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</div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a> God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and the low-born of the world, and the things being despised, God also chose--the things not being--that He might annul the things being, <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may abolish the things that are, <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world —what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises-what it considers to be nothing-in order to destroy what it considers to be something. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> And God chose what is insignificant in the world, what is despised, what is nothing, in order to destroy what is something, <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, <a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And God chose the lowly of the world, and the despised, what is considered to be nothing, to bring to nothing what is considered to be something, <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and the things which the world regards as base, and those which it sets utterly at nought--things that have no existence--God has chosen in order to reduce to nothing things that do exist; <a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that don’t exist, that he might bring to nothing the things that exist, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and God chose the base things of the world, and the things despised, and the things that are not, that He may make useless the things that are— <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and the low-born of the world, and the things being despised, God also chose--the things not being--that He might annul the things being, <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the base things of the world, and the things despised did God choose, and the things that are not, that the things that are He may make useless -- <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the ignoble things of the world, and the despised things, has God chosen, and things not being, that the things being he might leave unemployed:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the base things of the world, and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are: <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And God has chosen the ignoble and contemptible of the world, those who are nothing, so that he may reduce to nothing those who are something. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he has chosen those of humble families in the world, and the lowly, and those who are insignificant, in order to belittle those who consider themselves important, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he has chosen those of low descent in the world and the rejects and those who are nothing, to nullify those who are,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and the ignoble things of the world, and the things that are despised, has God chosen, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are; <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and God has chosen the base-born of the world, and those of no reputation, the things which are not, that He may set at nought the things which are, <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and the ignoble things of the world, and the despicable, hath God elected, and the things that are not, to bring to nought the things which are, <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> those who were looked upon by the world as vile, as despicable, as nothing, these has God chosen to reduce their sufficiency to nothing. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and the things which the world regards as base, and those which it sets utterly at nought--things that have no existence--God has chosen in order to reduce to nothing things that do exist; <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and the base things of the world, and things despised, did God choose, and the things that are not, that He might bring to nought the things that are; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and things in the opinion of the world ignoble, and despicable, and accounted as nothing, hath God chosen, to abolish things that are in esteem among men; <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=243" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Wisdom from God</a> …27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">He</a> <a href="/greek/1586.htm" title="1586: exelexato (V-AIM-3S) -- To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select.">chose</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/36.htm" title="36: agenē (Adj-ANP) -- Lit: without family, hence: ignoble, base. Properly, without kin, i.e. ignoble.">lowly</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1848.htm" title="1848: exouthenēmena (V-RPM/P-ANP) -- To set at naught, ignore, despise. A variation of exoudenoo and meaning the same.">despised</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">things</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmou (N-GMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the things that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-ANP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2673.htm" title="2673: katargēsē (V-ASA-3S) -- From kata and argeo; to be entirely idle, literally or figuratively.">nullify</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the things that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-ANP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are,</a> 29so that no one may boast in His presence.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a> 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? <a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a> He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> 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. <a href="/romans/9-25.htm">Romans 9:25-26</a> As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” / and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a> He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. <a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7-8</a> He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. <a href="/isaiah/29-19.htm">Isaiah 29:19</a> The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. <a href="/zephaniah/3-12.htm">Zephaniah 3:12</a> But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD. <a href="/job/5-11.htm">Job 5:11</a> He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety. <a href="/matthew/20-16.htm">Matthew 20:16</a> So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a> Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a> Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” <a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Isaiah 41:14</a> Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. <a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a> This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are:things which.<a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17</a> (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11</a> I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.to bring.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6</a> Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:<a href="/deuteronomy/28-63.htm">Deuteronomy 28:63</a> And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.<a href="/job/34-19.htm">Job 34:19,20,24</a> How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/14-21.htm">Annul</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Base</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/acts/19-27.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/romans/8-39.htm">God</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/job/30-8.htm">Ignoble</a> <a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Lowly</a> <a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Nullify</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Order</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-8.htm">Reduce</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Regards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Annul</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Base</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-18.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-38.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">God</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-23.