θέλωI wantPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θέλωmain verb→ stative presentθέλω: 'wish, will, want'; οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν is a Pauline disclosure formula stressing the topic's weight (cf. Rom 1:13; 11:25).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive
ἀγνοεῖνto be ignorantPres Act Inf · ἀγνοέωcomplementary infinitive→ present (general)ἀγνοέω: 'not know, be ignorant' (ἀ-privative + γινώσκω); the litotes 'not ignorant' = 'fully informed.'
2

Οἴδατε ὅτι ὅτε ἔθνη ἦτε πρὸς τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε ἀπαγόμενοι.

You know that when you were Gentiles, you were led astray to mute idols, however you happened to be led.

Reminder of the pastasyndetonA reminder of their pagan history sets up the contrast: formerly carried away to voiceless idols, passively 'led,' they had no test for true inspiration. The syntax is famously broken (anacoluthon), perhaps mirroring the disordered experience described.
Οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ intensive perfect (present sense)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning); appeals to shared knowledge of their own conversion story.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
ὅτεwhentemporal conjunction
ἔθνηGentilesNominativepredicate nominativeἔθνος: 'nation'; plural here = the heathen, pagans — their former religious identity, outside the covenant.
ἦτεyou wereImpf Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίverb of temporal clause→ imperfect (past state)εἰμί: 'be'; imperfect marks the past, now-abandoned condition of paganism.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
εἴδωλαidolsAccusativeobject of πρός (goal of being led)εἴδωλον: 'image, idol'; the lifeless objects of pagan worship — set against the living, speaking God of the gospel.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (attributive position)
ἄφωναmuteAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄφωνος: 'voiceless, dumb' (ἀ-privative + φωνή); the idols cannot speak — a pointed irony given the verbal gifts under discussion (cf. Ps 115:5).
ὡςasadverb (with ἂν, manner/indefiniteness)ὡς ἂν: 'however, in whatever way'; the construction is irregular — 'led, however you might be led' — conveying compulsion without discernment.
ἂνevermodal particle (indefiniteness)
ἤγεσθεyou were ledImpf Pass Indic 2 Pl · ἄγωmain verb (temporal clause)→ imperfect (customary, passive)ἄγω: 'lead, bring'; the passive stresses their helplessness — driven along, not discerning.
ἀπαγόμενοιbeing led astrayPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀπάγωadverbial participle (manner, pleonastic)→ present (concurrent)ἀπάγω: 'lead away, carry off' (ἀπό + ἄγω); reinforces ἤγεσθε — swept off to idols, the very picture of unguided ecstasy.
3

διὸ γνωρίζω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἐν πνεύματι θεοῦ λαλῶν λέγει· Ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς, καὶ οὐδεὶς δύναται εἰπεῖν· Κύριος Ἰησοῦς, εἰ μὴ ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ.

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus is accursed,' and no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit.

Inference (the criterion)διὸThe inference from their undiscerning past: a clear, christological test of true inspiration. The two acclamations — the impossible curse and the saving confession — form an antithetical pair; only the Spirit can produce the confession 'Jesus is Lord.'
διὸthereforeinferential conjunctionδιό: 'therefore, for which reason'; draws the practical criterion out of the contrast with their idol-driven past.
γνωρίζωI make knownPres Act Indic 1 Sg · γνωρίζωmain verb→ instantaneous/declarative presentγνωρίζω: 'make known, declare'; introduces the authoritative criterion Paul lays down.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
οὐδεὶςno oneNominativesubjectοὐδείς: 'no one, none'; the absolute negative governs the first acclamation.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means/agency)
πνεύματιSpiritDativedat. of means (instrumental)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the divine agency through which true speech is uttered.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/relationship
λαλῶνspeakingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαλέωadverbial participle (means/condition)→ present (concurrent)λαλέω: 'speak, utter'; the inspired speaker — but inspiration alone does not validate the content; the confession does.
λέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ gnomic presentλέγω: 'say'; the gnomic present states a universal truth — such a thing never happens by God's Spirit.
ἈνάθεμαaccursedNominativepredicate nominative (acclamation)ἀνάθεμα: 'devoted to destruction, accursed' (LXX rendering of Heb. ḥērem); the blasphemous antithesis to the Christian confession.
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject of the acclamation
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐδεὶςno oneNominativesubject
δύναταιis ablePres Mid Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb→ gnomic presentδύναμαι: 'be able'; the saving confession is beyond unaided human capacity — it requires the Spirit.
εἰπεῖνto sayAor Act Inf · λέγωcomplementary infinitive→ constative aoristεἶπον (aor. of λέγω): 'say'; the content of what cannot be said apart from the Spirit.
ΚύριοςLordNominativepredicate nominative (acclamation)κύριος: 'Lord'; the LXX rendering of YHWH — the earliest Christian confession (Κύριος Ἰησοῦς), ascribing divine lordship to Jesus.
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativesubject of the acclamation
εἰifconjunction (with μή, exceptive)
μὴnotnegative (εἰ μή = 'except')εἰ μή: 'except, unless'; the sole condition under which the confession is possible.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means/agency)
πνεύματιSpiritDativedat. of means (instrumental)
ἁγίῳHolyDativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy'; the Holy Spirit alone enables the saving acclamation — the test of all 'spiritual' speech.
4

Διαιρέσεις δὲ χαρισμάτων εἰσίν, τὸ δὲ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα·

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

Thesis (diversity in unity)δὲThe first line of a triadic refrain (vv.4–6): varieties of gifts / services / activities, each paired with one of Spirit / Lord / God. The structure roots the manifold charisms in the unity of the triune God — diversity is no threat to unity but expresses it.
ΔιαιρέσειςvarietiesNominativesubjectδιαίρεσις: 'distribution, variety, apportionment' (from διαιρέω, 'divide, distribute'); the term hovers between 'differences' and 'distributions' (cf. v.11).
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
χαρισμάτωνof giftsGenitivegenitive (content/objective)χάρισμα: 'gift of grace' (from χάρις); a freely-given endowment for service — the keyword of the chapter.
εἰσίνthere arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ stative present
τὸtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
αὐτὸsameNominativeattributive (identical adjective)αὐτός: here 'same'; the emphatic 'the same Spirit' anchors the unity behind the diversity.
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativepredicate/subject of implied verbπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the first member of the divine triad (Spirit–Lord–God).
5

καὶ διαιρέσεις διακονιῶν εἰσιν, καὶ ὁ αὐτὸς κύριος·

and there are varieties of services, and the same Lord;

Refrain (second member)καὶThe second line of the triad. The shift from 'gifts' to 'services' (διακονίαι) reframes the charisms as ministry, and pairs them with 'the same Lord' — Christ, whom the gifts serve.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διαιρέσειςvarietiesNominativesubject
διακονιῶνof servicesGenitivegenitive (content/objective)διακονία: 'service, ministry' (from διάκονος, 'servant'); the gifts viewed as acts of service to others.
εἰσινthere arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ stative present
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (adversative force)
theNominativearticle
αὐτὸςsameNominativeattributive (identical adjective)
κύριοςLordNominativepredicate/subject of implied verbκύριος: 'Lord'; Christ, the second member of the triad — the one served by the διακονίαι.
6

καὶ διαιρέσεις ἐνεργημάτων εἰσίν, ὁ δὲ αὐτὸς θεός, ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν.

and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who works all things in all people.

