1 Corinthians 1:30

Authorized King James Version

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐξ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐστε

G2075

are

ye are

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὃς

G3739

who

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

ἐγενήθη

G1096

is made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#11

ἡμῖν

G2254

unto us

to (or for, with, by) us

#12

σοφία

G4678

wisdom

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

#13

ἀπὸ

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#14

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#15

δικαιοσύνη

G1343

righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

#16

τε

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἁγιασμὸς

G38

sanctification

properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

ἀπολύτρωσις

G629

redemption

(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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