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 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/46_1Co_01_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:21 - The Message of the Cross" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." /><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/1-21.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/1-21.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 21</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/1-20.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:20">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 1:21 <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:22">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those believing. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased, through the foolishness of the message preached, to save those who believe. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For since the world through all its [earthly] wisdom failed to recognize God, God in His wisdom was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached [regarding salvation] to save those who believe [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For since, in God&#8217s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> God was wise and decided not to let the people of this world use their wisdom to learn about him. Instead, God chose to save only those who believe the foolish message we preach. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The world with its wisdom was unable to recognize God in terms of his own wisdom. So God decided to use the nonsense of the Good News we speak to save those who believe. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called "foolish" message we preach, God decided to save those who believe. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe through the nonsense of our preaching. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For when in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For after the world by its wisdom--as God in His wisdom had ordained--had failed to gain the knowledge of God, God was pleased, by the apparent foolishness of the Message which we preach, to save those who accepted it. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For seeing in the wisdom of God the world through the wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those believing. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for, seeing in the wisdom of God the world through the wisdom knew not God, it did please God through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, God was contented by the foolishness of proclaiming to save them believing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the world did not know God through wisdom, and so, in the wisdom of God, it pleased God to accomplish the salvation of believers, through the foolishness of our preaching. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Because all the wisdom which God had given was not sufficient for the world to know God, it pleased God to save those who believe by the simple gospel. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And because, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God by wisdom, God was willing that by the insanity of preaching he would give life to those who believe.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For, since in the wisdom of God, the world, by its wisdom, knew not God, it has pleased God, through the foolishness of what is preached, to save those who believe. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for whereas the world, with all their learning, did not distinguish the characters of his divine wisdom, in his works, it pleased God to save those who believe, by preaching, which they counted folly. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For after the world by its wisdom--as God in His wisdom had ordained--had failed to gain the knowledge of God, God was pleased, by the apparent foolishness of the Message which we preach, to save those who accepted it. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For, since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom knew not God, God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For, since in the wisdom of God the world by it's wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by what they called the folly of preaching to save those that believe. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=178" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">The Message of the Cross</a> …20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1894.htm" title="1894: epeidē (Conj) -- Of time: when, now, after that; of cause: seeing that, forasmuch as. From epei and de; since now, i.e. when, or whereas.">since</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- 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/4678.htm" title="4678: sophia (N-DFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">wisdom</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/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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmos (N-NMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">its</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/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">did not</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egnō (V-AIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">know</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- 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: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">Him,</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/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/2106.htm" title="2106: eudokēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate.">was pleased</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- 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/3472.htm" title="3472: mōrias (N-GFS) -- Folly, absurdity, foolishness. From moros; silliness, i.e. Absurdity.">foolishness</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of what</a> <a href="/greek/2782.htm" title="2782: kērygmatos (N-GNS) -- A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation.">was preached</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōsai (V-ANA) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">to save</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteuontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">believe.</a> 22Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,…<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="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16-22</a> I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. / For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” / The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. ... <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Acts 17:18-31</a> Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. / So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? / For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” ... <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4-5</a> My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, / so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-20</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3-4</a> And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a> From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. <a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-43</a> Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: ... <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-36</a> 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?” ... <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a> Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” <a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a> 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? <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-7</a> Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. / Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.in.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a> But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.<a href="/daniel/2-20.htm">Daniel 2:20</a> Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:<a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a> O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!the wisdom.the world.<a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.<a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Luke 10:21</a> In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.<a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20-22,28</a> For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: … the foolishness.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a> For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/15-31.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/acts/4-16.htm">Apparent</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Message</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/romans/15-32.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Preached</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm">Save</a> <a href="/luke/3-22.htm">Well-Pleased</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">Apparent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-10.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-2.