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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 1:22 Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/46_1Co_01_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:22 - The Message of the Cross" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom," /><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/1-22.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/1-22.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 22</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="/ad2.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/1-21.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:21">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 1:22 <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Forasmuch as both Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For Jews demand signs (attesting miracles), and Greeks pursue [worldly] wisdom <i>and</i> philosophy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jews ask for miracles, and Greeks want something that sounds wise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jews want miracles for proof, and Greeks look for wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jews ask for signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jews demand a sign and Greeks search for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks ask for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Seeing that Jews demand miracles, and Greeks go in search of wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Since also Jews ask a sign, and Greeks seek wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Forasmuch as both Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Since also Jews ask a sign, and Greeks seek wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And since the Jews ask a sign, and the Greeks seek wisdom:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For both the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For the Jews ask for signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews demand signs, and the Syrians seek after wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because the Jews ask for signs and the Aramaeans seek philosophy.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For the Jews ask for a sign, and the Greeks seek for wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Since indeed the Jews ask for miracles, and the Greeks seek after wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For the Jews demand a miracle, and the Greeks seek wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />while the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Seeing that Jews demand miracles, and Greeks go in search of wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />seeing that both Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And whereas the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks look for wisdom, we preach Christ crucified;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-22.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=190" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">The Message of the Cross</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>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. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><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."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aitousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">demand</a> <a href="/greek/4592.htm" title="4592: sēmeia (N-ANP) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.">signs</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1672.htm" title="1672: Hellēnes (N-NMP) -- From Hellas; a Hellen or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew.">Greeks</a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: zētousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">search for</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophian (N-AFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">wisdom,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">23</span>but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,…<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="/john/4-48.htm">John 4:48</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-39</a></span><br />Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a></span><br />Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11-12</a></span><br />Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. / Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-30</a></span><br />As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18</a></span><br />On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-30.htm">John 6:30</a></span><br />So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Acts 17:18-21</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Galatians 3:5</a></span><br />Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Hebrews 2:4</a></span><br />and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Exodus 7:9-10</a></span><br />“When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent.” / So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-2</a></span><br />If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-3.htm">1 Kings 13:3-5</a></span><br />That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” / Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. / And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/20-8.htm">2 Kings 20:8-11</a></span><br />Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” / And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” / “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:</p><p class="hdg">the Jews.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38,39</a></b></br> Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a></b></br> The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11</a></b></br> And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.</p><p class="hdg">the Greeks.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Acts 17:18-21</a></b></br> Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-21.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/romans/3-9.htm">Greeks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/19-11.htm">Miracles</a> <a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Request</a> <a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Require</a> <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Search</a> <a href="/romans/15-3.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/9-5.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Greeks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">Miracles</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Request</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Require</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-17.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-10.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Jews demand signs</b><br>In the biblical context, the Jewish people often sought miraculous signs as evidence of divine authority. This expectation is rooted in the Old Testament, where God frequently used signs and wonders to validate His messengers and His covenant with Israel (e.g., <a href="/exodus/4.htm">Exodus 4:1-9</a>, <a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36-39</a>). During Jesus' ministry, the Pharisees and Sadducees repeatedly asked Him for signs to prove His messianic claims (<a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-39</a>, <a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18</a>). This demand for signs reflects a cultural and religious expectation for tangible proof of God's intervention and presence. The Jewish anticipation of a messianic deliverer was often linked to the expectation of miraculous acts, as seen in prophecies like <a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a>, which describe the coming of the Messiah with signs of healing and restoration.