Refrain (third member, climax)καὶThe third and climactic line. 'Activities' (ἐνεργήματα) are paired with 'the same God,' who is then described as the one 'working all things in all' — the comprehensive source behind every gift, service, and effect.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διαιρέσειςvarietiesNominativesubject
ἐνεργημάτωνof activitiesGenitivegenitive (content/objective)ἐνέργημα: 'activity, effect, working' (from ἐνεργέω); the gifts as energizing operations and their results.
εἰσίνthere arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ stative present
theNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction
αὐτὸςsameNominativeattributive (identical adjective)
θεόςGodNominativesubjectθεός: 'God'; the Father, third member of the triad and ultimate source of all working.
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐνεργῶνwho worksPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐνεργέωsubstantival participle (apposition to θεός)→ present (characteristic)ἐνεργέω: 'work, be at work, produce'; God is the active power energizing every gift and effect (cf. v.11).
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πάνταall thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'all'; τὰ πάντα = the whole range of activities — comprehensive scope.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πᾶσινall (people)Dativedat. of sphere (masc. 'in all persons')πᾶς: 'all'; likely masculine — God works in all the members, distributing his energy throughout the body.
7

ἑκάστῳ δὲ δίδοται ἡ φανέρωσις τοῦ πνεύματος πρὸς τὸ συμφέρον.

But to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Principle of distributionδὲThe governing principle for the gift-list to follow: every member receives a 'manifestation of the Spirit,' and its purpose is not private display but the common advantage. 'Each' guards inclusivity; 'for the profit' guards the corporate aim.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativeindirect object (distributive, fronted)ἕκαστος: 'each, every one'; the emphatic position stresses that no member is left without a gift.
δὲbuttransitional/contrastive conjunction
δίδοταιis givenPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb→ gnomic present (divine passive)δίδωμι: 'give'; the divine passive — God is the unnamed giver; the gift is bestowed, not earned.
theNominativearticle
φανέρωσιςmanifestationNominativesubjectφανέρωσις: 'manifestation, disclosure' (from φανερόω, 'make visible'); each gift makes the Spirit's presence openly evident.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πνεύματοςSpiritGenitivegenitive (subjective/source)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the gift manifests the Spirit, who is its source and content.
πρὸςforpreposition + accusative (purpose/goal)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
συμφέρονcommon goodPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Neut · συμφέρωsubstantival participle (object of πρός)→ present (general)συμφέρω: 'bring together, be profitable'; τὸ συμφέρον = 'the advantage, common good'; the gifts aim at the whole, not the individual.
8

ᾧ μὲν γὰρ διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος δίδοται λόγος σοφίας, ἄλλῳ δὲ λόγος γνώσεως κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα,

For to one is given through the Spirit a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit,

Illustration (the gift-catalogue begins)γὰρThe representative list of nine gifts opens. A μέν…δέ…ἄλλῳ…ἑτέρῳ chain enumerates them, each tagged to 'the same Spirit.' The first pair — utterances of wisdom and knowledge — are verbal gifts of insight.
to oneDativeindirect object (relative as distributive)ὅς … μέν: here the relative serves a distributive 'to one … to another.'
μὲνon the one handcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (agency)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
πνεύματοςSpiritGenitiveobject of διά (agency)
δίδοταιis givenPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (divine passive)→ gnomic present
λόγοςa wordNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, utterance'; λόγος σοφίας = a Spirit-given articulation of wisdom.
σοφίαςof wisdomGenitivegenitive (content/quality)σοφία: 'wisdom'; insight into God's saving purposes, expressed in speech (cf. 1:24, 30; 2:6–7).
ἄλλῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)ἄλλος: 'another (of the same kind)'; the distributive series alternates ἄλλος / ἕτερος.
δὲandcorrelative conjunction (μέν … δέ)
λόγοςa wordNominativesubject (verb δίδοται understood)
γνώσεωςof knowledgeGenitivegenitive (content/quality)γνῶσις: 'knowledge'; λόγος γνώσεως = an utterance conveying spiritual understanding (cf. 8:1; 13:2).
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὸsameAccusativeattributive (identical adjective)
πνεῦμαSpiritAccusativeobject of κατά (norm/source)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the repeated 'same Spirit' keeps the unity in view amid the variety.
9

ἑτέρῳ πίστις ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ πνεύματι, ἄλλῳ δὲ χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ ἑνὶ πνεύματι,

to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the one Spirit,

Gift-catalogue (continued)asyndetonThe list proceeds to faith (a special charismatic faith, not saving faith) and gifts of healings. Note the variation 'the same Spirit' / 'the one Spirit' — the source is repeatedly named to bind diversity to unity.
ἑτέρῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)ἕτερος: 'another (of a different kind)'; some see ἕτερος marking a new sub-group of gifts.
πίστιςfaithNominativesubject (δίδοται understood)πίστις: here a special gift of faith — wonder-working trust (cf. 13:2, faith to move mountains), distinct from saving faith common to all.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means/sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
αὐτῷsameDativeattributive (identical adjective)
πνεύματιSpiritDativedat. of means/sphere
ἄλλῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)
δὲandconnective conjunction
χαρίσματαgiftsNominativesubject (plural)χάρισμα: 'gift of grace'; the plural χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων suggests varied, occasion-specific healings, not a standing power.
ἰαμάτωνof healingsGenitivegenitive (content)ἴαμα: 'healing, cure' (from ἰάομαι, 'heal'); the double plural — 'gifts of healings' — points to diverse acts of restoration.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means/sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
ἑνὶoneDativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; 'the one Spirit' — the numerical unity now made explicit, anticipating the one body of v.13.
πνεύματιSpiritDativedat. of means/sphere
10

