1 Corinthians 1:25
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μωρὸν
the foolishness
G3474
μωρὸν
the foolishness
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
3 of 18
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενὲς
the weakness
G772
ἀσθενὲς
the weakness
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
12 of 18
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.2 Corinthians 13:4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Historical Context
The ancient world (like today) admired power, eloquence, and wisdom. Rome boasted military might, Greece boasted philosophy, Israel boasted the Law. God subverted all three by choosing the cross—apparent weakness, folly, and curse—as the means of salvation. This inverted worldly values and humbled human pride, demonstrating that God's ways are categorically higher than human ways (Isa 55:8-9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cross demonstrate that God's "foolishness" surpasses human wisdom?
- What does Christ's crucifixion reveal about the nature of true power versus worldly strength?
- How should the infinite superiority of God's wisdom and power shape our confidence in the gospel despite cultural mockery?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men (hoti to mōron tou theou sophōteron tōn anthrōpōn estin, kai to asthenes tou theou ischyroteron tōn anthrōpōn, ὅτι τὸ μωρὸν τοῦ θεοῦ σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ θεοῦ ἰσχυρότερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων)—Paul employs irony: even if we grant (hypothetically) that God has "foolishness" and "weakness," they still surpass the best human wisdom and strength. The comparatives sophōteron (σοφώτερον, "wiser") and ischyroteron (ἰσχυρότερον, "stronger") emphasize the infinite gap between divine and human capacity.
Of course, God has no actual foolishness or weakness—Paul is speaking from the world's perspective. What humans call God's foolishness (the cross) is infinitely wiser than human philosophy. What humans call God's weakness (Christ's crucifixion) is infinitely more powerful than human strength. This verse demolishes human pride and self-sufficiency: even God at His apparent "lowest" infinitely exceeds humanity at its best.