1 Corinthians 3:20
And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
Κύριος
The Lord
G2962
Κύριος
The Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
γινώσκει
knoweth
G1097
γινώσκει
knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
4 of 11
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαλογισμοὺς
the thoughts
G1261
διαλογισμοὺς
the thoughts
Strong's:
G1261
Word #:
6 of 11
discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 94:11The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.Psalms 2:1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Historical Context
Psalm 94 is a prayer for justice against oppressors who think themselves too clever for divine accountability. The psalmist asserts God sees through human schemes. Paul applies this to intellectual arrogance: the Corinthians' prized philosophical sophistication is as empty as the wicked plots in Psalm 94—both are 'vain' (futile) before God's omniscient gaze.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'thoughts' or strategies that seemed wise have proven 'vain' (empty, futile) in your life?
- How does knowing that 'the Lord knows' your inmost reasonings humble intellectual pride and encourage honest dependence?
- What wisdom traditions or intellectual movements today are widely celebrated but likely 'vain' from God's eternal perspective?
Analysis & Commentary
And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (ματαιοί εἰσιν, mataioi eisin)—Paul quotes Psalm 94:11 (slightly adapted). Mataioi (μάταιοι) means empty, futile, leading nowhere—the same term used in Ecclesiastes for 'vanity' (hebel, vapor/mist). God knows (γινώσκει, ginōskei)—not merely intellectually comprehends but experientially sees through—the dialogismous (διαλογισμούς, reasonings) of the wise.
Worldly wisdom's futility isn't obvious to practitioners—sophisticates believe their philosophies profound, their strategies effective. But divine omniscience penetrates pretense: God sees human wisdom as vapor, insubstantial and temporary. This echoes Ecclesiastes' verdict after exhaustive pursuit of wisdom, pleasure, and accomplishment: 'all is vanity' (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Only wisdom beginning with 'fear of the Lord' has substance (Proverbs 9:10). Paul's double quotation (verses 19-20) from different OT books reinforces the point: Scripture uniformly testifies that fallen human wisdom, however brilliant, is ultimately empty and will be overthrown.