ἄλλῳ δὲ ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων, ἄλλῳ δὲ προφητεία, ἄλλῳ δὲ διακρίσεις πνευμάτων, ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν, ἄλλῳ δὲ ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν·

to another workings of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discernings of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

Gift-catalogue (conclusion)asyndetonThe remaining five gifts: miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Tongues and their interpretation come last — a deliberate ordering, given the Corinthians' overvaluation of them (chs. 12–14).
ἄλλῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)
δὲandconnective conjunction
ἐνεργήματαworkingsNominativesubjectἐνέργημα: 'working, effect'; ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων = 'workings of mighty deeds,' i.e. miracles.
δυνάμεωνof miraclesGenitivegenitive (content)δύναμις: 'power, mighty work'; the plural = miraculous deeds of power.
ἄλλῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)
δὲandconnective conjunction
προφητείαprophecyNominativesubjectπροφητεία: 'prophecy'; Spirit-prompted, intelligible speech for the church's upbuilding — ranked highly in ch. 14.
ἄλλῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)
δὲandconnective conjunction
διακρίσειςdiscerningsNominativesubjectδιάκρισις: 'distinguishing, discernment' (from διακρίνω); the ability to test prophetic spirits (cf. v.3; 14:29).
πνευμάτωνof spiritsGenitivegenitive (objective)πνεῦμα: 'spirit'; the plural = the various spirits prompting utterance, to be evaluated for genuineness.
ἑτέρῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)ἕτερος: 'another (different)'; perhaps marking off the tongues-group as a distinct category.
γένηkindsNominativesubjectγένος: 'kind, sort, race'; γένη γλωσσῶν = 'kinds of tongues' — varied forms of Spirit-given utterance.
γλωσσῶνof tonguesGenitivegenitive (content/partitive)γλῶσσα: 'tongue, language'; the charism of Spirit-prompted speech in unlearned 'tongues' (ch. 14).
ἄλλῳto anotherDativeindirect object (distributive)
δὲandconnective conjunction
ἑρμηνείαinterpretationNominativesubjectἑρμηνεία: 'interpretation, translation' (cf. 'hermeneutics'); the companion gift rendering tongues intelligible (14:13, 27–28).
γλωσσῶνof tonguesGenitivegenitive (objective)
11

πάντα δὲ ταῦτα ἐνεργεῖ τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα, διαιροῦν ἰδίᾳ ἑκάστῳ καθὼς βούλεται.

But all these are worked by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Summary (the sovereign Spirit)δὲThe catalogue is summed up: the diverse gifts are the work of one and the same Spirit, who is personally sovereign — distributing to each 'as he wills' (βούλεται). The accent falls on the Spirit's volition: no member chooses or earns his gift.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive (with ταῦτα)πᾶς: 'all'; gathers up the nine listed gifts as the object of the Spirit's working.
δὲbuttransitional/summarizing conjunction
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object (demonstrative)
ἐνεργεῖworksPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐνεργέωmain verb→ gnomic/customary presentἐνεργέω: 'work, produce, energize'; the Spirit is the active agent producing every gift (cf. v.6).
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; 'one and the same Spirit' — the doubled emphasis clinches the unity-in-diversity theme.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
αὐτὸsameNominativeattributive (identical adjective)
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubjectπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the single source of all the gifts just enumerated.
διαιροῦνapportioningPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · διαιρέωadverbial participle (manner)→ present (concurrent)διαιρέω: 'divide, distribute, apportion'; cognate with διαιρέσεις (vv.4–6) — the Spirit himself does the dividing.
ἰδίᾳindividuallyDativeadverbial dative (manner)ἴδιος: 'one's own'; ἰδίᾳ = 'severally, individually' — the distribution is personal and particular.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativeindirect object (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each'; resumes the ἑκάστῳ of v.7 — every member is gifted.
καθὼςascomparative conjunction
βούλεταιhe willsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · βούλομαιmain verb (subordinate clause)→ customary presentβούλομαι: 'will, purpose, choose'; the Spirit's deliberate volition governs distribution — gifts are not self-selected (cf. v.18).
12

Καθάπερ γὰρ τὸ σῶμα ἕν ἐστιν καὶ μέλη πολλὰ ἔχει, πάντα δὲ τὰ μέλη τοῦ σώματος πολλὰ ὄντα ἕν ἐστιν σῶμα, οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστός·

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ.

The body analogy (thesis)γὰρThe governing image of the chapter. A καθάπερ … οὕτως comparison: as the one body has many members and the many members form one body, so also Christ. The startling identification — 'so also is Christ' (not 'the church') — equates the community with Christ himself.
Καθάπερjust ascomparative conjunction (protasis of simile)καθάπερ: 'just as, exactly as'; introduces the analogy answered by οὕτως ('so also').
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
σῶμαbodyNominativesubjectσῶμα: 'body'; the controlling metaphor — a single organism of many cooperating parts.
ἕνoneNominativepredicate nominative (numeral)εἷς: 'one'; the body's essential unity.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μέληmembersAccusativedirect objectμέλος: 'member, limb, body-part'; the individual organs that compose the body — the believers.
πολλὰmanyAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'many'; the multiplicity set against the body's oneness.
ἔχειhasPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; the one body possesses the many members.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective
δὲandconnective conjunction
τὰtheNominativearticle
μέληmembersNominativesubject
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitivegenitive of the whole (partitive)
πολλὰmanyNominativepredicate adj. (concessive w/ ὄντα)
ὄνταthough beingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · εἰμίconcessive participle→ present (concurrent)εἰμί: 'be'; the concessive 'although they are many' heightens the paradox of unity.
ἕνoneNominativepredicate nominative (numeral)
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
σῶμαbodyNominativepredicate nominative
οὕτωςsoadverb (apodosis of simile)οὕτως: 'thus, so'; answers καθάπερ — drawing the comparison home.
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
theNominativearticle
ΧριστόςChristNominativesubject (predicate of the comparison)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the community is so united to Christ that Paul calls the corporate whole simply 'Christ' (cf. v.27).
13

καὶ γὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες εἰς ἓν σῶμα ἐβαπτίσθημεν, εἴτε Ἰουδαῖοι εἴτε Ἕλληνες, εἴτε δοῦλοι εἴτε ἐλεύθεροι, καὶ πάντες ἓν πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν.

