1 Corinthians 12:2

Authorized King James Version

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Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

Original Language Analysis

Οἴδατε Ye know G1492
Οἴδατε Ye know
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 1 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 2 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔθνη Gentiles G1484
ἔθνη Gentiles
Strong's: G1484
Word #: 3 of 13
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἦτε ye were G2258
ἦτε ye were
Strong's: G2258
Word #: 4 of 13
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 5 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἴδωλα idols G1497
εἴδωλα idols
Strong's: G1497
Word #: 7 of 13
an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄφωνα these dumb G880
ἄφωνα these dumb
Strong's: G880
Word #: 9 of 13
voiceless, i.e., mute (by nature or choice); figuratively, unmeaning
ὡς even as G5613
ὡς even as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 10 of 13
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἂν G302
ἂν
Strong's: G302
Word #: 11 of 13
whatsoever
ἤγεσθε ye were led G71
ἤγεσθε ye were led
Strong's: G71
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
ἀπαγόμενοι carried away G520
ἀπαγόμενοι carried away
Strong's: G520
Word #: 13 of 13
to take off (in various senses)

Analysis & Commentary

Ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols—Paul reminds them of their pre-conversion spiritual experience: apagomenoi ("carried away") suggests passive compulsion, being swept along by demonic forces masquerading as gods. Dumb idols (eidōla ta aphōna, εἴδωλα τὰ ἄφωνα) contrasts sharply with the Spirit who speaks—idols are voiceless, lifeless, unable to communicate truth.

Even as ye were led emphasizes their former enslavement to spiritual powers beyond their control. In pagan worship, ecstatic frenzy and loss of rational control were prized as signs of divine possession. Paul's contrast is crucial: the Holy Spirit does not obliterate human agency or rationality (14:32, "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets"). Christian Spirit-manifestation differs fundamentally from pagan religious experience—it enlightens minds, produces self-control, and confesses Christ.

Historical Context

Corinthian pagan worship included the oracle at Delphi (60 miles away), Dionysian ecstatic rites, and mystery cult initiations involving altered consciousness. The Isthmian Games hosted in Corinth featured oracles and divination. Former pagans might confuse Christian tongues-speaking with their prior ecstatic, uncontrolled religious experiences.

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