1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
3 of 24
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ἃ
the things which
G3739
ἃ
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὀφθαλμὸς
Eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμὸς
Eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
5 of 24
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
εἶδεν
hath
G1492
εἶδεν
hath
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
neither
G2532
καὶ
neither
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
neither
G2532
καὶ
neither
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
into
G1909
ἐπὶ
into
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καρδίαν
the heart
G2588
καρδίαν
the heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
14 of 24
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ἃ
the things which
G3739
ἃ
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 64:4For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.Psalms 31:19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Isaiah 65:17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Hebrews 11:16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.Matthew 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:1 John 4:19We love him, because he first loved us.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Historical Context
Jewish expectation focused on visible Messianic kingdom (Acts 1:6). Greek philosophy sought immortality through enlightenment or virtue. Neither system anticipated God becoming man to die for rebel sinners. Paul argues this gospel—stumbling block and foolishness (1:23)—exceeds all human conception. The Isaiah quote originally addressed post-exilic despair; Paul reapplies it to Christian hope. Later patristic interpretation emphasized eschatological glory, but Paul's context (note v. 10 "revealed") emphasizes present revelation of God's redemptive wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel's surpassing greatness "beyond imagination" still surprise and humble you, or has it become routine?
- What does it reveal about God's character that He prepared salvation before creating humans who would need it?
- How should the fact that you could never have discovered the gospel on your own shape your evangelistic approach to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Paul loosely quotes Isaiah 64:4, applying it to present revelation rather than solely future hope. The comprehensive negation—ophthalmos ouk eiden (ὀφθαλμὸς οὐκ εἶδεν, "eye has not seen"), ous ouk ēkousen (οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν, "ear has not heard"), epi kardian anthrōpou ouk anebē (ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἀνέβη, "has not entered human heart")—emphasizes absolute human inability to discover God's redemptive plan apart from revelation.
The phrase hois ētoimasen ho theos (οἷς ἡτοίμασεν ὁ θεός, "which God has prepared") indicates completed divine planning. Them that love him (tois agapōsin auton, τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτὸν) identifies beneficiaries—not by merit but by grace-wrought love (1 John 4:19). Verse 10 crucially continues: "But God hath revealed them unto us"—Paul's point isn't future glory's incomprehensibility but present gospel revelation's divine origin. Human reason couldn't conceive grace-salvation; only Spirit-revelation makes it known.