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">Preached</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-2.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-5.htm">Well-Pleased</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a> 28. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For since in the wisdom of God This phrase highlights the divine wisdom that orchestrates the events of the world. It reflects the biblical theme that God's wisdom is far superior to human understanding (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>). The wisdom of God is evident in creation (<a href="/psalms/104-24.htm">Psalm 104:24</a>) and in His plan of salvation, which often defies human logic. This wisdom is also seen in the mystery of the Gospel, which was hidden for ages but revealed in Christ (<a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a>).the world through its wisdom did not know Him Here, the "world" refers to humanity's collective understanding and philosophies that fail to recognize God. Despite the advancements in knowledge and philosophy, especially in Greek culture, human wisdom could not comprehend the nature of God or His plan (<a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a>). This reflects the limitations of human reasoning in spiritual matters and the need for divine revelation (<a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>).God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached This phrase underscores the paradox of the Gospel message. What is considered "foolishness" by worldly standards is actually the power of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a>). The preaching of the cross, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, is the means by which God chose to reveal His salvation (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23-24</a>). This demonstrates God's pleasure in using what seems weak to shame the strong (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>).to save those who believe Salvation is presented as a gift received through faith (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>). This phrase emphasizes the necessity of belief in the message of the Gospel for salvation. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that faith, not works, is the means by which individuals are justified before God (<a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28</a>). The call to believe is universal, yet it requires a personal response to the preached word (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and philosophical pursuits. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A Christian community in a cosmopolitan city, struggling with divisions and influenced by Greek philosophy and wisdom. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The divine being whose wisdom surpasses human understanding and who orchestrates salvation through seemingly foolish means. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Refers to humanity and its systems of thought, particularly Greek philosophy, which failed to recognize God through its own wisdom. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_preaching_of_the_gospel.htm">The Preaching of the Gospel</a> The message of Christ crucified, considered foolish by worldly standards but powerful for salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_wisdom_vs._human_wisdom.htm">Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom</a> God's wisdom is fundamentally different from human wisdom. While the world values intellectual achievement and philosophical reasoning, God’s plan of salvation through the cross appears foolish to those who rely solely on human understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_gospel.htm">The Power of the Gospel</a> The message of the cross, though simple and seemingly foolish, is the power of God for salvation. Believers are called to trust in this message rather than in human wisdom. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_faith.htm">Humility in Faith</a> Recognizing the limitations of human wisdom should lead to humility. Believers are encouraged to rely on God’s wisdom and revelation rather than their own understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a> Salvation comes through faith in the message preached, not through intellectual assent or human reasoning. This calls for a heart response to God’s revelation. <a href="/topical/g/god's_pleasure_in_salvation.htm">God’s Pleasure in Salvation</a> God delights in using what the world considers foolish to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and the depth of His wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a> <a href="/q/how_do_preaching_and_teaching_differ.htm">How do preaching and teaching differ in purpose and method?</a> <a href="/q/what_means_'god's_foolishness_is_wiser'.htm">What does "God's foolishness is wiser than men" mean?</a> <a href="/q/can_they_hear_without_a_preacher.htm">Can they hear without a preacher?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_stuttering.htm">What does the Bible mention about stuttering?</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>(21) For.--This is an explanation and evidence of Low God made the wisdom of the world to be only "folly."After that (better, inasmuch as) is not here a note of time, but of causal relation.In the wisdom of God.--These words can scarcely be taken as an expression of a kind of approval of God's wisdom in so arranging the method of revelation, but rather as referring to God's wisdom evidenced in nature, and in the teachings of lawgivers and prophets. The world by its wisdom did not attain to a knowledge of God in His wisdom displayed in creation (<a href="/acts/17-26.htm" title="And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;">Acts 17:26</a>; <a href="/romans/1-19.htm" title="Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it to them.">Romans 1:19</a>).It pleased God.--The world having thus failed to gain a true knowledge of God in His wisdom, He gave them that knowledge through that very proclamation of "the cross" which those "that perish" call foolishness. The contrast so strikingly put here is between (1) the failure of the world by means of its wisdom to know God, in His wisdom displayed to all in His mighty works, and to the Jews in His great teachers; and (2) the success of this "folly" of the gospel, as they called it, in saving all who believed it (<a href="/romans/1-16.htm" title="For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.">Romans 1:16</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - In the wisdom of God; that is, as a part of his Divine economy. The world through its wisdom knew not God. These words might be written as an epitaph on the tomb of ancient philosophy, and of modern philosophy and science so far as it assumes an anti-Christian form (<a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Luke 10:21</a>). Human wisdom, when it relies solely on itself, may "feel after God," but hardly find him (<a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26, 27</a>). Through the foolishness of the preaching. This is a mis-translation. It would require keruxeos, not kerugmatos. It should be by the foolishness (as men esteemed it) of the thing preached. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. since ἐπειδὴ (epeidē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1894.htm">Strong's 1894: </a> Of time: when, now, after that; of cause: seeing that, forasmuch as. From epei and de; since now, i.e. when, or whereas. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine 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. wisdom σοφίᾳ (sophia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. of 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. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world κόσμος (kosmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [its] τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine 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. 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. {did} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. know ἔγνω (egnō) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. [Him], Θεόν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. was pleased εὐδόκησεν (eudokēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2106.htm">Strong's 2106: </a> To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine 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. foolishness μωρίας (mōrias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3472.htm">Strong's 3472: </a> Folly, absurdity, foolishness. From moros; silliness, i.e. Absurdity. of what τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive 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. was preached κηρύγματος (kērygmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2782.htm">Strong's 2782: </a> A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation. to save σῶσαι (sōsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. those who τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. believe. πιστεύοντας (pisteuontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:21 For seeing that in the wisdom (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:22" /></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>