1Cor 12:14-25 | JFB | STEP | 14. Translate, "For the body also." The analogy of the body, not consisting exclusively of one, but of many members, illustrates the mutual dependence of the various members in the one body, the Church. The well-known fable of the belly and the other members, spoken by Menenius Agrippa, to the seceding commons [Livy, 2.32], was probably before Paul's mind, stored as it was with classical literature.

‏ 1 Corinthians 12:14-25

14. Translate, "For the body also." The analogy of the body, not consisting exclusively of one, but of many members, illustrates the mutual dependence of the various members in the one body, the Church. The well-known fable of the belly and the other members, spoken by Menenius Agrippa, to the seceding commons [Livy, 2.32], was probably before Paul's mind, stored as it was with classical literature.

15. The humbler members ought not to disparage themselves, or to be disparaged by others more noble (1Co 12:21, 22).

foot ... hand--The humble speaks of the more honorable member which most nearly resembles itself: so the "ear" of the "eye" (the nobler and more commanding member, Nu 10:31), (1Co 12:16). As in life each compares himself with those whom he approaches nearest in gifts, not those far superior. The foot and hand represent men of active life; the ear and eye, those of contemplative life.

17. Superior as the eye is, it would not do if it were the sole member to the exclusion of the rest.

18. now--as the case really is.

every one--each severally.

19. where were the body--which, by its very idea, "hath many members" (1Co 12:12, 14), [Alford].

20. now--as the case really is: in contrast to the supposition (1Co 12:19; compare 1Co 12:18).

many members--mutually dependent.

21. The higher cannot dispense with the lower members.

22. more feeble--more susceptible of injury: for example, the brain, the belly, the eye. Their very feebleness, so far from doing away with the need for them, calls forth our greater care for their preservation, as being felt "necessary."

23. less honourable--"We think" the feet and the belly "less honorable," though not really so in the nature of things.

bestow ... honour--putting shoes on (Margin) the feet, and clothes to cover the belly.

uncomely parts--the secret parts: the poorest, though unclad in the rest of the body, cover these.

24. tempered ... together--on the principle of mutual compensation.

to that part which lacked--to the deficient part [Alford], (1Co 12:23).

25. no schism--(compare 1Co 12:21)--no disunion; referring to the "divisions" noticed (1Co 11:18).

care one for another--that is, in behalf of one another.