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Ground (the basis of unity)καὶ γὰρThe ground of the body's unity: one common baptism in one Spirit into one body, transcending the deepest social divisions (Jew/Greek, slave/free). The chiastic frame 'one Spirit … one body … one Spirit' brackets the unity that abolishes division.
καὶforconjunction (καὶ γάρ = 'for indeed')
γὰρindeedexplanatory conjunctionκαὶ γάρ: 'for indeed, for even'; introduces the proof of the unity just asserted.
ἐνin/bypreposition + dative (means/sphere)ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι: 'in/by one Spirit'; debated as the sphere ('in') or the means ('by') of baptism — either way, one Spirit unites all.
ἑνὶoneDativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; the oneness of the Spirit grounds the oneness of the body.
πνεύματιSpiritDativedat. of means/sphere
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
πάντεςallNominativeapposition to ἡμεῖς (inclusive)πᾶς: 'all'; the emphatic 'all of us' leaves no one outside the one-Spirit baptism.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal/incorporation)
ἓνoneAccusativeattributive numeral
σῶμαbodyAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal of incorporation)σῶμα: 'body'; baptism incorporates into the one body — the church as Christ's body.
ἐβαπτίσθημενwe were baptizedAor Pass Indic 1 Pl · βαπτίζωmain verb→ constative aorist (the conversion event)βαπτίζω: 'immerse, baptize'; the once-for-all initiation incorporating each believer into the body.
εἴτεwhethercorrelative conjunction (εἴτε … εἴτε)εἴτε: 'whether'; the paired alternatives list the divisions now transcended.
ἸουδαῖοιJewsNominativenominative in apposition (alternative)Ἰουδαῖος: 'Jew'; the ethnic/religious division dissolved in the one body.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ἝλληνεςGreeksNominativenominative in apposition (alternative)Ἕλλην: 'Greek, Gentile'; the non-Jewish counterpart — the deepest religious boundary of the age.
εἴτεwhethercorrelative conjunction
δοῦλοιslavesNominativenominative in apposition (alternative)δοῦλος: 'slave'; the social/legal division also abolished within the body.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ἐλεύθεροιfreeNominativenominative in apposition (alternative)ἐλεύθερος: 'free, freeborn'; the status counterpart — all are equal members regardless of standing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πάντεςallNominativesubject (inclusive)
ἓνoneAccusativeattributive numeral
πνεῦμαSpiritAccusativeaccusative of thing (with ἐποτίσθημεν)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the one Spirit is the common 'drink' — perhaps an allusion to baptism/Eucharist or to the Spirit's outpouring (Isa 32:15).
ἐποτίσθημενwe were made to drinkAor Pass Indic 1 Pl · ποτίζωmain verb→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'give to drink, water'; the second metaphor — all were saturated with the one Spirit (cf. 10:4).
14

Καὶ γὰρ τὸ σῶμα οὐκ ἔστιν ἓν μέλος ἀλλὰ πολλά.

For indeed the body is not one member but many.

Premise (diversity is essential)Καὶ γὰρThe premise for the section against the inferiority complex (vv.14–20): a body is by definition many members, not one. Diversity is not a defect to be regretted but the very nature of a body.
Καὶforconjunction (καὶ γάρ = 'for indeed')
γὰρindeedexplanatory conjunctionκαὶ γάρ: 'for indeed'; introduces the elaboration of the body image.
τὸtheNominativearticle
σῶμαbodyNominativesubject
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeral
μέλοςmemberNominativepredicate nominativeμέλος: 'member, limb'; a single organ is not a body — the point against uniformity.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
πολλάmanyNominativepredicate nominative (substantival)πολύς: 'many'; the body's essence is plurality-in-unity.
15

ἐὰν εἴπῃ ὁ πούς· Ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ χείρ, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος, οὐ παρὰ τοῦτο οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ σώματος;

If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body,' it is not for this reason any less part of the body.

Personification (the discontented foot)asyndetonPaul personifies a self-deprecating member. The foot reasons that, not being a hand, it does not belong — but its protest cannot revoke its actual membership. The double negative (οὐ … οὐκ) is a rhetorical question expecting 'of course it still belongs.'
ἐὰνifconjunction (3rd-class condition)ἐάν: 'if'; with subjunctive, a hypothetical entertained for argument.
εἴπῃshould sayAor Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aorist (subjunctive)λέγω (aor. subj.): 'say'; the personified member voices a complaint.
theNominativearticle
πούςfootNominativesubjectπούς: 'foot'; a humble, lowly-seeming member chosen to voice the inferiority complex.
Ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (within quotation)
οὐκnotnegative particle
εἰμὶI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
χείρa handNominativepredicate nominativeχείρ: 'hand'; the more visibly capable member, envied by the foot.
οὐκnotnegative particle
εἰμὶI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἐκof/frompreposition + genitive (partitive/source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitiveobject of ἐκ (partitive)σῶμα: 'body'; 'I am not of the body' = the foot's false self-exclusion.
οὐnotnegative (interrogative, expects 'yes it belongs')οὐ … οὐκ: the doubled negation forms a rhetorical question — 'is it not still of the body?' (Yes, it is.)
παρὰforpreposition + accusative (cause/reason)παρὰ τοῦτο: 'on this account, for this reason'; the alleged ground of exclusion.
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of παρά (demonstrative)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔστινis itPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (rhetorical question)→ stative present
ἐκof/frompreposition + genitive (partitive)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitiveobject of ἐκ (partitive)
16

καὶ ἐὰν εἴπῃ τὸ οὖς· Ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὀφθαλμός, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος, οὐ παρὰ τοῦτο οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ σώματος;

And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body,' it is not for this reason any less part of the body.

Personification (parallel: the ear)καὶA parallel case reinforces the point: the ear, comparing itself to the eye, draws the same false conclusion. The repetition by a second member shows the error is typical, not isolated — every member is tempted to undervalue itself.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐὰνifconjunction (3rd-class condition)
εἴπῃshould sayAor Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aorist (subjunctive)
τὸtheNominativearticle
οὖςearNominativesubjectοὖς: 'ear'; the second discontented member, envying the eye.
Ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (within quotation)
οὐκnotnegative particle
εἰμὶI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ὀφθαλμόςan eyeNominativepredicate nominativeὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the prized organ of sight, object of the ear's envy.
οὐκnotnegative particle
εἰμὶI amPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἐκof/frompreposition + genitive (partitive)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitiveobject of ἐκ (partitive)
οὐnotnegative (interrogative)
παρὰforpreposition + accusative (cause/reason)
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of παρά (demonstrative)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔστινis itPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (rhetorical question)→ stative present
ἐκof/frompreposition + genitive (partitive)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitiveobject of ἐκ (partitive)
17

εἰ ὅλον τὸ σῶμα ὀφθαλμός, ποῦ ἡ ἀκοή; εἰ ὅλον ἀκοή, ποῦ ἡ ὄσφρησις;

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?

