1 Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰδέναι
to know
G1492
εἰδέναι
to know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Galatians 6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Galatians 3:1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Historical Context
Crucifixion was Rome's most degrading execution method, reserved for slaves and rebels. Public display of the corpse maximized dishonor. For Paul to preach a crucified Savior in sophisticated Corinth—home to at least 12 temples and epicenter of Greco-Roman culture—was to court ridicule. Jewish audiences would recall prophetic expectations of Messiah's eternal reign (Isaiah 9:7), making a crucified Christ seem theologically contradictory. Paul's message inverted all cultural hierarchies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the scandal of the cross still offend contemporary notions of divine power and human dignity?
- What aspects of Christianity do you emphasize that might dilute Paul's singular focus on Christ's atoning death?
- Why is a "crucified Christ" specifically necessary for salvation, rather than merely Christ's teachings or example?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. The verb krinō (κρίνω, "I determined/judged") indicates deliberate, settled resolve—not personality preference. Paul's singular focus on Jesus Christ, and him crucified (Iēsoun Christon kai touton estaurōmenon, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν καὶ τοῦτον ἐσταυρωμένον) was theologically radical: crucifixion symbolized Roman shame and Jewish curse (Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13).
This "crucified Messiah" message was skandalon (σκάνδαλον, "stumbling block") to Jews expecting a conquering king, and mōria (μωρία, "foolishness") to Greeks seeking philosophical sophistication (1:23). Yet Paul makes the cross the exclusive content of his preaching—not merely Christ's teachings or resurrection in isolation, but the redemptive efficacy of his atoning death. This verse encapsulates Paul's kerygmatic core: substitutionary atonement through Christ's blood.