Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 2:6
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to contrast his preaching with human philosophical systems. He delivers this statement immediately after warning the church to ground their faith in God's power rather than human wisdom.
The words — τελείοις (teleiois) translates literally as "mature" or "fully grown," and σοφίαν (sophian) means "wisdom." Paul uses these terms to establish that spiritual maturity requires receiving a specific category of divine understanding.
The thread — The link between maturity and discernment appears in Hebrews 5:14, which associates solid food with trained senses. The rejection of worldly wisdom aligns with James 3:15, which classifies such understanding as earthly and unspiritual.
Why it lands — The text explicitly states that the mature receive a message of wisdom distinct from the fading systems of earthly rulers. It requires readers to abandon reliance on transient cultural or intellectual standards and submit to God's predetermined revelation.
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
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
Cross-references
- Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
- James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
- 1 Corinthians 2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 For 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.
- 1 Corinthians 1:28 He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,
- Ephesians 4:11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
- Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
- 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.