1 Corinthians 1:26

Translations

Modern

Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.

Traditional

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

Literal

For consider your calling, brothers, that not many were wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, not many of noble birth.

Latin

Videte enim vocationem vestram, fratres, quia non multi sapientes secundum carnem, non multi potentes, non multi nobiles:

Original

Greek

English

Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:26

Socially and culturally, most Corinthian Christians were ordinary people. Few were among the elite (compare Matthew 11:25). Only a few Christians, such as Erastus, the city treasurer in Corinth (see Romans 16:23), were wealthy or high born (compare James 2:5).

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 The World Wisdom

Related verses

James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
1 Corinthians 3:18–20
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
James 1:9–11
The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
1 Corinthians 2:8
None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Matthew 11:25–26
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.
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.
1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Luke 18:24–25
Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
Luke 1:3
Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
Zephaniah 3:12
But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD.
1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
1 Corinthians 2:3–6
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

Glossary

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

Topics

Agency in Salvation of Men Boasting: Spiritual Called by God Calling Power: Spiritual Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Righteous: Described Wisdom: Worldly

1 Corinthians 1:26

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Translations

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