Reductio ad absurdumasyndetonTwo parallel conditionals expose the absurdity of uniformity: a body that was all eye would have no hearing; all ear, no smell. The desire to be a single 'superior' organ would destroy the body's functions — diversity is indispensable.
εἰifconjunction (2nd-class/contrary-to-fact condition)εἰ: 'if'; here a contrary-to-fact supposition — 'if (hypothetically) the whole body were an eye.'
ὅλονwholeNominativeattributive adjectiveὅλος: 'whole, entire'; the absurd hypothesis of a single-organ body.
τὸtheNominativearticle
σῶμαbodyNominativesubject
ὀφθαλμόςan eyeNominativepredicate nominativeὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the imagined sole organ — sight at the cost of every other sense.
ποῦwhereinterrogative adverbποῦ: 'where?'; introduces the rhetorical exposure of the loss.
theNominativearticle
ἀκοήhearingNominativesubject (verbless question)ἀκοή: 'hearing, the faculty of hearing'; lost if the body were all eye.
εἰifconjunction (contrary-to-fact condition)
ὅλονwholeNominativesubstantival adjective (subject)
ἀκοήhearingNominativepredicate nominative
ποῦwhereinterrogative adverb
theNominativearticle
ὄσφρησιςsmellingNominativesubject (verbless question)ὄσφρησις: 'sense of smell'; lost if the body were all ear — each organ irreplaceable.
18

νυνὶ δὲ ὁ θεὸς ἔθετο τὰ μέλη, ἓν ἕκαστον αὐτῶν, ἐν τῷ σώματι καθὼς ἠθέλησεν.

But as it is, God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as he willed.

Resolution (divine arrangement)νυνὶ δὲAgainst the absurd hypotheticals stands the real state of affairs: God himself has set each member in the body 'as he willed' (echoing the Spirit's volition in v.11). The arrangement is deliberate and divine — no member should despise its placement.
νυνὶbut as it isadverb (logical 'now')νυνί: emphatic 'now'; here logical rather than temporal — 'as things actually stand,' over against the hypothetical.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: 'God'; the sovereign arranger of the body's membership.
ἔθετοplacedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · τίθημιmain verb→ constative aoristτίθημι (mid.): 'set, place, appoint'; the middle suggests God arranging for his own design — a settled disposition.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
μέληmembersAccusativedirect objectμέλος: 'member'; the parts God has positioned.
ἓνoneAccusativeattributive numeral (distributive apposition)
ἕκαστονeachAccusativeapposition (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each'; ἓν ἕκαστον = 'each single one' — God's care extends to every individual member.
αὐτῶνof themGenitivepartitive genitive
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of place (locus of arrangement)
καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunction
ἠθέλησενhe willedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · θέλωmain verb (subordinate clause)→ constative aoristθέλω: 'will, choose'; God's sovereign will — like the Spirit's βούλεται (v.11) — governs each placement.
19

εἰ δὲ ἦν τὰ πάντα ἓν μέλος, ποῦ τὸ σῶμα;

If they were all a single member, where would the body be?

Reductio (restated)δὲA final contrary-to-fact thrust: were all the parts a single organ, there would be no body at all. The argument circles back to v.17 to drive home that a body requires diversity to exist.
εἰifconjunction (contrary-to-fact condition)
δὲandconnective conjunction
ἦνwereImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (apodosis implied)→ imperfect (contrary-to-fact)εἰμί: 'be'; the imperfect in a contrary-to-fact protasis — 'if they were (which they are not).'
τὰtheNominativearticle
πάνταall (things)Nominativesubject (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'all'; τὰ πάντα = the totality of parts, hypothetically collapsed into one.
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeral
μέλοςmemberNominativepredicate nominative
ποῦwhereinterrogative adverb
τὸtheNominativearticle
σῶμαbodyNominativesubject (verbless question)σῶμα: 'body'; with no diversity, no body remains — the conclusive absurdity.
20

νῦν δὲ πολλὰ μὲν μέλη, ἓν δὲ σῶμα.

But as it is, there are many members, yet one body.

Conclusion (many members, one body)νῦν δὲThe section's terse conclusion, balancing πολλὰ μέν against ἓν δέ: many members, one body. The verdict against the inferiority complex — diversity and unity are held together, neither cancelling the other.
νῦνbut as it isadverb (logical 'now')νῦν: 'now'; logical, as in v.18 — 'as things actually are.'
δὲbutadversative conjunction
πολλὰmanyNominativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'many'; the diversity affirmed.
μὲνon the one handcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)
μέληmembersNominativesubject (verbless clause)
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeral
δὲyetadversative conjunction (μέν … δέ)
σῶμαbodyNominativesubject (verbless clause)σῶμα: 'body'; the unity preserved alongside the plurality.
21

οὐ δύναται δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμὸς εἰπεῖν τῇ χειρί· Χρείαν σου οὐκ ἔχω, ἢ πάλιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῖς ποσίν· Χρείαν ὑμῶν οὐκ ἔχω·

The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'

The opposite error (superiority)δὲThe argument pivots to the converse fault. Now the 'higher' members — eye and head — are forbidden to despise the 'lower' hand and feet. The body's interdependence cuts both ways: neither inferiority nor superiority is warranted.
οὐnotnegative particle
δύναταιis ablePres Mid Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb→ gnomic presentδύναμαι: 'be able'; 'cannot say' — the body's nature forbids such a disclaimer of need.
δὲandtransitional conjunction
theNominativearticle
ὀφθαλμὸςeyeNominativesubjectὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the prized member now warned against self-sufficiency.
εἰπεῖνto sayAor Act Inf · λέγωcomplementary infinitive→ constative aorist
τῇto theDativearticle
χειρίhandDativeindirect objectχείρ: 'hand'; the supposedly lesser partner the eye must not disdain.
ΧρείανneedAccusativedirect objectχρεία: 'need, necessity'; χρείαν ἔχω = 'I have need (of)' — here flatly denied of the hand.
σουof youGenitiveobjective genitive (with χρείαν)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (within quotation)→ stative present
nor/ordisjunctive conjunction
πάλινagainadverb (resumptive)πάλιν: 'again'; introduces the parallel case of head and feet.
theNominativearticle
κεφαλὴheadNominativesubjectκεφαλή: 'head'; the most exalted member, yet still dependent on the feet.
τοῖςto theDativearticle
ποσίνfeetDativeindirect objectπούς: 'foot'; the lowliest member, indispensable even to the head.
ΧρείανneedAccusativedirect object
ὑμῶνof youGenitiveobjective genitive (with χρείαν)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (within quotation)→ stative present
22

