1 Corinthians 1:25

Translations

Modern

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Traditional

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Literal

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God stronger than men.

Latin

…quia quod stultum est Dei, sapientius est hominibus: et quod infirmum est Dei, fortius est hominibus.

Original

Greek

English

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:25

What the non-believing world sees as foolish and weak (Christ and the message of the cross) is actually wiser and stronger than anything else. It solves the world's biggest problem, which is sin, and defeats all evil forces against people.

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 11:33–36
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
1 Corinthians 1:18
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.
Zechariah 4:6–7
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.
2 Corinthians 13:4
For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.
1 Corinthians 1:27–29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Judges 7:2–8
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’
Zechariah 12:7–8
The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah.
1 Kings 20:14–22
“By whom?” Ahab asked. And the prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: ‘By the young officers of the district governors.’” “Who will start the battle?” asked Ahab. “You will,” answered the prophet.
Joshua 6:2–5
And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor.
Judges 15:15–16
He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men.
Exodus 14:2–4
“Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. You are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal-zephon.
1 Samuel 17:40–51
And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.

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

Boasting: Spiritual God: Knowledge of God: Wisdom of Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Power: Spiritual Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Salvation: Plan of Wisdom: Worldly

1 Corinthians 1:25

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics