1 Corinthians 2:7
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μυστηρίῳ
a mystery
G3466
μυστηρίῳ
a mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
6 of 18
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκεκρυμμένην
even the hidden
G613
ἀποκεκρυμμένην
even the hidden
Strong's:
G613
Word #:
8 of 18
to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret
ἣν
wisdom which
G3739
ἣν
wisdom which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
προώρισεν
ordained
G4309
προώρισεν
ordained
Strong's:
G4309
Word #:
10 of 18
to limit in advance, i.e., (figuratively) predetermine
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
13 of 18
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
the world
G165
αἰώνων
the world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
2 Peter 1:3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:Psalms 78:2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Matthew 13:35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.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.Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.1 Peter 1:11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Historical Context
Mystery religions in Corinth (Eleusinian, Dionysian, Isis cults) promised secret wisdom to paying initiates through ritual experiences. Paul uses mystērion vocabulary but subverts it: Christian "mystery" is publicly proclaimed gospel, not privileged gnosis. Jewish apocalyptic literature (Daniel, 1 Enoch) also spoke of divine mysteries revealed to seers. Paul democratizes mystery—all believers receive full revelation through apostolic teaching, not just special visionaries. The pre-temporal ordination of redemption echoes Jewish Wisdom literature (Proverbs 8:22-31).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's eternal planning of your salvation through Christ deepen your assurance and gratitude?
- What prevents Christians from treating church membership like mystery cult initiation—exclusive knowledge for insiders?
- How should the promise of future glorification shape your response to present suffering or shame for Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. Christian wisdom is sophia theou en mystēriō (σοφία θεοῦ ἐν μυστηρίῳ, "wisdom of God in mystery")—not secretive, but previously concealed and now revealed. The term mystērion (μυστήριον) in Paul always means divine secrets disclosed through apostolic proclamation (Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:3-6; Colossians 1:26-27), not esoteric knowledge for initiates.
Hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world (apokekrymmenēn, hēn proōrisen ho theos pro tōn aiōnōn, ἀποκεκρυμμένην, ἣν προώρισεν ὁ θεὸς πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων) reveals predestinarian election: redemption through Christ's cross was planned in eternity past, not an emergency response to human sin. The phrase eis doxan hēmōn (εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν, "unto our glory") indicates that God's eternal purpose includes believers' glorification—conformity to Christ's image (Romans 8:29-30). This "glory" inverts worldly glory: we are glorified through identification with the crucified Christ.