1 Corinthians 1:22
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Original Language Analysis
ἐπειδὴ
G1894
καὶ
For
G2532
καὶ
For
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
4 of 9
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
For
G2532
καὶ
For
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἕλληνες
the Greeks
G1672
Ἕλληνες
the Greeks
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
7 of 9
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
Cross References
Mark 8:11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.John 2:18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?Luke 11:16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.Luke 11:20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations centered on prophetic signs fulfilling Daniel 7 and other texts—a glorious Son of Man coming in power. The crucifixion seemed to disqualify Jesus as Messiah. Greek intellectuals, meanwhile, viewed Christianity as a crude superstition beneath philosophical consideration. Paul declares that God deliberately chose a method—the cross—that offends both Jewish and Greek sensibilities, refusing to play by human rules.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern people similarly demand "signs" (proof, evidence, experience) or "wisdom" (intellectual sophistication, rational coherence) before believing?
- Why does God refuse to satisfy these human prerequisites for faith?
- In what ways do we approach God with our own demands and conditions rather than receiving the gospel on His terms?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom (epeidē Ioudaioi sēmeion aitousin kai Hellēnes sophian zētousin, ἐπειδὴ Ἰουδαῖοι σημεῖον αἰτοῦσιν καὶ Ἕλληνες σοφίαν ζητοῦσιν)—Paul identifies two human demands that the cross refuses to satisfy. Jews require a sign (sēmeion aitousin, σημεῖον αἰτοῦσιν)—miraculous, supernatural validation of messianic claims. Despite Jesus' many miracles, the religious leaders demanded still more signs (Matt 12:38, John 6:30). They expected a conquering Messiah who would defeat Rome, not a crucified criminal.
Greeks seek after wisdom (sophian zētousin, σοφίαν ζητοῦσιν)—philosophical sophistication, rational explanations, intellectual coherence. Greek culture prized dialectic, rhetoric, and speculative thought. The idea of salvation through a crucified Jew seemed primitive and absurd, lacking the intellectual elegance Greeks admired. Both Jews and Greeks approached God with demands and prerequisites. The cross satisfies neither—yet saves both (v. 24).