1 Corinthians 1:29
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That
G3704
ὅπως
That
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 7
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 7
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σὰρξ
flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
5 of 7
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
Cross References
Romans 3:27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.Ephesians 2:9Not of works, lest any man should boast.Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.Romans 15:17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.1 Corinthians 1:31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.1 Corinthians 4:7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?Isaiah 10:15Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.Jeremiah 9:23Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:Romans 4:2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.1 Corinthians 5:6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Historical Context
Corinthian culture was competitive and honor-obsessed. Rhetoric competitions, athletic games, philosophical schools—all fostered boasting and self-promotion. Paul insists that the gospel operates on entirely different principles: sola gratia (grace alone), soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). This was culturally subversive, challenging the very foundations of Greco-Roman social values.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's salvation plan systematically eliminate every ground for human boasting?
- In what subtle ways do we still try to take credit for our salvation or spiritual achievements?
- How should the exclusion of boasting shape our attitudes toward other Christians and church unity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That no flesh should glory in his presence (hopōs me kauchēsetai pasa sarx enōpion tou theou, ὅπως μὴ καυχήσεται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ)—This is the climax of Paul's argument: God's entire salvation strategy is designed to eliminate human boasting. No flesh (pasa sarx, πᾶσα σάρξ, "all flesh") means no human being—no exceptions. The verb kauchaomai (καυχάομαι, "to boast, glory, take pride") is subjunctive, expressing purpose: God arranged salvation so that boasting is impossible. In his presence (enōpion tou theou, ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ) means before God, in His sight—where all pretense is stripped away.
This demolishes the Corinthian factions. Boasting in Paul, Apollos, or Cephas is ruled out because salvation is wholly God's work. Human wisdom, strength, and status contribute nothing. This theme will recur: "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (v. 31). The cross, the message, the method, and the recipients—all are chosen to exclude human pride and magnify divine grace.