1 Corinthians 1:21
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔγνω
knew
G1097
ἔγνω
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
9 of 27
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
11 of 27
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εὐδόκησεν
it pleased
G2106
εὐδόκησεν
it pleased
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
17 of 27
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
20 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κηρύγματος
of preaching
G2782
κηρύγματος
of preaching
Strong's:
G2782
Word #:
24 of 27
a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)
σῶσαι
to save
G4982
σῶσαι
to save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
25 of 27
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 10:21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,1 Corinthians 1:24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.Daniel 2:20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Historical Context
Greek philosophers (from Socrates to the Stoics) sought to know God or ultimate reality through reason, contemplation, and dialectic. They failed—not for lack of brilliance but because sin blinds the mind (2 Cor 4:4) and hardens the heart. God's solution was not better philosophy but gospel proclamation: the announcement of what God has done in Christ, received by faith, not comprehended by reason.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did human wisdom, despite access to God's revelation in creation, fail to produce saving knowledge of God?
- How does "the foolishness of preaching" (simple gospel proclamation) succeed where sophisticated philosophy fails?
- What is the relationship between faith and reason, and why is faith necessary for knowing God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God (epeide gar en te sophia tou theou ouk egno ho kosmos dia tēs sophias ton theon, ἐπειδὴ γὰρ ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ ἔγνω ὁ κόσμος διὰ τῆς σοφίας τὸν θεόν)—Paul explains why God chose the cross: human wisdom failed. In the wisdom of God means according to God's wise design—He created a world that reveals His existence (Rom 1:19-20). Yet the world by wisdom knew not God (ouk egno, οὐκ ἔγνω, "did not know")—human philosophy, despite access to general revelation, failed to produce saving knowledge of God. The verb ginōskō (γινώσκω) means intimate, relational knowledge, not mere information.
It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (eudokēsen ho theos dia tēs mōrias tou kērygmatos sōsai tous pisteuontas, εὐδόκησεν ὁ θεὸς διὰ τῆς μωρίας τοῦ κηρύγματος σῶσαι τοὺς πιστεύοντας)—God's alternative method: kerygma (κήρυγμα, "proclamation, preaching"), the simple announcement of the gospel. The foolishness of preaching is not that preaching is foolish but that the content preached (the cross) appears foolish. Salvation comes through faith (pisteuontas, πιστεύοντας, present participle: "those believing"), not intellectual achievement.