1 Corinthians 1:28
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
things which
G3588
τὰ
things which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγενῆ
base things
G36
ἀγενῆ
base things
Strong's:
G36
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, without kin, i.e., (of unknown descent, and by implication) ignoble
τὰ
things which
G3588
τὰ
things which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
5 of 19
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
things which
G3588
τὰ
things which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
things which
G3588
τὰ
things which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
things which
G3588
τὰ
things which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Job 34:24He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.Romans 4:17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.Isaiah 2:11The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Isaiah 2:17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Isaiah 41:12Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Historical Context
In Greco-Roman society, honor and shame were paramount. Public reputation, social status, and patronage determined one's worth. Christianity turned this upside down: God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted (Luke 1:52). The church's inclusion of slaves, women, and outcasts was scandalous—yet this radical equality testified to the gospel's transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
- What are "things which are not"—who are the nobodies and non-entities in today's world?
- How does God use the despised and marginalized to "bring to nought" worldly power structures?
- In what ways does the gospel invert social hierarchies and challenge status-seeking?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (kai ta agene tou kosmou kai ta exouthenēmena exelexato ho theos, ta me onta, hina ta onta katargēse, καὶ τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ἐξελέξατο ὁ θεός, τὰ μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ)—Paul intensifies the paradox. God chose base things (agene, ἀγενῆ, "lowborn, ignoble") and things despised (exouthenēmena, ἐξουθενημένα, perfect passive participle: "things having been despised, treated as nothing"). Things which are not (ta me onta, τὰ μὴ ὄντα) means nobodies, non-entities by social reckoning—those who don't count.
God uses these to bring to nought things that are (hina ta onta katargēse, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω, "to nullify, abolish, render powerless") means to reduce to zero. God nullifies worldly status, power, and pride by accomplishing His purposes through the despised. The pattern continues: the cross (ultimate shame) defeats sin and Satan (ultimate powers); resurrection (from death/non-being) conquers the grave. God creates ex nihilo (from nothing) and saves through the same principle.