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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 12 - Verse 8

12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

Meaning

Within the Christian faith, the verse "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;" speaks to the concept of spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. The "word of wisdom" refers to the ability to apply divine wisdom to situations and decisions in life, while the "word of knowledge" involves receiving insight and understanding about spiritual truths and mysteries. These gifts are not acquired through human effort or intelligence, but are given freely by the Spirit to empower and edify the body of Christ. Each believer receives different gifts according to God's will, and these gifts are meant to be used for the greater good of the church and for spreading the message of God's love and salvation. By recognizing and utilizing these spiritual gifts, believers can serve others effectively and fulfill their purpose in the body of Christ.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Corinthians, Paul discusses the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers. The phrase "word of wisdom" refers to divine insight and understanding that goes beyond human knowledge – it is a supernatural ability to comprehend God's will and apply it to specific situations. On the other hand, the "word of knowledge" is a gift that involves receiving direct knowledge from God about a particular situation or person. Some scholars believe that the word "knowledge" here refers to experiential knowledge rather than theoretical knowledge. Both gifts are given by the same Spirit, indicating that each believer has a unique role to play in the Body of Christ. By understanding these spiritual gifts, believers can better discern God's will and act accordingly in their daily lives.

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