1 Corinthians 1:21

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation regarding their factionalism and reliance on rhetorical skill, framing his argument immediately before and after this verse.

The words — ἐπειδὴ (epeidē) translates as "since" and γὰρ (gar) as "for," structuring the verse to ground the following statement in a prior divine condition.

The thread — The reversal of human expectation in Luke 10:21 and Matthew 11:25 parallels this passage, while Romans 1:20 describes a different mechanism where God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly perceived through the created order.

Why it lands — The text states that God deliberately used the preached message to save believers because the world failed to recognize Him through its own intellect, requiring readers to submit their reasoning to the proclamation rather than their own understanding.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Cross-references

Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.
1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Ephesians 3:10 His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Daniel 2:20 and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.
Romans 1:28 Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
Romans 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!