1 Corinthians Chapter 2 · Verse 15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνευματικὸς
he that is spiritual
G4152
πνευματικὸς
he that is spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
3 of 11
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
ἀνακρίνεται
is judged
G350
ἀνακρίνεται
is judged
Strong's:
G350
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
αὐτὸς
he himself
G846
αὐτὸς
he himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 11
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
ὑπ'
of
G5259
ὑπ'
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
9 of 11
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
Proverbs 28:5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.1 Thessalonians 5:21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1 Corinthians 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.1 Corinthians 3:1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.Philippians 1:10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Historical Context
In Corinth's fractured church, factions judged Paul's apostleship by worldly standards—eloquence, credentials, power (1:12, 4:3-4). Paul insists such assessment is incompetent: only fellow Spirit-indwelt believers can properly evaluate apostolic ministry. This principle guards against tyranny of secular intellectual fashions. When modern critics dismiss biblical doctrines as "outdated" or "unscientific," Paul's response applies: unregenerate assessment of revelation is categorically flawed. Conversely, this isn't license for believers to reject all outside critique—only recognition that spiritual matters require spiritual discernment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse guard against letting secular academic consensus determine what you believe Scripture teaches?
- What prevents spiritual discernment from becoming self-righteous dismissal of legitimate questions or criticisms?
- How can you grow in exercising spiritual judgment to test teaching and practice in your church community?
Analysis & Commentary
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. The pneumatikos (πνευματικός, "spiritual person")—Spirit-indwelt believer—anakrinei panta (ἀνακρίνει πάντα, "examines/judges all things"). Anakrinō (ἀνακρίνω) means "investigate, discern, assess"—the same term used of legal examination (Acts 4:9, 12:19). Spirit-illumination enables believers to evaluate truth-claims by biblical standards (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1), including assessing teachers, doctrines, and ethical dilemmas.
Yet he himself is judged of no man (autos de hyp' oudenos anakrinetai, αὐτὸς δὲ ὑπ' οὐδενὸς ἀνακρίνεται)—unregenerate people lack capacity to properly assess Spirit-taught wisdom. This isn't claiming believers are above accountability (Galatians 6:1) but that natural reason cannot adjudicate spiritual truth. The spiritual believer operates with different epistemology; the natural person's critique reflects their unregenerate state. Paul isn't promoting subjectivism but highlighting the noetic effects of sin and grace.