Lexical Summary iama: Healing, Cure Original Word: ἴαμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance healing. From iaomai; a cure (the effect) -- healing. see GREEK iaomai HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2386 íama (a neuter noun derived from 2390 /iáomai) – healing (always in the plural in the NT, "healings"). See 2390 (iaomai). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom iaomai Definition a healing NASB Translation healing (1), healings (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2386: ἴαμαἴαμα, ἰαματος, τό (ἰάομαι); 1. a means of healing, remedy, medicine; (Wis. 11:4 Wis. 16:9; Herodotus 3, 130; Thucydides 2, 51; Polybius 7, 14, 2; Plutarch, Lucian, others). 2. a healing: plural, 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30; (Jeremiah 40:6 The word translated “healings” (Strong’s Greek 2386) refers to concrete acts of physical restoration granted by God. In the plural it emphasizes repeated, diverse, and specific remedies rather than a general power. While Scripture includes emotional and spiritual wholeness, the New Testament focus of this term is bodily recovery that testifies to the saving reign of Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians is the only book where the plural form appears, and Paul clusters the three mentions within one discussion of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30). The repetition underlines that healings constitute a recognizable category of charismata distributed by the Spirit for the common good. Relationship to the Charismata Paul distinguishes “gifts of healing” from “miracles” (1 Corinthians 12:28), indicating that not every miraculous work is a healing and that healings can occur apart from spectacular signs such as raising the dead or controlling nature (Acts 9:40; Matthew 8:26). He also separates them from offices (apostles, prophets, teachers), showing that the gift may rest on any believer, male or female, as the Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). Old Testament Background of Divine Healing Yahweh revealed Himself as “the LORD who heals” in Exodus 15:26. Prophets like Elisha saw notable restorations (2 Kings 5). The Psalms celebrate God “who heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:3). These patterns prepared Israel to recognize healing as a messianic sign (Isaiah 35:5-6). Healing in the Ministry of Jesus and the Apostles Jesus’ healings authenticated His messianic identity and demonstrated the in-breaking kingdom: “Power was coming from Him and healing them all” (Luke 6:19). The risen Lord continued this ministry through the apostles (Acts 5:15-16), confirming the gospel and extending compassion to human need. Theological Significance • Christ’s Atonement: Isaiah 53:4-5 links physical sickness with the Servant’s suffering. Matthew applies the passage directly to Jesus’ healings (Matthew 8:16-17), showing that physical restoration flows from the same redemptive source as forgiveness. Historic Christian Witness Early church writers (e.g., Irenaeus, Tertullian) attested to ongoing healings in the assembly. Reformers such as Martin Luther emphasized prayer for the sick, and evangelical awakenings frequently reported cures accompanying gospel proclamation. Throughout history, orthodox believers have recognized healings as subject to Scripture, subordinate to preaching, and never for personal profit. Distinguishing Between Gifts and Offices Paul’s rhetorical questions—“Do all have gifts of healing?” (1 Corinthians 12:30)—imply varied distribution. Possessing a gift does not make someone a permanent “healer”; rather, the Spirit may employ different members at different times. Elders are charged to pray over the sick (James 5:14-16), but that ministry is distinct from the charisma discussed by Paul. Practical Implications for the Church Today 1. Dependence on the Spirit: Authentic healings arise from divine initiative, not technique. Pastoral Counsel and Cautions Suffering believers should be encouraged to seek prayer without fear of condemnation if healing is delayed. Faith is expressed in trusting God’s wisdom, whether He grants immediate relief or sustaining grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Claims of healing must be verified to guard against deception and preserve the church’s witness. Faith and Sovereignty While God honors believing prayer, the sovereign distribution of gifts means no individual or congregation can demand specific outcomes. “The same Spirit apportions them to each one as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Confidence rests not in the measure of human faith but in the character of the faithful Creator. Eschatological Dimension Every genuine healing is an advance signpost pointing toward the day when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Until then, the church ministers healing as a proclamation of the coming kingdom, a demonstration of Christ’s compassion, and a call to repentance and faith in the gospel. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 12:9 N-GNPGRK: δὲ χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ NAS: gifts of healing by the one KJV: the gifts of healing by INT: moreover gifts of healing in the 1 Corinthians 12:28 N-GNP 1 Corinthians 12:30 N-GNP |
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