What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Meaning Explained

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).