1 Corinthians Chapter 2 · Verse 6
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τελείοις
them that are perfect
G5046
τελείοις
them that are perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
6 of 20
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνος
world
G165
αἰῶνος
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνος
world
G165
αἰῶνος
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
Cross References
Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.James 3:15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.1 Corinthians 1:28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism and Greek philosophy both claimed "wisdom" traditions. Rabbinic schools debated Torah interpretation; Greek philosophical schools (Stoics, Epicureans, Cynics) competed for adherents. Paul positions Christian wisdom as categorically different—revealed by God, not discovered by human reason. The "rulers of this age" includes both Roman authority (represented by Pilate) and Jewish leadership (represented by the Sanhedrin) who collaborated in Christ's crucifixion, inadvertently fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
Questions for Reflection
- What worldly wisdom systems (political ideologies, psychological theories, philosophical movements) do Christians sometimes confuse with biblical wisdom?
- How does the "coming to nought" of worldly powers provide hope when facing opposition to gospel truth?
- What distinguishes mature Christian wisdom from immature understanding—and how do you grow from one to the other?
Analysis & Commentary
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought. Paul paradoxically affirms Christian wisdom after denouncing worldly wisdom. He speaks sophia (σοφία, "wisdom") to the teleioi (τέλειοι, "mature/perfect")—not esoteric knowledge for spiritual elites, but gospel truth for those regenerated by the Spirit (v. 14-15). This isn't sophia tou aiōnos toutou (σοφία τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου, "wisdom of this age") which is temporal and passing.
The princes of this world (archontes tou aiōnos toutou, ἄρχοντες τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου) likely refers to both human rulers (Pilate, Herod, Jewish leaders) and spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:15). The phrase katargoumenōn (καταργουμένων, "coming to nought/being rendered powerless") indicates ongoing process—these powers are already being nullified through Christ's victory, though not yet fully abolished. Their wisdom proved bankrupt when they crucified the Lord of glory (v. 8).