12:6a–b
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith: The Berean Standard Bible adds the words let him use it. Many scholars and English versions agree that the Greek implies a command to use the gifts properly. For example, the English Standard Version adds the words of a command in the last part:
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (English Standard Version)
12:6a
We have different gifts: This clause indicates that all believers do not have the same gift. Paul listed seven of the gifts in 12:6b–8. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
Having gifts that differ (English Standard Version)
-or-
the gifts that we have differ (New Jerusalem Bible)
gifts: This word refers to something that is given without cost to the person receiving it. Paul listed seven of the gifts in 12:6b–8. See how you translated this word in 1:11 or 11:29.
the grace given us: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
the grace ⌊that God⌋ gave to us
grace: This word refers to being kind to people without requiring anything in return. This kindness is not given because they have done anything to deserve it. See how you translated this word in 3:24 or 11:6.
12:6b–8
Each gift in the list has a phrase that begins with the Greek word that means “in.” Each phrase describes how each gift is to be used. Many languages must add a verb each time for a natural translation. See the note on 12:6a–b above or the individual notes below in 12:6b–8.
12:6b
prophecy: The word prophecy refers to a message that God gives to someone. The message may include a vision, as in Ezekiel 1 and Daniel 8. A prophecy may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events. The prophet speaks the prophecy to the people or writes it down for their use.
Some languages do not have a word for prophecy. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:
direct message from God
-or-
God’s ⌊new⌋ message
-or-
a message that God has revealed
• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, you may want to explain it in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:
The word “prophecy” refers to a message that God gives to someone. The message may include a vision. A prophecy may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events.
let him use it: The Berean Standard Bible adds these words. See the note at 12:6a–b about that.
These gifts are given to each believer. They are not shared like someone might share a tool. Some languages must continue referring to the individual for the correct meaning, as the Berean Standard Bible does. Here is another way to translate this:
let ⌊each of⌋ us use them
in proportion to his faith: Here the word his refers to each of us who have the gift of prophecy. Each of us with the gift of prophecy must use it according to how much faith we have. One cannot speak true prophecies when he does not have the faith for it. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
measured to the amount of faith ⌊each of⌋ us ⌊have⌋
-or-
sized to our faith
proportion: This word refers to the relative sizes or amounts of different sorts of things. In this context, in relation to a small amount of faith, the amount of prophecy would be small, but in relation to a large amount of faith, the amount of prophecy would also be large. See the examples above.
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