1 Corinthians 2:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
ψυχικὸς
the natural
G5591
ψυχικὸς
the natural
Strong's:
G5591
Word #:
1 of 21
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
δέχεται
receiveth
G1209
δέχεται
receiveth
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
5 of 21
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
8 of 21
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
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 21
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
ἐστιν
they are
G2076
ἐστιν
they are
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
14 of 21
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
καὶ
neither
G2532
καὶ
neither
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνῶναι
he know
G1097
γνῶναι
he know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
18 of 21
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
them because
G3754
ὅτι
them because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
19 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.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 Corinthians 15:46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.Jude 1:19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.James 3:15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.1 Corinthians 15:44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.1 Corinthians 2:12Now 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.Proverbs 14:6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.John 12:37But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Historical Context
Greek philosophy prized human reason's autonomy. Socratic method assumed humans could discover truth through dialectic. Paul's anthropology is grimmer: sin has corrupted reason itself, making divine truth unacceptable. This echoes Genesis 3—fallen humanity suppresses God-knowledge (Romans 1:18-21). Jewish thought also recognized human limitation but emphasized Torah-obedience; Paul emphasizes radical need for Spirit-transformation. The "natural man" operates in Adam; only those "in Christ" by Spirit-union can comprehend spiritual realities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the natural person's inability to understand spiritual truth shape your evangelistic expectations and methods?
- What spiritual truths did you once consider foolish before regeneration, and how does that inform your patience with unbelievers?
- How can you avoid both arrogance ("I figured it out") and despair ("they'll never believe") when recognizing only Spirit-work produces faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The psychikos anthrōpos (ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος, "natural/soulish man")—unregenerate humanity operating on purely natural faculties—ou dechetai (οὐ δέχεται, "does not receive/welcome") Spirit-truth. This isn't mere ignorance but active rejection: mōria autō estin (μωρία αὐτῷ ἐστιν, "it is foolishness to him"). Fallen reason considers gospel absurd (1:18, 23).
The explanation intensifies: neither can he know them (ou dynatai gnōnai, οὐ δύναται γνῶναι)—absolute inability, not difficulty. Pneumatikōs anakrinetai (πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται, "they are spiritually discerned") indicates requirement: regeneration by Spirit precedes comprehension. This demolishes Pelagian confidence in human moral/intellectual capacity to seek God apart from grace (Romans 3:10-11). Apologetics cannot argue unbelievers into faith; only Spirit-regeneration opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Yet preaching remains necessary means—Spirit works through gospel proclamation.