ἀλλὰ πολλῷ μᾶλλον τὰ δοκοῦντα μέλη τοῦ σώματος ἀσθενέστερα ὑπάρχειν ἀναγκαῖά ἐστιν,

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

Counter-assertion (the weak are necessary)ἀλλὰAgainst any contempt for the lowly: the members that 'seem weaker' are in fact the indispensable ones. 'Seem' (δοκοῦντα) exposes the misjudgment — apparent weakness masks genuine necessity.
ἀλλὰon the contrarystrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but, on the contrary'; sharply reverses the disdain of v.21.
πολλῷmuchDativedat. of measure/degreeπολύς: 'much'; πολλῷ μᾶλλον = 'much more, far rather.'
μᾶλλονrathercomparative adverbμᾶλλον: 'more, rather'; intensifies the reversal.
τὰthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δοκοῦνταseemingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · δοκέωattributive participle→ present (characteristic)δοκέω: 'seem, appear'; the participle flags mere appearance — these members only seem weaker.
μέληmembersNominativesubject
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitivepartitive/possessive genitive
ἀσθενέστεραweakerNominativepredicate adj. (of inf. ὑπάρχειν)ἀσθενής: 'weak, feeble'; the comparative — the frailer-seeming organs (e.g. internal ones).
ὑπάρχεινto bePres Act Inf · ὑπάρχωinfinitive (complement of δοκοῦντα)→ present (stative)ὑπάρχω: 'be, exist (inherently)'; nearly equivalent to εἰμί but stressing real existence.
ἀναγκαῖάnecessaryNominativepredicate adjectiveἀναγκαῖος: 'necessary, indispensable'; the corrective verdict — the weak members are essential.
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula; neut. pl. subject)→ stative present
23

καὶ ἃ δοκοῦμεν ἀτιμότερα εἶναι τοῦ σώματος, τούτοις τιμὴν περισσοτέραν περιτίθεμεν, καὶ τὰ ἀσχήμονα ἡμῶν εὐσχημοσύνην περισσοτέραν ἔχει,

and the parts of the body that we think less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety,

Elaboration (compensating honor)καὶThe body's own practice illustrates the principle: the parts deemed less honorable receive the greater care, and the unpresentable parts are given the greater modesty (by clothing). The body instinctively compensates for apparent inferiority — a model for the church.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of δοκοῦμεν/εἶναι)
δοκοῦμενwe thinkPres Act Indic 1 Pl · δοκέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentδοκέω: 'think, suppose'; again, our judgment — not reality — deems these parts inferior.
ἀτιμότεραless honorableAccusativepredicate adj. (of εἶναι)ἄτιμος: 'without honor, dishonored'; the comparative — 'less honorable' in our estimation.
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (complement of δοκοῦμεν)→ present (stative)
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitivepartitive genitive
τούτοιςon theseDativeindirect object (resumptive demonstrative)
τιμὴνhonorAccusativedirect objectτιμή: 'honor, value, price'; the deliberate honor conferred to offset apparent lowliness.
περισσοτέρανmore abundantAccusativeattributive adjective (comparative)περισσός: 'abundant, exceeding'; comparative 'more abundant' — surplus honor for the humble parts.
περιτίθεμενwe bestowPres Act Indic 1 Pl · περιτίθημιmain verb→ customary presentπεριτίθημι: 'put around, clothe, bestow' (περί + τίθημι); aptly of draping honor/clothing on the body's modest parts.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰtheNominativearticle (substantival)
ἀσχήμοναunpresentable partsNominativesubject (substantival adj.)ἀσχήμων: 'unseemly, indecent' (ἀ-privative + σχῆμα); a delicate reference to the private parts.
ἡμῶνourGenitivepossessive genitive
εὐσχημοσύνηνproprietyAccusativedirect objectεὐσχημοσύνη: 'decency, comeliness' (εὖ + σχῆμα); the modesty/presentability bestowed by covering.
περισσοτέρανmore abundantAccusativeattributive adjective (comparative)
ἔχειhavePres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (neut. pl. subject)→ customary present
24

τὰ δὲ εὐσχήμονα ἡμῶν οὐ χρείαν ἔχει. ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς συνεκέρασεν τὸ σῶμα, τῷ ὑστερουμένῳ περισσοτέραν δοὺς τιμήν,

whereas our presentable parts have no need. But God has composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,

Divine compositionδὲThe presentable parts need no such compensation, but the whole arrangement is God's doing: he 'blended' the body, deliberately assigning surplus honor to the deficient member. The compensating principle is not accidental but a divine design.
τὰtheNominativearticle (substantival)
δὲwhereascontrastive conjunction
εὐσχήμοναpresentable partsNominativesubject (substantival adj.)εὐσχήμων: 'comely, presentable' (εὖ + σχῆμα); the naturally attractive members, needing no added honor.
ἡμῶνourGenitivepossessive genitive
οὐnonegative particle
χρείανneedAccusativedirect objectχρεία: 'need'; the comely parts have no need of compensatory honor.
ἔχειhavePres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (neut. pl. subject)→ stative present
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: 'God'; the agent of the body's harmonious composition.
συνεκέρασενcomposed/blendedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συγκεράννυμιmain verb→ constative aoristσυγκεράννυμι: 'mix together, blend, compound' (σύν + κεράννυμι); God blended the parts into a balanced whole.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
σῶμαbodyAccusativedirect object
τῷto the (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὑστερουμένῳlackingPres Pass Ptc · Dat Sg Neut · ὑστερέωsubstantival participle (indirect object)→ present (concurrent)ὑστερέω: 'lack, fall short, be deficient'; the member that comes up short — to it God grants extra honor.
περισσοτέρανgreaterAccusativeattributive adjective (comparative)
δοὺςgivingAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · δίδωμιadverbial participle (manner/means)→ constative aorist (coincident)δίδωμι: 'give'; God's act of bestowing the compensating honor — the manner of the 'blending.'
τιμήνhonorAccusativedirect object (of δοὺς)τιμή: 'honor, value'; the surplus honor divinely assigned to the lacking part.
25

