1 Corinthians 2:14

Authorized King James Version

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ψυχικὸς

G5591

the natural

sensitive, i.e., animate (in distinction on the one hand from g4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from g5446, which is th

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἄνθρωπος

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δέχεται

G1209

receiveth

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ

G3588

the things

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ

G3588

the things

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματος

G4151

of the Spirit

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

G3588

the things

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#11

μωρία

G3472

foolishness

silliness, i.e., absurdity

#12

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#13

αὐτῷ

G846

unto him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#14

ἐστιν

G2076

they are

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#15

καὶ

G2532

neither

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#17

δύναται

G1410

can

to be able or possible

#18

γνῶναι

G1097

he know

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

#19

ὅτι

G3754

them because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#20

πνευματικῶς

G4153

they are spiritually

non-physically, i.e., divinely, figuratively

#21

ἀνακρίνεται·

G350

discerned

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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