1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Greek rhetoric distinguished logos (content) from lexis (style). Sophists mastered both to manipulate audiences. Paul insists Spirit controls both message and medium. Jewish scribal method emphasized precise wording—every letter sacred (Matthew 5:18). Paul applies this reverence to apostolic teaching: the very words matter. Later Gnostics would claim Spirit-revelation while denying apostolic authority; Paul preempts this by binding Spirit-teaching to apostolic proclamation. Inspiration extends to vocabulary, not just ideas.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's choice of biblical vocabulary guard against redefining Christian terms to fit cultural preferences?
- What happens when preachers prioritize contemporary relevance or eloquence over faithfulness to Scripture's own language and categories?
- How can you grow in letting Scripture's words shape your thinking rather than translating Scripture into more comfortable terminology?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Paul describes apostolic communication method: lalōmen (λαλοῦμεν, "we speak") indicates ongoing proclamation. The negative contrast—not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth (ouk en didaktois anthrōpinēs sophias logois, οὐκ ἐν διδακτοῖς ἀνθρωπίνης σοφίας λόγοις)—rejects both philosophical jargon and rhetorical artifice. Positively: which the Holy Ghost teacheth (en didaktois pneumatos, ἐν διδακτοῖς πνεύματος) claims Spirit-taught vocabulary.
The phrase pneumatikois pneumatika synkrinontes (πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συγκρίνοντες, "comparing spiritual things with spiritual") is notoriously difficult. Options include:
Option (2) fits context best—Paul emphasizes Spirit-inspired content requires Spirit-inspired expression. This undergirds verbal plenary inspiration: not just concepts but words themselves are Spirit-chosen (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).