Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, 1 Corinthians 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Matthew 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy of future events; (4) discerning of spirits, or the divinely given faculty of distinguishing between those really inspired, and those who pretended to inspiration. III. Gifts referring to the tongues: (1) diverse kinds of tongues; (2) interpretation of tongues. The catalogue in 1 Corinthians 12:28 is not meant strictly to harmonize with the one here, though there are some particulars in which they correspond. The three genera are summarily referred to by single instances of each in 1 Corinthians 13:8. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers.
by . . . by . . . by--The first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare 1 Corinthians 12:11); the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the Greek, Matthew 22:43; Luke 2:27).
word of wisdom--the ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Ephesians 6:19) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:6-7; Ephesians 1:8; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 2:3).
word of knowledge--ready utterance supernaturally imparted of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is distinguished from "the word of wisdom," which related to NEW revelations). Compare 1 Corinthians 14:6, where "revelation" (answering to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from "knowledge" [HENDERSON]. Wisdom or revelation belonged to the "prophets"; knowledge, to the "teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge. Knowledge relates to things that are to be done. Wisdom, to things eternal: hence, wisdom is not, like knowledge, said to "pass away" (1 Corinthians 13:8), [BENGEL].
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
1 Corinthians 12:28
Colossians 1:28
2 Thessalonians 2:2
1 Timothy 3:13
1 Timothy 6:20-21
Hebrews 2:4
Revelation 22:6
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