1 Corinthians 1:21

Translations

Modern

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Traditional

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Literal

For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.

Latin

Nam quia in Dei sapientia non cognovit mundus per sapientiam Deum: placuit Deo per stultitiam prædicationis salvos facere credentes.

Original

Greek

English

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:21

Human wisdom alone does not lead people to truly know God. This understanding comes only through the message of the cross. The world sees this message as foolish, but it saves those who believe (see Matthew 11:25).

1 Corinthians 1:18–31

Paul contrasts eloquence and human wisdom, which some Corinthians valued, with the seemingly foolish message of the cross, which expresses God's wisdom. The followers of Apollos, in particular (see 1 Corinthians 1:12), were likely drawn to his speaking skills and intellectual approach to ministry (see Acts 18:24–28). In contrast, Paul emphasizes that the true power is in the simple message of the cross of Christ.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Fear of the Lord Passing On Authority and Responsibility to a New Leader Solomon’s Wisdom The Stone the Builders Rejected The World Wisdom

Related verses

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Romans 1:20–22
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.
1 Corinthians 1:24
…but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Ephesians 3:10
His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Daniel 2:20
…and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.
Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
Romans 1:28
Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel Letter to the Ephesians Mystery Natural Man Peter, Second Letter of Second Letter to the Corinthians Second Letter to the Thessalonians Wisdom

Topics

Blindness: Spiritual Boasting: Spiritual Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Philosophy is not Sufficient for an Adequate Knowledge of God Philosophy: Employment of, Was not Paul's Method of Preaching the Gospel Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Salvation: Plan of Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of The Heathen: Ignorant Wisdom: Worldly

1 Corinthians 1:21

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