The purpose of this study is to show the value of using several versions of the Bible to bring out the best shade of meaning in a passage. Although there is very little real difference in meaning among the various versions, there is a difference in the ways of expressing certain phrases. The reader may like some, but not others. However, he should find translations of words and phrases which will help him to understand what Paul, the original writer, was trying to express. The passage being discussed is 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11.

In the first translation of each verse (the King James Version) I have underlined key words and phrases. As you read the various versions, note how these have been translated. To prophesy often refers to speaking of the future. However, one meaning is to preach. Note whether or not any version ties discerning of spirits to prophecy. Note whether or not any version ties speaking in tongues to interpreting the tongues spoken. See also 1 Corinthians 14: 27, 28 in regard to the latter point.

Twenty-one versions have been used in this comparison. Each of the versions has different wording from the others somewhere within it.

Verse 7 states three things:

1. The source of the gifts is the Holy Spirit.
2. Every person receives a gift.
3. The gift is not for the recipient only, but for the good of everybody.

Verses 8, 9, and 10 list some of the gifts. These relate to spiritual matters. As with the ones listed in this passage, they, too, are to be used for the benefit of everyone. Some of the ones in the passage appear to be more in evidence than others. We are told in the Scriptures that we must have faith in Yahshua in order to receive salvation. Does the Holy Spirit give faith to some, but not to others? Have you not heard the comment that a person would be able to do something if he only had faith? I was once told by someone that I had weak faith because I physically could not do something that he could. There are degrees of faith. Also, there are degrees of the other gifts. Have you not been able to exercise more than one of these gifts to a small degree at some time? However, it is implied here that there are people who have one of these gifts to a greater extent. Have you not heard one minister speak the Word of God to the point that you were spiritually moved while another seemed to have no spiritual power in preaching?

Let us consider gifts not listed here. Some people can sing or play a musical instrument in such a way that others are uplifted while other people are completely tone-deaf or illiterate with a sheet of music. Some people can cook a most delicious meal while others have difficulty in frying an egg. Some people can write poetry, novels, or letters that will bring joy to their readers while others struggle to express a few thoughts in writing. Some people can overhaul an automobile engine so that it can be functional while others cannot locate the oil dipstick. Conversely, the people in these examples who cannot do those things can do other things which the other people cannot do. These are just a few gifts -- but they are gifts.

The passage tells us that everyone is given a gift. Does not a person have to be mentally alert in order to exercise that gift? For most gifts, he probably has to be. However, a gift can be exercised by one who is not. In this case, especially with children, it is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and other adults to recognize the gifts and to help the children to develop them. Seniors in nursing homes probably have exercised their gifts in previous years but no longer can. Nursing records often indicate what these gifts have been.

Being physically handicapped does not necessarily destroy the ability to exercise a gift. Ludwig van Beethoven composed much of his famous orchestral music after he became deaf. Winston Churchill did poorly in school and could not speak well, yet he became a recognized historian and a great wartime prime minister. Robert Louis Stevenson led a very sickly life, but he wrote poetry and stories that are classics in children's literature today.

Verse 11 reiterates that the gifts come from the Holy Spirit and that everyone receives a gift. The New Berkeley Version records the following footnote to this passage: "Every Christian has a gift from the Holy Spirit. Each must discover what his gift is, and then use it for the glory of God."

Now I shall return to the purpose of this comparison, that is, the use of several versions to bring out the meaning of a passage. I feel that using that procedure can help with understanding what Paul was teaching. I have seen all of these gifts used, but sometimes they did not come from the Holy Spirit. Thus, they were fakes. Examples of this are as follows: the faith that people had in Adolf Hitler; selective healing by some televangelists; prophesying of a future event that does not come to pass; jibberish talking in a church without someone independently interpreting.

Following one version only can give a wrong impression on what the gift really is. Examples in verse 10 are as follows: the discerning of spirits as stated in AB,GW, LB, WET, and WNT; and what can be interpreted as stated in AAT, DRB, LB, NEB, NIV, SGAT, and WET. A misunderstanding of what any one of the gifts is can place a question of doubt into the minds of marginal believers. Probably not any one of these versions is perfect regarding this or any other passage, but the reader can be helped in checking what several say.

This passage has a useful message for us. The use of several versions of the New Testament can help the reader to understand it better.