Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:18

What does 1 Corinthians 1:18 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:18 means

The message of the cross divides humanity: to those who are perishing it looks like foolishness, but to those who are being saved it is God’s power. The crucifixion offends worldly sensibilities—weakness, shame, and defeat—but in God’s plan it accomplishes salvation. This verse reframes evaluation criteria: truth is not measured by cultural approval but by God’s saving action. The ongoing language (“are perishing,” “are saved”) highlights present trajectories, not just past decisions. Faith recognizes in Christ’s cross the mighty power that breaks sin and reconciles to God. Unbelief sees only scandal. The cross is the watershed that reveals hearts and displays divine strength in apparent weakness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us--those being saved--it is the power of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness: but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but to us that are saved it isGod's power.

Context

After rejecting reliance on eloquence (verse 17), Paul explains why: the cross itself is the power of God, even if the world calls it foolish. Verses 19–20 will support this with Scripture and rhetorical questions, showing God’s pattern of overturning human wisdom. Verse 21 will express God’s purpose in saving through what the world deems foolish. Verses 22–24 will detail how Jews and Greeks typically react, and verses 25–31 will conclude that God chooses the weak so that all boasting belongs to the Lord.

v.17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.

v.18This passage

v.19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4

    (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);

  • Galatians 6:12

    As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

  • Acts 17:32

    Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.

  • Acts 13:41

    Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; For I work a work in your days, A work which ye shall in no wise believe, if one declare it unto you.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

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