1 Corinthians 12:28
New International Version
And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.

New Living Translation
Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.

English Standard Version
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

Berean Standard Bible
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Berean Literal Bible
And some indeed God has appointed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, various kinds of tongues.

King James Bible
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

New King James Version
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

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

NASB 1995
And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.

NASB 1977
And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.

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

Amplified Bible
So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues.

Christian Standard Bible
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages.

American Standard Version
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

Contemporary English Version
First, God chose some people to be apostles and prophets and teachers for the church. But he also chose some to work miracles or heal the sick or help others or be leaders or speak different kinds of languages.

English Revised Version
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the church God has appointed first apostles, next prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, then those who have the gift of healing, then those who help others, those who are managers, and those who can speak in a number of languages.

Good News Translation
In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues.

International Standard Version
God has appointed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who help others, administrators, and those who speak various kinds of languages.

Majority Standard Bible
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

NET Bible
And God has placed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helps, gifts of leadership, different kinds of tongues.

New Heart English Bible
God has set some in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.

Webster's Bible Translation
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of languages.

Weymouth New Testament
And by God's appointment there are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.'

World English Bible
God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And some, indeed, God set in the Assembly: first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, afterward powers, afterward gifts of healings, helpings, governings, various kinds of tongues.

Berean Literal Bible
And some indeed God has appointed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, various kinds of tongues.

Young's Literal Translation
And some, indeed, did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers kinds of tongues;

Smith's Literal Translation
And whom truly God set in the church, first the sent, second the prophets, third teachers, then powers, then graces of healings, helps, directions, kinds of tongues.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors; after that miracles; then the graces of healing, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And indeed, God has established a certain order in the Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, next miracle-workers, and then the grace of healing, of helping others, of governing, of different kinds of languages, and of the interpretation of words.

New American Bible
Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.

New Revised Standard Version
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For God has set in his church, first apostles; after them, prophets; then teachers, then performers of miracles, then those who have the gift of healing, helpers, leaders, and speakers in diverse languages.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For God has set first in his church, Apostles; after them Prophets; after them, Teachers; after them, miracle workers; after them, gifts of healing, helpers, leaders, different languages.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And God has placed some in the church, first, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then mighty deeds; then gifts of healing; helps, governments, kinds of tongues.

Godbey New Testament
Whom God has, indeed, also placed in the church, first apostles, then prophets, then teachers, then dynamites, then gifts of healings, helps, leaderships, kinds of tongues.

Haweis New Testament
And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.

Mace New Testament
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.

Weymouth New Testament
And by God's appointment there are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.'

Worrell New Testament
And God, indeed, set some in the assembly: first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; after that, miracles; then, gifts of healings, helps, governments, various kinds of tongues.

Worsley New Testament
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Greater Gifts
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?…

Cross References
Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Acts 13:1
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

Acts 11:27-28
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. / One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.)

Ephesians 2:20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. / For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. / But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. ...

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Acts 15:32
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

2 Corinthians 12:12
The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.

Acts 21:9-10
He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. / After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Hebrews 2:4
and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Exodus 31:1-6
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. / And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ...

Numbers 11:25-29
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. / Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

God.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…

Luke 6:14
Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Acts 13:1-3
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul…

helps.

Numbers 11:17
And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

governments.

Romans 12:8
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Hebrews 13:17,24
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you…

diversities.

1 Corinthians 12:10
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:

Acts 2:8-11
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? …

Jump to Previous
Ability Able Administrations Administrators Apostles Appointed Appointment Assembly Church Cure Diseases Diversities First Gift Gifts God's Healing Healings Help Helpers Helps Kinds Languages Miracle Miracles Miraculous Powers Prophets Render Second Secondly Service Speakers Teachers Third Tongues Varieties Various Workers
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Ability Able Administrations Administrators Apostles Appointed Appointment Assembly Church Cure Diseases Diversities First Gift Gifts God's Healing Healings Help Helpers Helps Kinds Languages Miracle Miracles Miraculous Powers Prophets Render Second Secondly Service Speakers Teachers Third Tongues Varieties Various Workers
1 Corinthians 12
1. Spiritual gifts,
4. are diverse,
7. yet to profit all.
8. And to that end are diversely bestowed;
12. as the members of a natural body tend all to the mutual decency,
22. service,
26. and helpfulness of the same body;
27. so we should do for one another, to make up the body of Christ.














And in the church
The term "church" (Greek: ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia) refers to the assembly or gathering of believers. Historically, this term was used in Greek culture to denote a gathering of citizens. In the Christian context, it signifies the body of Christ, a spiritual community called out from the world to serve God. The church is not merely a building or a denomination but a living organism composed of individuals united in faith.