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Ignoble</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-6.htm">Lowly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/galatians/2-21.htm">Nullify</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm">Order</a> <a href="/exodus/5-8.htm">Reduce</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">Regards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-3.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-2.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a> 28. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He chose the lowly and despised things of the world This phrase highlights God's preference for using what the world considers insignificant or contemptible to accomplish His purposes. In the cultural context of Corinth, a city known for its wealth and social stratification, this would have been a radical statement. The "lowly and despised" could refer to those of humble social status, the poor, or those without influence. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God chooses the unlikely, such as David, a shepherd boy, to be king (<a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a>), or Gideon, the least in his family, to deliver Israel (<a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a>). It underscores the idea that God's power is made perfect in weakness (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>).and the things that are not This phrase suggests the use of what is considered non-existent or insignificant by worldly standards. In a historical context, this could refer to those who lack social standing or power. Theologically, it points to God's ability to create ex nihilo, or out of nothing, as seen in the creation narrative (Genesis 1). It also connects to the concept of faith, which calls into existence things that do not exist (<a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17</a>). This demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His will through unexpected means.to nullify the things that are Here, the purpose of God's choice is revealed: to nullify or bring to nothing the things that are esteemed by the world. This is a direct challenge to the values of the Corinthian society, which prized wisdom, power, and status. It echoes the theme of reversal found throughout Scripture, such as in the Magnificat where Mary proclaims that God has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble (<a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a>). This phrase also points to the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, where the first will be last and the last will be first (<a href="/matthew/19-30.htm">Matthew 19:30</a>). It serves as a reminder that God's ways are not our ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>), and His kingdom operates on principles that often contradict worldly wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A Christian community in a cosmopolitan city, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and spiritual pride. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god's_choice.htm">God's Choice</a> The divine action of choosing what is considered insignificant by worldly standards to accomplish His purposes. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Refers to the prevailing cultural and societal norms that often value power, status, and wealth. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lowly_and_despised.htm">The Lowly and Despised</a> Those whom society overlooks or devalues, yet whom God chooses to demonstrate His power and wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a> God often chooses what the world deems insignificant to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and wisdom. <a href="/topical/v/value_in_humility.htm">Value in Humility</a> Believers are called to embrace humility, recognizing that God values the heart over external status or achievements. <a href="/topical/r/redefining_success.htm">Redefining Success</a> Success in God's kingdom is not measured by worldly standards but by faithfulness and obedience to His calling. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_overlooked.htm">Encouragement for the Overlooked</a> Those who feel overlooked or undervalued can find encouragement in knowing that God sees and chooses them for His purposes. <a href="/topical/c/challenge_to_worldly_values.htm">Challenge to Worldly Values</a> Christians are challenged to reject societal norms that prioritize power and prestige, instead embracing God's upside-down kingdom values.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_bhagavad_gita.htm">What does 'foolish things confound the wise' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'foolish_confound_wise'_mean.htm">What does "foolish things confound the wise" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_favor_the_'weak'_fit_church_power.htm">(1 Corinthians 1:27-29) How does divine favoritism toward the 'weak' and 'foolish' align with centuries of church power and widespread influence?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_1_cor_11_3-10_with_gal_3_28.htm">In 1 Corinthians 11:3-10, how can the requirement for women to cover their heads be reconciled with the claim that there is 'no male and female' in Galatians 3:28?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) And things which are not.--This climax loses somewhat of its force by the insertion of the word "and," which is not in some of the best MSS., and "yea," which is not in any MS. Omitting the word "and," the sentence is not an addition to the things already mentioned, but a general and emphatic summary of all the things which have been already contrasted with their opposites. After the words "hath God chosen" there is a slight pause, and then the Apostle describes all those things which he has declared to be God's choice, as things which "are not"--i.e., do not in men's estimation even exist (<a href="/romans/4-17.htm" title="(As it is written, I have made you a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who vivifies the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were.">Romans 4:17</a>; <a href="/romans/9-25.htm" title="As he said also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.">Romans 9:25</a>; see also <a href="/job/34-19.htm" title="How much less to him that accepts not the persons of princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.">Job 34:19</a>; <a href="/job/34-24.htm" title="He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.">Job 34:24</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - And the base things; literally, low-born, unborn; "those who are sprung kern no one in particular" - nullo patre, nullis majoribus. Nothing could be more ignoble in the eyes of the world than a cross of wood upheld by feeble hands, and yet before it "kings and their armies did flee and were discomfited, and they of the household divided the spoil." And the things that are not. The not is the Greek subjective negative (μὴ); things of which men conceived as not existing - "nonentities." It is like the expression of Clement of Rome, "Things accounted as nothing." Christianity was "the little stone, cut without hands," which God called into existence. We find the same thought in St. John the Baptist's sermon (<a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Matthew 3:9</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[He] Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. chose ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1586.htm">Strong's 1586: </a> To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. lowly ἀγενῆ (agenē) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_36.htm">Strong's 36: </a> Lit: without family, hence: ignoble, base. Properly, without kin, i.e. ignoble. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. despised ἐξουθενημένα (exouthenēmena) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1848.htm">Strong's 1848: </a> To set at naught, ignore, despise. A variation of exoudenoo and meaning the same. things τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world, κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the things that τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. are ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not, μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. nullify καταργήσῃ (katargēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2673.htm">Strong's 2673: </a> From kata and argeo; to be entirely idle, literally or figuratively. the things that τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. are, ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">1 Corinthians 1:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:28 And God chose the lowly things (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>