1 Corinthians 2:5

Authorized King James Version

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἵνα
That
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πίστις
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#4
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#5
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#6
should
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
σοφίᾳ
the wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#9
ἀνθρώπων
of men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
δυνάμει
the power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#13
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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