1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγενήθη
is made
G1096
ἐγενήθη
is made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 20
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
15 of 20
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἁγιασμὸς
sanctification
G38
ἁγιασμὸς
sanctification
Strong's:
G38
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, purification, i.e., (the state) purity; concretely (by hebraism) a purifier
Cross References
Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Jeremiah 33:16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Historical Context
The Corinthians sought wisdom in eloquent teachers (Apollos), authority in apostolic credentials (Paul), and perhaps Jewish tradition (Cephas). Paul declares: Christ is all you need. He is the wisdom you crave, the righteousness you lack, the sanctification you pursue, and the redemption you require. Stop fragmenting over human leaders when you have everything in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does union with Christ provide everything we need for salvation and Christian life?
- In what ways do we seek wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, or redemption outside of Christ?
- How should recognizing Christ as our all-in-all eliminate factionalism and division in the church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (ex autou de hymeis este en Christō Iēsou, hos egenēthē sophia hēmin apo theou, dikaiosyne te kai hagiasmos kai apolytrōsis, ἐξ αὐτοῦ δὲ ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐγενήθη σοφία ἡμῖν ἀπὸ θεοῦ, δικαιοσύνη τε καὶ ἁγιασμὸς καὶ ἀπολύτρωσις)—Of him (ex autou, ἐξ αὐτοῦ, "from Him, out of Him") emphasizes that being in Christ Jesus is entirely God's doing. Union with Christ is the source of all spiritual blessings. Christ Himself is made unto us (egenēthē hēmin, ἐγενήθη ἡμῖν, "became for us")—not that Christ changes His nature but that He functions for believers as all we need.
Wisdom (sophia, σοφία)—Christ is God's true wisdom, solving the problem that philosophy couldn't. Righteousness (dikaiosyne, δικαιοσύνη)—Christ's righteousness is imputed to us, justifying us before God. Sanctification (hagiasmos, ἁγιασμός)—progressive transformation into holiness. Redemption (apolytrōsis, ἀπολύτρωσις)—liberation from slavery to sin, purchased by Christ's blood. Everything the Corinthians need is found in Christ alone, not in competing leaders or philosophies.