1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the preaching
G3056
λόγος
the preaching
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
2 of 18
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυροῦ
of the cross
G4716
σταυροῦ
of the cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
6 of 18
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
to them
G3303
μὲν
to them
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἀπολλυμένοις
that perish
G622
ἀπολλυμένοις
that perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
9 of 18
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῳζομένοις
which are saved
G4982
σῳζομένοις
which are saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
14 of 18
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
δύναμις
the power
G1411
δύναμις
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
16 of 18
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.2 Thessalonians 2:10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.2 Corinthians 4:3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.1 Corinthians 2:2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.Acts 13:41Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Historical Context
Crucifixion was the Roman Empire's most degrading execution method, reserved for slaves, rebels, and the lowest criminals. To claim that a crucified man was Lord and Savior was absurd to Greeks (who valued wisdom) and scandalous to Jews (Deut 21:23: "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"). Yet this offensive message is precisely where God's power resides—not in eloquence or philosophy but in the shameful cross.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the cross inherently "foolishness" to the perishing—what makes it so offensive intellectually and culturally?
- How have you experienced the cross as "the power of God" in your own life and salvation?
- In what ways might we be tempted to soften or repackage the cross to make it less offensive?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (ho logos gar ho tou staurou tois men apollymenois mōria estin, tois de sōzomenois hēmin dynamis theou estin, ὁ λόγος γὰρ ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις μωρία ἐστίν, τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν δύναμις θεοῦ ἐστιν)—Paul contrasts two responses to the cross. To them that perish (tois apollymenois, τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις, present passive participle: "those being destroyed") the cross is moria (μωρία, "foolishness, absurdity")—not mere silliness but scandalous stupidity. A crucified God is intellectually offensive and culturally shameful.
But unto us which are saved (tois sōzomenois, τοῖς σῳζομένοις, present passive participle: "those being saved") it is dynamis theou (δύναμις θεοῦ, "the power of God")—not mere influence but divine, saving power. The contrast is absolute: foolishness versus power, perishing versus being saved. There is no neutral ground. The present tense participles emphasize ongoing process: those currently on the path to destruction versus those currently being saved.