1 Corinthians 1:18-25
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Paradox of the Cross. 18 The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.(A) 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the learning of the learned I will set aside.”(B)
20 Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?(C) 21 [a]For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,(D) 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,(E) 24 but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
The Corinthians and Paul.[b]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1:21–25 True wisdom and power are to be found paradoxically where one would least expect them, in the place of their apparent negation. To human eyes the crucified Christ symbolizes impotence and absurdity.
- 1:26–2:5 The pattern of God’s wisdom and power is exemplified in their own experience, if they interpret it rightly (1 Cor 1:26–31), and can also be read in their experience of Paul as he first appeared among them preaching the gospel (1 Cor 2:1–5).
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
New International Version
Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness(A) to those who are perishing,(B) but to us who are being saved(C) it is the power of God.(D) 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[a](E)
20 Where is the wise person?(F) Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?(G) Has not God made foolish(H) the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world(I) through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save(J) those who believe.(K) 22 Jews demand signs(L) and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified:(M) a stumbling block(N) to Jews and foolishness(O) to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called,(P) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God(Q) and the wisdom of God.(R) 25 For the foolishness(S) of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness(T) of God is stronger than human strength.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 1:19 Isaiah 29:14
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.