ἵνα μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι, ἀλλὰ τὸ αὐτὸ ὑπὲρ ἀλλήλων μεριμνῶσιν τὰ μέλη.

so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Purpose (no division, mutual care)ἵναThe purpose of God's balancing design: that there be no 'schism' in the body — the very word for the Corinthian factions (1:10; 11:18) — but mutual, equal care among the members. The bodily analogy targets their divisions directly.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive)
there may bePres Act Subj 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of purpose clause (subjunctive)→ present (general)
σχίσμαdivisionNominativesubjectσχίσμα: 'tear, split, division' (from σχίζω, 'split'); Paul's term for the Corinthian factions (1:10; 11:18) — pointedly applied to the body.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of place/sphere
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὸsameAccusativeadverbial accusative ('the same way')αὐτός: 'same'; τὸ αὐτό = adverbial, 'in the same manner, alike' — equal care, not partial.
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (advantage)
ἀλλήλωνone anotherGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (reciprocal pronoun)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the reciprocal — care flowing mutually among all the members.
μεριμνῶσινmay carePres Act Subj 3 Pl · μεριμνάωverb of purpose clause (subjunctive)→ present (ongoing)μεριμνάω: 'be anxious, care for'; here the positive 'take thought for, look after' one another.
τὰtheNominativearticle
μέληmembersNominativesubject
26

καὶ εἴτε πάσχει ἓν μέλος, συμπάσχει πάντα τὰ μέλη· εἴτε δοξάζεται ἓν μέλος, συγχαίρει πάντα τὰ μέλη.

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Solidarity (suffering and rejoicing together)καὶThe fruit of mutual care: organic solidarity. The σύν-compounds (suffer-with, rejoice-with) express that the body's members share one another's pain and honor — the antidote to both envy and contempt.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἴτεif/whetherconjunction (conditional)εἴτε: here conditional, 'if' — pairing the two scenarios of suffering and honor.
πάσχειsuffersPres Act Indic 3 Sg · πάσχωmain verb→ gnomic presentπάσχω: 'suffer, experience (esp. ill)'; the affliction of one part.
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeral
μέλοςmemberNominativesubject
συμπάσχειsuffers withPres Act Indic 3 Sg · συμπάσχωmain verb (neut. pl. subject)→ gnomic presentσυμπάσχω: 'suffer together with' (σύν + πάσχω); the whole body shares the pain of one part.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective
τὰtheNominativearticle
μέληmembersNominativesubject
εἴτεif/whetherconjunction (conditional)
δοξάζεταιis honoredPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · δοξάζωmain verb→ gnomic present (passive)δοξάζω: 'glorify, honor'; the honoring of one part — answered by the joy of all.
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeral
μέλοςmemberNominativesubject
συγχαίρειrejoices withPres Act Indic 3 Sg · συγχαίρωmain verb (neut. pl. subject)→ gnomic presentσυγχαίρω: 'rejoice together with' (σύν + χαίρω); shared joy — the counterpart to shared suffering.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective
τὰtheNominativearticle
μέληmembersNominativesubject
27

Ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε σῶμα Χριστοῦ καὶ μέλη ἐκ μέρους.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Application (you are Christ's body)δέThe analogy is now applied pointedly: 'you' (emphatic) are Christ's body, and each one a member 'in part.' The metaphor lands on the Corinthians directly, transitioning from illustration to the ordered list of appointments that follows.
ὙμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)the emphatic 'you' presses the application home — this is about the Corinthians themselves.
δέnowtransitional conjunction
ἐστεarePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
σῶμαbodyNominativepredicate nominativeσῶμα: 'body'; the church is 'Christ's body' — anarthrous, stressing quality/character.
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivepossessive/relationship genitiveΧριστός: 'Christ'; the genitive marks whose body — Christ's, of which they are the members (cf. v.12).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μέληmembersNominativepredicate nominativeμέλος: 'member'; each believer a part of the whole.
ἐκinpreposition + genitive (ἐκ μέρους = 'individually/in part')ἐκ μέρους: 'individually, each in his part'; each is a member belonging to the whole, not the whole alone.
μέρουςpartGenitiveobject of ἐκμέρος: 'part, share, portion'; the basis of the idiom 'member-by-member, individually.'
28

καὶ οὓς μὲν ἔθετο ὁ θεὸς ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ πρῶτον ἀποστόλους, δεύτερον προφήτας, τρίτον διδασκάλους, ἔπειτα δυνάμεις, ἔπειτα χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, ἀντιλήμψεις, κυβερνήσεις, γένη γλωσσῶν.

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.

Divine appointment (the ordered list)καὶGod's appointments in the church are listed, the first three explicitly ranked (first/second/third) — apostles, prophets, teachers — then a looser series. Tongues, prized at Corinth, comes last, gently subordinating it. The same verb ἔθετο ('appointed') as God's placing of members in v.18.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὓςwhom (some)Accusativerelative as distributive object (anacoluthon)ὅς … μέν: 'some' — the construction shifts from persons (οὓς … ἀποστόλους) to abstract gifts; a mild anacoluthon.
μὲνindeedparticle (μέν solitarium)
ἔθετοappointedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · τίθημιmain verb→ constative aoristτίθημι (mid.): 'set, appoint, place'; the same verb as in v.18 — God orders the church as he ordered the body.
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: 'God'; the appointer of the church's offices and gifts.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐκκλησίᾳchurchDativedat. of place/sphereἐκκλησία: 'assembly, congregation, church' (lit. 'the called-out'); the sphere of the appointments.
πρῶτονfirstadverb (rank/sequence)πρῶτον: 'first'; the explicit ranking signals priority of foundational ministries.
ἀποστόλουςapostlesAccusativeobject (in apposition to οὓς)ἀπόστολος: 'one sent, apostle'; the foundational, commissioned witnesses — ranked first.
δεύτερονsecondadverb (rank/sequence)δεύτερος: 'second'; the next in rank.
προφήταςprophetsAccusativeobject (apposition)προφήτης: 'prophet'; Spirit-inspired speakers for the church's edification (cf. 14:1, 3).
τρίτονthirdadverb (rank/sequence)τρίτος: 'third'; completing the explicitly ranked triad.
διδασκάλουςteachersAccusativeobject (apposition)διδάσκαλος: 'teacher'; those who instruct in the apostolic tradition.
ἔπειταthenadverb (sequence, looser)ἔπειτα: 'then, next'; the ranking loosens — no longer 'fourth, fifth,' but a simple series.
δυνάμειςmiraclesAccusativeobject (abstract for gifted persons)δύναμις: 'power, mighty work'; here the gift of working miracles (cf. v.10).
ἔπειταthenadverb (sequence)
χαρίσματαgiftsAccusativeobjectχάρισμα: 'gift of grace'; χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων = 'gifts of healings,' as in v.9.
ἰαμάτωνof healingsGenitivegenitive (content)ἴαμα: 'healing'; the double plural again, varied acts of healing.
ἀντιλήμψειςhelpsAccusativeobjectἀντίλημψις: 'help, support, assistance' (from ἀντιλαμβάνομαι, 'take hold to aid'); acts of practical service — a NT hapax.
κυβερνήσειςadministrationsAccusativeobjectκυβέρνησις: 'guidance, administration' (from κυβερνάω, 'steer a ship'; cf. 'govern'); gifts of leadership/direction — a NT hapax.
γένηkindsAccusativeobjectγένος: 'kind'; γένη γλωσσῶν = 'kinds of tongues' — placed last, gently subordinated.
γλωσσῶνof tonguesGenitivegenitive (content)γλῶσσα: 'tongue, language'; the gift the Corinthians overprized, here last in order.
29

