1 Corinthians 2:7

Authorized King James Version

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλὰ
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
λαλοῦμεν
we speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#3
σοφίαν
the wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#4
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
μυστηρίῳ
a mystery
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
#7
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀποκεκρυμμένην
even the hidden
to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret
#9
ἣν
wisdom which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
προώρισεν
ordained
to limit in advance, i.e., (figuratively) predetermine
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
πρὸ
before
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
#14
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
αἰώνων
the world
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#16
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
δόξαν
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#18
ἡμῶν·
our
of (or from) us

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, 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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