1 Corinthians 1:28

Translations

Modern

He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,

Traditional

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

Literal

…and the lowborn of the world, and the things being despised, God also chose—the things not being—that He might nullify the things being,

Latin

…et ignobilia mundi, et contemptibilia elegit Deus, et ea quæ non sunt, ut ea quæ sunt destrueret:

Original

Greek

English

He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,

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

Job 34:24
He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place.
Romans 4:17
As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.
Isaiah 2:11
The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
Isaiah 41:12
You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.
Isaiah 17:13–14
The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale.
Job 34:19–20
…who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
Psalm 37:35–36
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
Isaiah 2:17
So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,
Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!
Daniel 2:34–35
As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.
Deuteronomy 28:63
Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
Daniel 2:44–45
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion Elect, Election First Letter to the Corinthians 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 Boasting: Spiritual Christian Minister: Call of Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Power: Spiritual Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By

1 Corinthians 1:28

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