1 Corinthians 3:21

Authorized King James Version

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὥστε
Therefore
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#2
μηδεὶς
no man
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#3
καυχάσθω
glory
to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)
#4
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
ἀνθρώποις·
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#7
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#8
ὑμῶν
yours
of (from or concerning) you
#9
ἐστιν
are
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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