Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 14:12

Zeal and Edification: Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:12

Posted on December 12, 2014 by New Testament Greek

1 Corinthians 14:12 is part of Paul’s sustained discussion of spiritual gifts (chapters 12–14), with a special focus in chapter 14 on regulating tongues and prophecy in the gathered assembly. The Corinthian believers were enthusiastic for spiritual manifestations, especially tongues. Paul redirects that zeal toward a greater goal — the building up (οἰκοδομή) of the church. This verse functions as a corrective exhortation, blending commendation with redirection.

Structural Analysis

οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἐπεὶ ζηλωταί ἐστε πνευμάτων, πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε.

The sentence unfolds in three parts: (1) οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς — “So also you” — linking the Corinthians to the prior comparison (e.g.,… Learn Koine Greek

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Abounding with Purpose: Spiritual Zeal and Edification in 1 Corinthians 14:12

Posted on December 1, 2014 by New Testament Greek
The Verse in Focus (1 Corinthians 14:12) οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἐπεὶ ζηλωταί ἐστε πνευμάτων, πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς: Drawing the Reader In

The phrase οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς — “so also you” — connects this verse with the preceding discussion on tongues and prophecy. Paul now turns directly to the Corinthian believers, drawing a logical parallel: just as certain principles apply generally, so too must they apply to you.

This opening sets the tone: Paul is not condemning their spiritual zeal but reshaping its direction.

ἐπεὶ ζηλωταί ἐστε πνευμάτων: Recognizing Zeal

ἐπεὶ means “since” or “because,” introducing the reason for the exhortation.… Learn Koine Greek

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