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

World English Bible

"But now they are many members, but one body."

— 1 Corinthians 12:20, World English Bible

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1 Corinthians 12:20 in Other Translations

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1 Corinthians 12 — Context

17

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?

18

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired.

19

If they were all one member, where would the body be?

20

But now they are many members, but one body.

21

The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you."

22

No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

23

Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety;

1 Corinthians 12:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 12:20 say?
1 Corinthians 12:20 in the World English Bible reads: “But now they are many members, but one body.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 12:20 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 12:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 20.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 12:20.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 12:20 in?
1 Corinthians 12:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 12:20?
1 Corinthians 12:20 reads (WEB): “But now they are many members, but one body.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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