God has appointed
The Greek word for "appointed" (ἔθετο, etheto) implies a deliberate and sovereign act of God. It underscores the divine initiative and authority in establishing roles within the church. This appointment is not based on human merit but on God's purpose and plan for His people. It reflects the order and intentionality with which God structures His church.

first of all apostles
"Apostles" (ἀπόστολοι, apostoloi) were foundational leaders in the early church, sent out with authority to preach the gospel and establish churches. The term means "sent ones" and is rooted in the mission of spreading the message of Christ. Historically, apostles were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ and were instrumental in laying the doctrinal foundation of the church.

second prophets
"Prophets" (προφῆται, prophētai) in the New Testament context were those who spoke forth the word of God, providing guidance, edification, and sometimes foretelling future events. Prophecy is a gift that builds up the church, offering insight and encouragement. The role of prophets is seen throughout Scripture as vital for communicating God's will to His people.

third teachers
"Teachers" (διδάσκαλοι, didaskaloi) are those who instruct and explain the Scriptures, helping believers understand and apply God's word. Teaching is a critical function in the church, ensuring that sound doctrine is maintained and that believers grow in their faith. The emphasis on teaching highlights the importance of knowledge and wisdom in the Christian life.

then workers of miracles
"Workers of miracles" (δυνάμεις, dynameis) refers to those through whom God performs supernatural acts. These acts serve as signs that confirm the truth of the gospel and demonstrate God's power. Miracles in the early church authenticated the message of the apostles and drew people to faith in Christ.

also those with gifts of healing
"Gifts of healing" (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, charismata iamatōn) are special endowments given by the Holy Spirit to restore physical, emotional, or spiritual health. Healing is a manifestation of God's compassion and a foretaste of the complete restoration promised in the kingdom of God. It serves as a testament to God's ongoing work in the world.

helping
The term "helping" (ἀντιλήμψεις, antilempseis) refers to the ministry of assistance and support within the church. This gift involves practical service and the ability to meet the needs of others, reflecting the servant heart of Christ. Helping is essential for the functioning of the church, as it fosters unity and care among believers.

administration
"Administration" (κυβερνήσεις, kybernēseis) involves the ability to lead, organize, and manage the affairs of the church effectively. This gift ensures that the church operates smoothly and that resources are stewarded wisely. Good administration is crucial for maintaining order and facilitating the church's mission.

and various tongues
"Various tongues" (γένη γλωσσῶν, genē glōssōn) refers to the ability to speak in languages not previously learned, often as a sign for unbelievers and a means of edifying the church. The gift of tongues is a demonstration of the Spirit's power and serves as a reminder of the diverse and global nature of the body of Christ. It points to the inclusivity of the gospel message, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

Verse 28. - Hath set; rather, appointed. First apostles. Apart from the twelve (Luke 6:13) and Paul and Barnabas, the name was in a lower sense extended to leading and eminent Christians, especially to those who had taken part in founding or ruling Churches (Romans 16:7). Prophets. Wise spiritual preachers. It is instructive to note that St. Paul places the gifts of wisdom and knowledge which these preachers require above those which we are apt to regard as exclusively miraculous. The "wonders" stood in a lower, not in a higher, position when compared with the ordinary gifts of grace. Teachers. Those who have the minor gifts of instruction and exposition (Acts 13:1). Helps. All the services rendered by the power of active sympathy; by the work of deacons, sisters of mercy, etc. (Acts 6:3, 4). The word occurs in 2 Macc. 8:19; Ecclus. 11:12, and the corresponding verb in Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 6:2; Luke 1:54; see Romans 16:3. Governments. Powers of leading and organization. Diversities [kinds] of tongues. Ranked as last in value. They are emotional gifts, which had only a very subordinate part in the work of edification, and are, therefore, placed below the gifts of knowledge, of power, and of practical life, which sum up the previous enumeration.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church
ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

has appointed
ἔθετο (etheto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

first of all
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

apostles,
ἀποστόλους (apostolous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

second
δεύτερον (deuteron)
Adverb
Strong's 1208: Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.

prophets,
προφήτας (prophētas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.

third
τρίτον (triton)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5154: Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.

teachers,
διδασκάλους (didaskalous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

then
ἔπειτα (epeita)
Adverb
Strong's 1899: Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.

[workers of] miracles,
δυνάμεις (dynameis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

[and]
ἔπειτα (epeita)
Adverb
Strong's 1899: Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.

[those with] gifts
χαρίσματα (charismata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5486: From charizomai; a gratuity, i.e. Deliverance;, a endowment, i.e. religious qualification, or miraculous faculty.

of healing,
ἰαμάτων (iamatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2386: Healing, curing, remedy. From iaomai; a cure.

helping,
ἀντιλήμψεις (antilēmpseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 484: Help, ministration; one who aids. From antilambanomai; relief.

administration,
κυβερνήσεις (kybernēseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2941: (lit: steering, piloting), governing, government. From kubernao; pilotage, i.e. directorship.

[and] various
γένη (genē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1085: Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; 'kin'.

tongues.
γλωσσῶν (glōssōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.


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