1 Corinthians 1:27

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Literal

But God chose the foolish things of the world so that He might shame the wise; and God chose the weak things of the world so that He might shame the strong;

Latin

…sed quæ stulta sunt mundi elegit Deus, ut confundat sapientes: et infirma mundi elegit Deus, ut confundat fortia:

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:27–29

God chose humble and overlooked people to show his judgment on human pride (see Romans 3:27; 4:2; 2 Corinthians 4:7–11; 12:8–10; Ephesians 2:9).

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 The World Wisdom

Related verses

James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
Matthew 11:25
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.
1 Corinthians 1:20
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?
Psalm 8:2
From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.
Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Isaiah 29:14
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.”
2 Corinthians 10:4–5
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Acts 4:11–21
This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’
2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
Matthew 21:16
“Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”
Zephaniah 3:12
But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD.
Isaiah 29:19
The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Glossary

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

Topics

Agency in Salvation of Men All Christians should be As Missionaries: Encouragement To All Christians should be As Missionaries: However Weak They May Be Being Stupid Boasting: Spiritual Calling Christian Minister: Call of Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Election of Saints, Is: Sovereign Power: Spiritual Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Righteous: Described

1 Corinthians 1:27

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