1 Corinthians 1:19
What does 1 Corinthians 1:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 1:19 means
Paul quotes Scripture to show that God promised to overturn human wisdom: He will destroy the wisdom of the wise and nullify the discerning. This is not an anti-intellectual statement but a declaration that self-sufficient wisdom cannot reach God. When human pride elevates cleverness above revelation, God brings it to nothing. The cross embodies this reversal: what seems foolish proves to be the locus of divine wisdom and power. By rooting his argument in what “is written,” Paul shows continuity with God’s longstanding way of humbling the proud and exalting His saving plan. The gospel does not decorate human insight; it exposes its limits and replaces it with Christ-centered wisdom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it hath been written, `I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise: and the prudence of the prudent I will reject.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and set aside the understanding of the understanding ones.
Context
This verse substantiates the claim of verse 18 by appealing to Scripture’s pattern. It leads naturally to verse 20’s taunt—where are all the reputed experts now that God has acted? Paul is building a biblical case that the cross fits God’s plan to upend worldly standards. The following verses (20–21) will contrast the failure of the world to know God through its wisdom with God’s pleasure in saving through preaching, moving to specific reactions among Jews and Greeks (verses 22–24).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 29:14
therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
- 1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:
- Isaiah 19:3
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst of it; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek unto the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
- Job 5:12
He frustrateth the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
- Jeremiah 8:9
The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of Jehovah; and what manner of wisdom is in them?
- Isaiah 19:11
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the counsel of the wisest counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
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