<p><b>and Greeks search for wisdom</b><br>The Greek culture highly valued wisdom, philosophy, and intellectual discourse. This pursuit of wisdom is evident in the works of philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who sought to understand the nature of reality, ethics, and the human condition through reason and debate. In the context of the New Testament, the city of Corinth, where the letter was addressed, was a hub of Greek culture and thought, known for its philosophical schools and public debates (<a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Acts 17:18-21</a>). The Greeks' search for wisdom often led them to value human reasoning and eloquence over divine revelation. This cultural emphasis on wisdom is contrasted with the message of the cross, which Paul describes as "foolishness" to those who rely on human wisdom (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a>). The Greek pursuit of wisdom can be seen as a type of human striving for understanding apart from God, highlighting the need for divine revelation through Jesus Christ, who is described as the "wisdom of God" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>, <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jews.htm">Jews</a></b><br>The Jewish people, who were known for their expectation of miraculous signs as evidence of divine authority. This reflects their historical experiences with God, such as the miracles performed during the Exodus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/greeks.htm">Greeks</a></b><br>Refers to the Gentile population, particularly those influenced by Greek culture and philosophy, who valued wisdom and intellectual understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece where Paul established a church. It was a cultural melting pot, with a diverse population that included both Jews and Greeks.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth to correct misunderstandings and divisions within the congregation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>A diverse group of believers struggling with issues of unity, influenced by both Jewish and Greek cultural expectations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_expectations_vs._faith.htm">Cultural Expectations vs. Faith</a></b><br>Both Jews and Greeks had cultural expectations that influenced their reception of the Gospel. Understanding these expectations helps us see how cultural biases can affect our faith today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sufficiency_of_christ.htm">The Sufficiency of Christ</a></b><br>The Gospel transcends cultural demands for signs or wisdom. Christ is the ultimate revelation of God, sufficient for both Jews and Greeks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_beyond_evidence.htm">Faith Beyond Evidence</a></b><br>True faith does not rely solely on signs or intellectual understanding but trusts in the person and work of Jesus Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The church in Corinth, like many churches today, was diverse. Paul’s message encourages unity despite differing backgrounds and expectations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_miracles_and_wisdom.htm">The Role of Miracles and Wisdom</a></b><br>While miracles and wisdom have their place, they should not overshadow the core message of the Gospel, which is Christ crucified.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_aren't_miracles_empirically_verified.htm">(1 Corinthians 1:22) Why do miracles and signs remain unverified by empirical methods if they were essential for convincing first-century Jews and Greeks? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_inherently_self-centered.htm">What does 'The Message of the Cross is Foolishness' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_silas's_biblical_life.htm">What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_paul_mention_jesus'_miracles.htm">Why does Paul never mention Jesus performing miracles in his epistles?</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>(22) <span class= "bld">For.</span>--This is a further unfolding of the fact of the simplicity of the preaching of the Cross. It pandered neither to Jewish-minded persons (not in the Greek "<span class= "ital">the</span> Jews," <span class= "ital">"the</span> Gentiles," but simply "Jews," "Gentiles") who desired visible portents to support the teaching, nor to those of Greek taste who desired an actual and clear philosophic proof of it. (See <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm" title="Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.">Matthew 12:38</a>; <a href="/mark/8-11.htm" title="And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.">Mark 8:11</a>; <a href="/luke/11-16.htm" title="And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.">Luke 11:16</a>; <a href="/john/4-48.htm" title="Then said Jesus to him, Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.">John 4:48</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Jews ask for signs;</span> rather, <span class="accented">Jews demand signs.</span> This had been their incessant demand during our Lord's ministry; nor would they be content with any sign short of a sign from heaven (<a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38</a>: 16:1; <a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18</a>; <a href="/john/4-48.htm">John 4:48</a>, etc.). This had been steadily refused them by Christ, who wished them rather to see spiritual signs (<a href="/luke/17-20.htm">Luke 17:20, 21</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Greeks seek after wisdom.</span> St. Paul at Athens had found himself surrounded with Stoics and Epicureans, and the same new thing which every one was looking for mainly took the shape of philosophic novelties (<a href="/acts/17-21.htm">Acts 17:21</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-22.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">Jews</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰουδαῖοι</span> <span class="translit">(Ioudaioi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">demand</span><br /><span class="grk">αἰτοῦσιν</span> <span class="translit">(aitousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">signs</span><br /><span class="grk">σημεῖα</span> <span class="translit">(sēmeia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.</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">Greeks</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἕλληνες</span> <span class="translit">(Hellēnes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1672.htm">Strong's 1672: </a> </span><span class="str2">From Hellas; a Hellen or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">search for</span><br /><span class="grk">ζητοῦσιν</span> <span class="translit">(zētousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom,</span><br /><span class="grk">σοφίαν</span> <span class="translit">(sophian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:22 For Jews ask for signs Greeks seek (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:23" /></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>