μὴ πάντες ἀπόστολοι; μὴ πάντες προφῆται; μὴ πάντες διδάσκαλοι; μὴ πάντες δυνάμεις;

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

Rhetorical questions (not all are the same)asyndetonA volley of questions, each introduced by μή and so expecting the answer 'no.' The point: no single gift is universal; the diversity of vv.4–11 is reaffirmed against any demand that all share one charism (e.g. tongues).
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')μή: introduces a question anticipating a negative answer — 'surely not all are…?'
πάντεςallNominativesubject
ἀπόστολοιapostlesNominativepredicate nominativeἀπόστολος: 'apostle'; not all hold this office — diversity is built in.
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')
πάντεςallNominativesubject
προφῆταιprophetsNominativepredicate nominativeπροφήτης: 'prophet'; likewise not universal.
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')
πάντεςallNominativesubject
διδάσκαλοιteachersNominativepredicate nominativeδιδάσκαλος: 'teacher'; not all teach.
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')
πάντεςallNominativesubject
δυνάμεις(work) miraclesNominativepredicate nominative (elliptical)δύναμις: 'miracle'; 'are all (workers of) miracles?' — the elliptical question continues the negative-expectation series.
30

μὴ πάντες χαρίσματα ἔχουσιν ἰαμάτων; μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν; μὴ πάντες διερμηνεύουσιν;

Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

Rhetorical questions (continued)asyndetonThe series continues through healings, tongues, and interpretation — again each μή-question expecting 'no.' By placing tongues and interpretation among gifts not all possess, Paul again deflates the Corinthian assumption that tongues are the mark of every true believer.
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')
πάντεςallNominativesubject
χαρίσματαgiftsAccusativedirect objectχάρισμα: 'gift'; χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων again — not all are healers.
ἔχουσινhavePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ stative present
ἰαμάτωνof healingsGenitivegenitive (content)ἴαμα: 'healing'; cf. vv.9, 28.
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')
πάντεςallNominativesubject
γλώσσαιςin tonguesDativedat. of means/instrumentγλῶσσα: 'tongue'; 'speak in tongues' — not all, contrary to the Corinthian premium on the gift.
λαλοῦσινspeakPres Act Indic 3 Pl · λαλέωmain verb→ stative/customary presentλαλέω: 'speak'; γλώσσαις λαλέω = the technical phrase for speaking in tongues (ch. 14).
μὴnot (surely)interrogative particle (expects 'no')
πάντεςallNominativesubject
διερμηνεύουσινinterpretPres Act Indic 3 Pl · διερμηνεύωmain verb→ stative/customary presentδιερμηνεύω: 'interpret, translate thoroughly' (διά + ἑρμηνεύω); the gift of rendering tongues intelligible (14:5, 13).
31

ζηλοῦτε δὲ τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα. καὶ ἔτι καθ' ὑπερβολὴν ὁδὸν ὑμῖν δείκνυμι.

But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Exhortation & transitionδὲA double climax: the imperative to desire the 'greater gifts' (those that build up the body, ch. 14), and the hinge to ch. 13 — 'a still more excellent way' (καθ' ὑπερβολὴν ὁδόν), the way of love that surpasses all gifts. The chapter ends pointing beyond all charisms to love.
ζηλοῦτεearnestly desirePres Act Impv 2 Pl · ζηλόωmain verb (imperative)→ present imperative (ongoing exhortation)ζηλόω: 'be zealous for, strive after' (cf. 'zeal'); 'earnestly desire' — the form could be indicative ('you are striving'), but is taken as imperative.
δὲbuttransitional/contrastive conjunction
τὰtheAccusativearticle
χαρίσματαgiftsAccusativedirect objectχάρισμα: 'gift of grace'; the object of right zeal — but rightly ordered toward the building up of the body (ch. 14).
τὰtheAccusativearticle (attributive position)
μείζοναgreaterAccusativeattributive adjective (comparative)μέγας: 'great'; comparative μείζων, 'greater' — the gifts that more edify the church (prophecy over tongues, ch. 14).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔτιstilladverb (degree)ἔτι: 'still, yet'; with καθ' ὑπερβολήν, 'a still more surpassing way.'
καθ'according topreposition + accusative (manner)κατὰ (καθ'): in καθ' ὑπερβολήν = 'beyond measure, surpassingly' — an adverbial phrase qualifying ὁδόν.
ὑπερβολὴνexcellenceAccusativeobject of κατά (adverbial idiom)ὑπερβολή: 'excess, surpassing greatness' (cf. 'hyperbole'); the way of love that exceeds all gifts.
ὁδὸνwayAccusativedirect object (of δείκνυμι)ὁδός: 'way, road, path'; the 'more excellent way' of love unveiled in ch. 13.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
δείκνυμιI showPres Act Indic 1 Sg · δείκνυμιmain verb→ futuristic presentδείκνυμι: 'show, point out'; the present looks ahead — 'I am about to show you' — leading into the hymn to love.