1 Corinthians 2:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 2:13
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 2 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, hope, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 2:13
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.
Analysis
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:
- "interpreting spiritual truths to spiritual people" (taking first term as masculine)
- "explaining spiritual realities in Spirit-given words" (both neuter)
- "comparing Scripture with Scripture" (OT with NT).
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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Holy: ἅγιος (Hagios) G40 - Holy, sacred, set apart
Cross-References
- Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:4, 2:14, Colossians 3:16
- Word: 1 Corinthians 1:17
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 2:1