1 Corinthians 1:20

Translations

Modern

Where 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?

Traditional

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Literal

Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world?

Latin

Ubi sapiens? ubi scriba? ubi conquisitor hujus sæculi? Nonne stultam fecit Deus sapientiam hujus mundi?

Original

Greek

English

Where 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?

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:20

In God's view, human wisdom based only on the world's knowledge and expectation is foolish. True wisdom comes from the message of the cross and Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).

1 Corinthians 1:18–31

Paul contrasts eloquence and human wisdom, which some Corinthians valued, with the seemingly foolish message of the cross, which expresses God's wisdom. The followers of Apollos, in particular (see 1 Corinthians 1:12), were likely drawn to his speaking skills and intellectual approach to ministry (see Acts 18:24–28). In contrast, Paul emphasizes that the true power is in the simple message of the cross of Christ.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Fear of the Lord Passing On Authority and Responsibility to a New Leader Solomon’s Wisdom The World Wisdom

Related verses

Romans 1:22
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,
Job 12:17
He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.
1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Job 12:24
He deprives the earth’s leaders of reason and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland.
Isaiah 44:25
…who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,
Job 12:20
He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.
1 Corinthians 2:6
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
2 Samuel 17:23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
2 Samuel 17:14
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
2 Samuel 15:31
Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”
Isaiah 33:18
Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?”

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel Letter to the Ephesians Mystery Peter, Second Letter of Second Letter to the Corinthians Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Blindness: Spiritual Boasting: Spiritual Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Scribes: Modern: Esteemed Wise and Learned Wisdom: Worldly

1 Corinthians 1:20

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics