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1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power,
<!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 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/46_1Co_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power," /><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/2-4.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/2-4.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/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/2-3.htm" title="1 Corinthians 2:3">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 2:4 <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm" title="1 Corinthians 2:5">►</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/2.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/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And my message and my preaching <i>were</i> not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of <i>the</i> Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching <i>was</i> not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching <i>were</i> not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and my word and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I talked with you or preached, I didn't try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God's Spirit show his power. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I didn't speak my message with persuasive intellectual arguments. I spoke my message with a show of spiritual power<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and my teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words of human wisdom, but with convincing proof of the power of God's Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My message and my preaching were not accompanied by clever, wise words, but by a display of the Spirit's power, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit?s power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And my language and the Message that I proclaimed were not adorned with persuasive words of earthly wisdom, but depended upon truths which the Spirit taught and mightily carried home;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and my word and my preaching was not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And my message and my preaching <i>were</i> not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of <i>the</i> Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and my word and my preaching was not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And my word and my proclaiming not in persuasible words of man's wisdom, but in manifestation of the Spirit and of power.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in shewing of the Spirit and power; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And my words and preaching were not the persuasive words of human wisdom, but were a manifestation of the Spirit and of virtue,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive [words of] wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And my message and my preaching were not in the persuasiveness of the words of philosophy, but in the demonstration of The Spirit and power,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching were not in the persuasive words of wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and the power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And my conversation and my preaching was not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but with demonstration of the Spirit, and of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />my discourse, and my preaching did not consist in the persuasive reasonings of human wisdom, but in demonstrating the spiritual meaning of the scriptures:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And my language and the Message that I proclaimed were not adorned with persuasive words of earthly wisdom, but depended upon truths which the Spirit taught and mightily carried home;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And my speech and my preaching <i>were</i> not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And my discourse, and my preaching <i>was</i> not with the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/2-4.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=295" 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/2.htm">Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <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/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">message</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2782.htm" title="2782: kērygma (N-NNS) -- A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation.">preaching</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">were not</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3981.htm" title="3981: peithois (Adj-DMP) -- Persuasive, enticing, skilful. From peitho; persuasive.">persuasive</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logois (N-DMP) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">words</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophias (N-GFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">of wisdom,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/585.htm" title="585: apodeixei (N-DFS) -- Demonstration, proof; a showing off. From apodeiknumi; manifestation.">a demonstration</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">of the Spirit’s</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1411.htm" title="1411: dynameōs (N-GFS) -- From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.">power,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.…<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="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a></span><br />But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Romans 15:18-19</a></span><br />I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:5</a></span><br />because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7</a></span><br />Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a></span><br />For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">1 Corinthians 4:20</a></span><br />For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a></span><br />For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a></span><br />Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28-29</a></span><br />We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. / To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a></span><br />For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10-12</a></span><br />“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:</p><p class="hdg">my speech.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Acts 20:27</a></b></br> For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.</p><p class="hdg">not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1,13</a></b></br> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a></b></br> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/14-15.htm">Judges 14:15</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? <i>is it</i> not <i>so</i>?</p><p class="hdg">enticing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28</a></b></br> Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></b></br> For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">1 Corinthians 4:20</a></b></br> For the kingdom of God <i>is</i> not in word, but in power.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8-15</a></b></br> And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Romans 15:19</a></b></br> Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/21-5.htm">Adorned</a> <a href="/romans/11-15.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/3-26.htm">Demonstration</a> <a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Depended</a> <a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/hosea/2-14.htm">Enticing</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/19-20.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Persuasive</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Plausible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Spirit's</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-5.htm">Adorned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Demonstration</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-8.htm">Depended</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-29.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-40.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Enticing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Message</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Persuasive</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Plausible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">Spirit's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Paul declares that his preaching, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">though it bring not excellence of speech, or of human wisdom, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">yet consists in the power of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">and so far excels the wisdom of this world, that the natural man cannot understand it.</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My message and my preaching</b><br>Paul's message and preaching refer to the core of the Gospel he delivered to the Corinthians. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes the simplicity and purity of the Gospel message, contrasting it with the complex rhetoric and philosophy valued by Greek culture. This reflects Paul's commitment to focusing on Christ crucified (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a>) rather than human wisdom.<p><b>were not with persuasive words of wisdom</b><br>Paul deliberately avoided using the sophisticated rhetoric and eloquence that were highly esteemed in Corinthian society. The Greeks valued oratory skills and philosophical arguments, but Paul chose not to rely on these to convey the Gospel. This approach aligns with his earlier statement in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a>, where he emphasizes that the cross of Christ should not be emptied of its power by human wisdom.<p><b>but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power</b><br>The demonstration of the Spirit's power refers to the tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit's work among the Corinthians, which could include miracles, spiritual gifts, and transformed lives. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true faith and conversion are the result of the Holy Spirit's work, not human persuasion (<a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8-11</a>). The power of the Spirit is a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>, where He assures His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.<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 is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit over human wisdom.<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 faced many issues, including divisions and a reliance on human wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The third person of the Trinity, whose power Paul emphasizes as the true source of effective preaching and transformation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and reliance on human wisdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_missionary_journeys.htm">Paul's Missionary Journeys</a></b><br>Contextual backdrop for Paul's writing, as he traveled extensively to spread the Gospel and establish churches, including the one in Corinth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_the_spirit.htm">Reliance on the Spirit</a></b><br>As believers, we should prioritize the power of the Holy Spirit over human wisdom in our lives and ministries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_ministry.htm">Humility in Ministry</a></b><br>Recognize that effective ministry is not about eloquence or human persuasion but about allowing the Spirit to work through us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/power_of_the_gospel.htm">Power of the Gospel</a></b><br>The true power of the Gospel lies in its ability to transform lives through the Spirit, not through human arguments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Seek the Spirit's guidance in understanding and applying God's Word, rather than relying solely on human intellect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witnessing_with_power.htm">Witnessing with Power</a></b><br>When sharing the Gospel, trust in the Spirit to convict and transform hearts, rather than relying on personal charisma or persuasive techniques.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_false_apostles.htm">What does the Bible say about false apostles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_peter's_gospel.htm">What is Peter's gospel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_test_god's_kingdom_power_today.htm">In 1 Corinthians 4:20, how can one test the “power of the Kingdom of God” scientifically or empirically in a modern context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_testing_boost_faith_biblically.htm">How can we effectively preach the gospel today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">And my speech.</span>--The result which necessarily followed from this weakness and trembling was that neither his "speech" (<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> the style of his teaching), nor his "preaching" (<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> the subject-matter of his teaching) were of such a kind as to appeal to the natural tastes of the Corinthians.<p><span class= "bld">Demonstration of the Spirit.</span>--The Apostle's demonstration of the truth of the gospel was the result of no human art or skill, but came from the Spirit and power of God, and therefore the Corinthians could glory in no human teacher, but only in the power of God, which was the true source of the success of the gospel amongst them.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My speech and my preaching;</span> the form and matter of my discourse. He would not attempt to use the keen sword of philosophical dialectics or human eloquence, but would only use the weapon of the cross. <span class="cmt_word">Was not with enticing words of man's wisdom;</span> rather, <span class="accented">with persuasive words of wisdom</span> (the word <span class="accented">anthropines</span> is a gloss). This simplicity was the more remarkable because "Corinthian words" was a proverb for choice, elaborate, and glittering phrases (Wetstein). It is not improbable that the almost total and deeply discouraging want of success of St. Paul in preaching at Athens had impressed him mere strongly with the uselessness of attempting to fight Greek philosophers with their own blunt and imperfect weapons. <span class="cmt_word">In demonstration of the Spirit and of power</span>. So he says to the Thessalonians," Our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." The plain facts, so repellent to the natural intellect, were driven home with matchless force by spiritual conviction. The only heathen critic who has mentioned St. Paul's method is Longinus, the author of the treatise on 'The Sublime and Beautiful,' who calls him "a master of unproved dogma," meaning apparently that his force lay in the irresistible statement of the facts which he came to preach. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/2-4.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">My</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">message</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγος</span> <span class="translit">(logos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</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">my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">preaching</span><br /><span class="grk">κήρυγμά</span> <span class="translit">(kērygma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2782.htm">Strong's 2782: </a> </span><span class="str2">A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[were] not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">persuasive</span><br /><span class="grk">πειθοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(peithois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3981.htm">Strong's 3981: </a> </span><span class="str2">Persuasive, enticing, skilful. From peitho; persuasive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγοις</span> <span class="translit">(logois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of wisdom,</span><br /><span class="grk">σοφίας</span> <span class="translit">(sophias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a demonstration</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποδείξει</span> <span class="translit">(apodeixei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_585.htm">Strong's 585: </a> </span><span class="str2">Demonstration, proof; a showing off. From apodeiknumi; manifestation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of [the] Spirit’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεύματος</span> <span class="translit">(Pneumatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">power,</span><br /><span class="grk">δυνάμεως</span> <span class="translit">(dynameōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1411.htm">Strong's 1411: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:4 My speech and my preaching were not (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:5" /></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>