1 Corinthians 12:22

22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

1 Corinthians 12:22 in Other Translations

KJV
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
ESV
22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
NLT
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
MSG
22 As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way - the "lower" the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach.
CSB
22 On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary.

1 Corinthians 12:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:22

Nay, much more those members of the body
The apostle, in a beautiful gradation, proceeds to take notice of such parts of the body as are more weak, dishonourable, and uncomely, showing the necessity and usefulness of them: which seem to be more feeble;
than others, do not consist of a strong bony substance, and are not fenced with sinews, as the belly and its intestines: yet these are necessary;
nor could the body be sustained, nourished, and refreshed, without them; so the more weak and feeble saints, whose hearts and hands are to be strengthened, whose infirmities are to be bore, have their usefulness; and the effectual working in the measure of every part, even of the feeble and tender, maketh increase of the body, to the edifying of itself in love: and these God has seen fit, as necessary to call by his grace, and place in the body, that his strength may be made perfect in their weakness, and to confound the mighty; and out of the mouths even of babes and sucklings to ordain strength and praise.

1 Corinthians 12:22 In-Context

20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”
22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,
24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,
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