1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 23
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἐλάβομεν
have received
G2983
ἐλάβομεν
have received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
8 of 23
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
is of
G1537
ἐκ
is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰδῶμεν
we might know
G1492
εἰδῶμεν
we might know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
17 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
19 of 23
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?James 4:5Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?Revelation 22:6And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.1 Corinthians 3:22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:1 Corinthians 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
Historical Context
Paul contrasts Christian initiation with mystery cults that promised enlightenment through ritual but delivered subjective experience. Against Gnostic tendencies (emerging in later 1st century), Paul democratizes spiritual knowledge—all believers receive the Spirit (Romans 8:9), not just elite "pneumatics." The "spirit of the world" reflects Ephesians 2:2-3: fallen humanity operates under satanic deception and fleshly lusts. The Spirit's work includes both initial regeneration (John 3:5-8) and ongoing illumination (Ephesians 1:17-18). Understanding Scripture is Spirit-dependent gift.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern whether your understanding of Scripture comes from "the spirit of the world" (cultural assumptions, human reasoning) or the Spirit of God?
- What specific truths about grace has the Spirit made real to you that once seemed like mere religious concepts?
- How does recognizing that spiritual understanding is grace-gift rather than intellectual achievement shape your attitude toward believers with less theological education?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Believers (hēmeis, ἡμεῖς, "we") have received (elabomen, ἐλάβομεν, aorist—definite reception) to pneuma to ek tou theou (τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ, "the Spirit from God"), not to pneuma tou kosmou (τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου, "the spirit of the world"). This "spirit of the world" isn't a personal entity but the prevailing mindset of fallen humanity—autonomous reason, carnal wisdom, opposition to God (Romans 8:5-7).
The purpose clause—that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (hina eidōmen ta hypo tou theou charisthenta hēmin, ἵνα εἰδῶμεν τὰ ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ χαρισθέντα ἡμῖν)—reveals Spirit-indwelling's epistemological function. Charisthenta (χαρισθέντα) from charizomai emphasizes grace—these things are gift, not achievement. Spiritual understanding isn't optional advanced Christianity but essential: without Spirit-illumination, even Scripture remains opaque (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). Paul connects pneumatology and epistemology: right knowledge requires regeneration.