1 Corinthians 2:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Which things
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#3
λαλοῦμεν
we speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#4
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
διδακτοῖς
teacheth
(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching
#7
ἀνθρωπίνης
which man's
human
#8
σοφίας
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#9
λόγοις
the words
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#10
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
διδακτοῖς
teacheth
(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching
#13
πνεύματος
Ghost
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
#14
ἁγίου,
G40
which the Holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#15
πνευματικὰ
spiritual things
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
#16
πνευματικὰ
spiritual things
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
#17
συγκρίνοντες
comparing
to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of wisdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about wisdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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