1 Corinthians 1:31
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
3 of 8
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Psalms 105:3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.Isaiah 41:16Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.Jeremiah 4:2And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.Isaiah 45:25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.1 Chronicles 16:35And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.1 Chronicles 16:10Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Historical Context
Jeremiah's context was similar: Judah boasted in wisdom, might, and riches (human achievements) rather than knowing YHWH. God condemned this misplaced confidence. Paul applies the same principle to the Corinthian church: boast in the Lord alone. This was radically countercultural in a society that celebrated self-promotion, honor-seeking, and competitive rhetoric.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to "glory in the Lord" rather than in yourself or others?
- How does boasting in the Lord eliminate factionalism, envy, and competition in the church?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to boast in human achievements rather than God's grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (hina, kathōs gegraptai, Ho kauchōmenos en kyriō kauchasthō, ἵνα, καθὼς γέγραπται, Ὁ καυχώμενος ἐν κυρίῳ καυχάσθω)—Paul concludes with a quotation from Jeremiah 9:23-24 (paraphrased): God alone deserves glory. He that glorieth (ho kauchōmenos, ὁ καυχώμενος, present middle participle: "the one boasting") must boast in the Lord (en kyriō, ἐν κυρίῳ)—not in human wisdom, status, or leaders. All legitimate joy, confidence, and celebration must center on God's character and work, not human achievement.
This is the antidote to Corinthian factionalism: if all boasting is in the Lord, there is no room for "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos." Paul has systematically demolished every ground for human pride—the means of salvation (cross), the message (foolishness), the method (preaching), the recipients (weak and despised)—so that only God receives glory. This verse encapsulates the entire chapter and will echo throughout the letter (3:21, 4:7).