Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:22

What does 1 Corinthians 1:22 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:22 means

Paul observes that Jews typically demand miraculous signs and Greeks search for philosophical wisdom. These represent common cultural expectations for validating truth. The gospel does not cater to either criterion. God did give signs and He values true wisdom, but the cross refuses to fit human tests that would make God answer to our standards. By naming these tendencies, Paul prepares to show how the same message—Christ crucified—provokes offense or contempt depending on the audience’s expectations. The problem is not with the message but with hearts that insist God meet them on their preferred terms rather than receiving the Savior whom He has provided.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Seeing that the Jews make request for signs, and the Greeks are looking for knowledge:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Since also Jews ask a sign, and Greeks seek wisdom,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For both the Jews require signs: and the Greeks seek after wisdom.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Since Jews indeed ask for signs, and Greeks seek wisdom;

Context

This verse introduces the cultural lenses through which many evaluated truth claims in Paul’s world. It sets up verse 23’s contrast: Paul and his co-laborers preach Christ crucified despite these expectations. Verse 24 will then declare that for those whom God calls, whether Jews or Greeks, Christ Himself is the power and wisdom of God. The sequence clarifies that the cross contradicts worldly criteria yet proves sufficient and superior for salvation.

v.21For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.

v.22This passage

v.23but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;

Cross references

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

  • John 2:18

    The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

  • Matthew 16:1

    And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

  • Mark 8:11

    And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, trying him.

  • John 4:28

    So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people,

  • Luke 11:16

    And others, trying him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

  • Luke 11:20

    But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.

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