What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — In Biblical Context
The Holy Spirit distributes supernatural abilities to believers — including wisdom, healing, prophecy, and teaching — for building up the body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit distributes supernatural abilities to believers — including wisdom, healing, prophecy, and teaching — for building up the body of Christ.
"But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." — 1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Several New Testament passages list spiritual gifts. First Corinthians 12:8-10 includes the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Romans 12:6-8 adds prophecy, ministry (service), teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling (leadership), and showing mercy. Ephesians 4:11 lists apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. First Peter 4:10-11 summarizes them as speaking gifts and serving gifts. Paul emphasizes that 'all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will' (1 Corinthians 12:11). No believer has all gifts, and no gift is given to all — this creates interdependence within the body (12:14-27). The purpose is always edification, not self-exaltation. Love must govern all gift usage: 'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass' (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 1 Corinthians 12:11, sits inside 1 Corinthians 12. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
Supporting Passages
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us."
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
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