1 Corinthians Chapter 2 · Verse 13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Original Language Analysis
ἃ
Which things
G3739
ἃ
Which things
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διδακτοῖς
teacheth
G1318
διδακτοῖς
teacheth
Strong's:
G1318
Word #:
6 of 17
(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching
λόγοις
the words
G3056
λόγοις
the words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διδακτοῖς
teacheth
G1318
διδακτοῖς
teacheth
Strong's:
G1318
Word #:
12 of 17
(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
13 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίου,
which the Holy
G40
ἁγίου,
which the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
14 of 17
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
πνευματικὰ
spiritual things
G4152
πνευματικὰ
spiritual things
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
15 of 17
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.1 Corinthians 2:1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
Historical Context
Greek rhetoric distinguished logos (content) from lexis (style). Sophists mastered both to manipulate audiences. Paul insists Spirit controls both message and medium. Jewish scribal method emphasized precise wording—every letter sacred (Matthew 5:18). Paul applies this reverence to apostolic teaching: the very words matter. Later Gnostics would claim Spirit-revelation while denying apostolic authority; Paul preempts this by binding Spirit-teaching to apostolic proclamation. Inspiration extends to vocabulary, not just ideas.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's choice of biblical vocabulary guard against redefining Christian terms to fit cultural preferences?
- What happens when preachers prioritize contemporary relevance or eloquence over faithfulness to Scripture's own language and categories?
- How can you grow in letting Scripture's words shape your thinking rather than translating Scripture into more comfortable terminology?
Analysis & Commentary
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Paul describes apostolic communication method: lalōmen (λαλοῦμεν, "we speak") indicates ongoing proclamation. The negative contrast—not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth (ouk en didaktois anthrōpinēs sophias logois, οὐκ ἐν διδακτοῖς ἀνθρωπίνης σοφίας λόγοις)—rejects both philosophical jargon and rhetorical artifice. Positively: which the Holy Ghost teacheth (en didaktois pneumatos, ἐν διδακτοῖς πνεύματος) claims Spirit-taught vocabulary.
The phrase pneumatikois pneumatika synkrinontes (πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συγκρίνοντες, "comparing spiritual things with spiritual") is notoriously difficult. Options include:
Option (2) fits context best—Paul emphasizes Spirit-inspired content requires Spirit-inspired expression. This undergirds verbal plenary inspiration: not just concepts but words themselves are Spirit-chosen (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).