BibleWord.ai› Bible› 1 Corinthians› Chapter 12› Verse 20

1 Corinthians 12:20

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But now they are many members, but one body.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But now they are many members, but one body.
1 Corinthians 12:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him.
19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20But now they are many members, but one body.
21And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:
23and those [parts] of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness;
← 1 Corinthians 12:191 Corinthians 12:21 →
← Full Chapter 12 1 Corinthians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But now are they many members, etc.] Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church would not be the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“now--as the case really is: in contrast to the supposition (Co1 12:19; compare Co1 12:18). many members--mutually dependent.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But one body - And it is a necessary consequence of this unity, that the several members need one another. 1 Corinthians 12:21”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification