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<!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 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/46_1Co_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/2-1.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/2-1.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 1</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="/ad1.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/1-31.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:31">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 2:1 <a href="/1_corinthians/2-2.htm" title="1 Corinthians 2:2">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/2.htm">New International Version</a> And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I having come to you, brothers, did not come according to excellency of speech or wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with superiority of word or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the witness of God. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming to you the testimony of God [concerning salvation through Christ], I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom [no lofty words of eloquence or of philosophy as a Greek orator might do]; <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn't use big words or try to sound wise. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the mystery of God. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Brothers and sisters, when I came to you, I didn't speak about God's mystery as if it were some kind of brilliant message or wisdom. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> When I came to you, my friends, to preach God's secret truth, I did not use big words and great learning. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> When I came to you, brothers, I didn't come and tell you about God's secret with rhetorical language or wisdom. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with superiority of speech or wisdom, proclaiming to you the mystery of God. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech, or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And as for myself, brethren, when I came to you, it was not with surpassing power of eloquence or earthly wisdom that I came, announcing to you that which God had commanded me to bear witness to. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers, I didn’t come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I, having come to you, brothers, came—not in superiority of discourse or wisdom—declaring to you the testimony of God, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I having come to you, brothers, did not come according to excellency of speech or wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I, having come unto you, brethren, came -- not in superiority of discourse or wisdom -- declaring to you the testimony of God, <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I having come to you, brethren, came not with eminence of word or of wisdom, announcing to you the testimony of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND I, brethren, when I came to you, came not in loftiness of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of Christ. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, brothers, when I came to you, announcing to you the testimony of Christ, I did not bring exalted words or lofty wisdom. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND I, my brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellency of speech, nor did I preach to you with learning the mystery of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when I came to you, my brethren, I did not proclaim to you by magnificent speech, neither by scholarship, The Gospel of the mystery of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And I, brethren, having come unto you, came not in the excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming unto you the testimony of God. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> AND I, when I came to you, brethren, came not with superior excellence of discourse or wisdom, preaching unto you the gospel of God. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As for me, my brethren, when I appear'd among you, it was not to represent to you the divine mystery in sublime language, and with human literature. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And as for myself, brethren, when I came to you, it was not with surpassing power of eloquence or earthly wisdom that I came, announcing to you that which God had commanded me to bear witness to. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And I, when I came among you, brethren, came not with excellency of language, or of human wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God: <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=274" 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/2.htm">Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power</a> 1<a href="/greek/2504.htm" title="2504: Kagō (PPro-N1S) -- To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.">When I</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthon (V-AIA-1S) -- To come, go. ">I did not come</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kath’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">with</a> <a href="/greek/5247.htm" title="5247: hyperochēn (N-AFS) -- Superiority, excellence, preeminence, authority. From huperecho; prominence, i.e. superiority.">eloquence</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression."></a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophias (N-GFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/greek/2605.htm" title="2605: katangellōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.">as I proclaimed</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- 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/3142.htm" title="3142: martyrion (N-ANS) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. evidence given or, the Decalogue.">testimony</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.">about God.</a> 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.…<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="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-4</a> After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. / There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, / and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a> For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.” <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">2 Corinthians 11:6</a> Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">1 Corinthians 4:20</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a> For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a> Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:5</a> As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:5</a> 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. <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Romans 15:18-19</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Galatians 6:14</a> But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1</a> Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And I, brothers, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.when.<a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-4</a> After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; … with.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4,13</a> And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: … <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a> And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.the testimony.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-6.htm">1 Corinthians 1:6</a> Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:<a href="/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20</a> To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.<a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Acts 20:21</a> Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Announcing</a> <a href="/acts/27-43.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/romans/8-33.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Eloquence</a> <a href="/romans/7-16.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/acts/23-26.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Lofty</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/romans/3-1.htm">Superiority</a> <a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Surpassing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-6.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-6.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Announcing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-17.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Eloquence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">Lofty</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Proclaiming</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">Superiority</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Surpassing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-26.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 2</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Paul declares that his preaching, </a> 4. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">though it bring not excellence of speech, or of human wisdom, </a> 5. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">yet consists in the power of God;</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">and so far excels the wisdom of this world, that the natural man cannot understand it.</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>When I came to you This phrase marks the personal and direct approach of the Apostle Paul. The Greek word for "came" (ἦλθον, ēlthon) suggests a deliberate action, emphasizing Paul's intentional mission to the Corinthians. Historically, Corinth was a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. Paul's arrival signifies the introduction of the Gospel into a complex cultural and social environment, highlighting the missionary zeal and courage required to preach in such a setting.brothers The term "brothers" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is a term of endearment and spiritual kinship. It reflects the familial bond among believers, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. In the early church, this term was crucial in fostering unity and equality among diverse members. It underscores the Christian doctrine of the church as a family, united in Christ, and serves as a reminder of the love and support that should characterize Christian communities.I did not come with eloquence or wisdom Paul's rejection of "eloquence" (λόγος, logos) and "wisdom" (σοφία, sophia) is significant. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and philosophy were highly esteemed. However, Paul deliberately distances his message from these cultural norms to emphasize the power of the Gospel itself. This approach challenges the Corinthian church, which was influenced by Greek philosophical thought, to value divine wisdom over human intellect. It serves as a reminder that the transformative power of the Gospel does not rely on human skill but on the Spirit's work.as I proclaimed to you The act of proclaiming (καταγγέλλω, katangellō) is central to Paul's ministry. This verb implies a public declaration, often with authority and urgency. Paul's proclamation is not a mere sharing of ideas but a bold announcement of divine truth. This reflects the apostolic calling to preach the Gospel with conviction, regardless of societal pressures or expectations.the testimony about God The "testimony" (μαρτύριον, martyrion) refers to the witness or evidence of God's work through Jesus Christ. In a legal sense, it denotes a formal declaration of truth. This testimony is not based on human reasoning but on divine revelation. It points to the core message of the Gospel: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The focus on God's testimony underscores the divine origin and authority of the message Paul delivers, inviting believers to trust in God's revelation rather than human wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>II.(1) And I.--The Apostle now proceeds to show how he personally, in both the matter and manner of his teaching at Corinth, had acted in accordance with those great principles which he has already explained as God's method. "The testimony of God" is St. Paul's testimony concerning God in Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-6.htm" title="Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:">1Corinthians 1:6</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-8.htm" title="Be not you therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be you partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;">2Timothy 1:8</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-5. - St. Paul's own method. Verse 1. - And I; "I too;" I in accordance with God's method. When I came to you. The date of his first visit was in A.D. , and he had stayed a year and a half (<a href="/acts/18-11.htm">Acts 18:11</a>). He had since been (roughly speaking) "three years" (τριετίαν, <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a>) at Ephesus. Of speech or of wisdom. I spoke to you neither oratorically nor philosophically. Hence the Apollos party, fond of the brilliant rhetoric of the young Alexandrian, spoke of Paul's speech as "contemptible" (<a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a>). The testimony of God; that is, the witness borne to Christ by the Father (<a href="/1_john/5-10.htm">1 John 5:10, 11</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[When] I Κἀγὼ (Kagō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2504.htm">Strong's 2504: </a> To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me. came ἐλθὼν (elthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you, ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. I did not come ἦλθον (ēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. with καθ’ (kath’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). eloquence ὑπεροχὴν (hyperochēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5247.htm">Strong's 5247: </a> Superiority, excellence, preeminence, authority. From huperecho; prominence, i.e. superiority. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. wisdom σοφίας (sophias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. [as] I proclaimed καταγγέλλων (katangellōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2605.htm">Strong's 2605: </a> To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate. to you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter 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. testimony μαρτύριον (martyrion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3142.htm">Strong's 3142: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. evidence given or, the Decalogue. about God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:1 When I came to you brothers (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:2" /></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>