1 Corinthians 1:26
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 18
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅτι
how that
G3754
ὅτι
how that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
9 of 18
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
12 of 18
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 18
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
δυνατοί
mighty
G1415
δυνατοί
mighty
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
15 of 18
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
Cross References
James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.1 Corinthians 1:20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?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.Luke 1:3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Historical Context
Corinthian society was stratified: patricians, freedmen, slaves. The church included all classes, but the majority were lower-status. Some wealthy patrons may have leveraged their social standing to create factions, expecting deference from poorer members. Paul reminds them that God's calling ignores worldly status—a radical, countercultural claim in honor-shame culture.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God typically call "not many wise, mighty, or noble" according to worldly standards?
- How does the social composition of the church challenge worldly values of success, status, and credentials?
- In what ways might churches today cater to the wealthy and educated rather than welcoming the lowly and marginalized?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (blepete gar tēn klēsin hymōn, adelphoi, hoti ou polloi sophoi kata sarka, ou polloi dynatoi, ou polloi eugeneis, βλέπετε γὰρ τὴν κλῆσιν ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί, ὅτι οὐ πολλοὶ σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα, οὐ πολλοὶ δυνατοί, οὐ πολλοὶ εὐγενεῖς)—Paul invites the Corinthians to examine their own congregation as proof. Not many wise… mighty… noble—the church is not primarily composed of the social elite, intellectuals, or powerful. Kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα, "according to the flesh") means by worldly standards—human wisdom, strength, pedigree.
Paul does not say none but not many—there were some educated, wealthy, and influential Corinthians (like Crispus, Gaius, Erastus the city treasurer, Rom 16:23). But the majority were ordinary, even socially marginal. God's calling is not determined by human qualifications but by sovereign grace. This undercuts Corinthian boasting and factionalism: they have no grounds for pride, since God chose them despite (not because of) their credentials.