CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/46_1Co_01_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Message of the Cross" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/1-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/1-25.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 25</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:24">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 1:25 <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:26">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[This is] because the foolishness of God [is not foolishness at all and] is wiser than men [far beyond human comprehension], and the weakness of God is stronger than men [far beyond the limits of human effort].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />because God&#8217s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God&#8217s weakness is stronger than human strength. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even when God is foolish, he is wiser than everyone else, and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God's nonsense is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For what seems to be God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God's weakness is stronger than human strength. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For God's nonsense is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man?s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man?s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than man's, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Because that which the world deems foolish in God is wiser than men's wisdom, and that which it deems feeble in God is mightier than men's might.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For the foolish thing of God is wiser than men; and the weak thing of God is stronger than men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For what is foolishness to God is considered wise by men, and that which is weakness to God is considered strong by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because the madness of God is wiser than humans and the weakness of God is stronger than humans.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For this foolishness of God is wiser than men; and this weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for this divine doctrine, as foolish and weak as men may think it, far surpasses all their wisdom, and baffles all their power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Because that which the world deems foolish in God is wiser than men's wisdom, and that which it deems feeble in God is mightier than men's might.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Because the foolishness of God, <i>as they call it,</i> is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=211" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">The Message of the Cross</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24</span>but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: Hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- 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/3474.htm" title="3474: mōron (Adj-NNS) -- Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.">foolishness</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophōteron (Adj-NNS-C) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">wiser</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">than man’s wisdom,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- 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/772.htm" title="772: asthenes (Adj-NNS) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">weakness</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/2478.htm" title="2478: ischyroteron (Adj-NNS-C) -- Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.">is stronger</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">than man’s strength.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">26</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-36</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” / “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a></span><br />There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-13.htm">Job 12:13</a></span><br />Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a></span><br />Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a></span><br />The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:19</a></span><br />Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a></span><br />There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></span><br />who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.</p><p class="hdg">the foolishness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18,27-29</a></b></br> For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/13-17.htm">Exodus 13:17</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not <i>through</i> the way of the land of the Philistines, although that <i>was</i> near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-2.htm">Exodus 14:2-4</a></b></br> Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Deems</a> <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/luke/3-17.htm">Mightier</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/romans/8-26.htm">Weakness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Wiser</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Deems</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/genesis/26-16.htm">Mightier</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-22.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">Weakness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-31.htm">Wiser</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom</b><br>This phrase highlights the paradoxical nature of divine wisdom compared to human understanding. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses a church divided by allegiance to different leaders and philosophies. The "foolishness of God" refers to the message of the cross, which seems absurd to those relying on human wisdom (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-24</a>). Historically, the Greco-Roman world valued rhetoric and philosophy, often dismissing the Christian message as simplistic. However, biblical wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), and God's ways are higher than human ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>). This phrase underscores the superiority of divine revelation over human intellect, as seen in the fulfillment of prophecies and the life of Jesus Christ, who embodies wisdom (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<p><b>and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the power of God manifest in what appears weak to human eyes. The crucifixion of Jesus, a seemingly weak and shameful event, is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and plan for salvation (<a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a>). In the cultural context of Corinth, strength and power were highly esteemed, yet Paul contrasts this with the strength found in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. The "weakness of God" is a reference to the humility and suffering of Jesus, which paradoxically conquers sin and death (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-11</a>). This concept is echoed in the lives of believers, who are called to find strength in their own weaknesses through Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a>). The phrase challenges the Corinthian church, and all believers, to reevaluate their understanding of true power and strength in light of the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was writing to the church in Corinth to address various issues and to provide guidance and correction.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for its moral and spiritual challenges. The church in Corinth was dealing with divisions and misunderstandings about the nature of wisdom and power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>A community of believers in Corinth who were struggling with issues of unity, spiritual gifts, and understanding the gospel's implications.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_wisdom_vs._human_wisdom.htm">Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom</a></b><br>God's wisdom often appears foolish to the world, yet it is infinitely superior. Believers are called to trust in God's wisdom even when it contradicts worldly logic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strength_in_weakness.htm">Strength in Weakness</a></b><br>God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Christians should find comfort in their limitations, knowing that God's power is at work in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_understanding.htm">Humility in Understanding</a></b><br>Recognize the limitations of human wisdom and approach God with humility, seeking His guidance and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_sight.htm">Faith Over Sight</a></b><br>Trust in God's plan and purpose, even when it seems counterintuitive or difficult to understand from a human perspective.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a></b><br>Embrace the diversity of gifts and perspectives within the church, understanding that God's wisdom is manifested in various ways through His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/if_true,_wouldn't_smart_people_believe.htm">If Christianity were true, wouldn’t more intelligent people believe in it?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_means_'god's_foolishness_is_wiser'.htm">What does "God's foolishness is wiser than men" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_the_bible_flawless_with_contradictions.htm">Proverbs 30:5 calls every word of God flawless; how can this be true if the Bible appears to contain contradictions? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'weakness_is_strength'_mean.htm">What does "weakness is strength" mean?</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>(25) <span class= "bld">Because.</span>--This introduces the reason why Christ, as being crucified, is the power and wisdom of God, viz., because God's folly (as they call it) is wiser, not "than the wisdom of men," as some understand this passage, but than men themselves--embracing in that word all that men can know or hope ever to know; and the weakness of God (as they regard it) is stronger than men.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The foolishness of God... the weakness of God;</span> the method, that is, whereby God works, and which men take to be foolish and weak, because with arrogant presumption they look upon themselves as the measure of all things. But God achieves the mightiest ends by the humblest means, and the gospel of Christ allied itself from the first, not with the world's strength and splendour, but with all which the world despised as mean and feeble - with fishermen and tax gatherers, with slaves, and women, and artizans. The lesson was specially needful to the Corinthians, whom Cicero describes ('De Leg. Age,' 2:32) as "famous, not only for their luxuriousness, but also for their wealth and philosophic culture." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(Hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">foolishness</span><br /><span class="grk">μωρὸν</span> <span class="translit">(mōron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστίν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wiser</span><br /><span class="grk">σοφώτερον</span> <span class="translit">(sophōteron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than man’s [wisdom],</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνθρώπων</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weakness</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενὲς</span> <span class="translit">(asthenes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] stronger</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰσχυρότερον</span> <span class="translit">(ischyroteron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2478.htm">Strong's 2478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than man’s [strength].</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνθρώπων</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:26" /></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>