Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:24

What does 1 Corinthians 1:24 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:24 means

To those who are called—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. The decisive difference is God’s effectual call, which opens eyes to see the crucified Christ not as scandal or folly but as the very display of divine might and insight. Salvation is grounded in God’s initiative. The cross meets humanity’s deepest need, defeating sin and death and revealing God’s wise plan. Ethnic or cultural background does not determine response; God’s call does. This levels pride and unites believers from every group around one Savior, whom they now recognize as the embodiment of God’s saving power and perfect wisdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But to those of God's selection, Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power and the wisdom of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to those called--both Jews and Greeks--Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but to those that [are] called, both Jews and Greeks, ChristGod's power andGod's wisdom.

Context

This verse provides the positive counterpart to verse 23’s offense: the same message is received as God’s power and wisdom by those whom God calls. It anticipates verse 25’s paradox—that even God’s “weakness” surpasses human strength—and prepares for verses 26–31, where Paul will apply this theology to the Corinthians’ own experience: most were not impressive by worldly standards, yet God chose them to remove boasting and center glory in Christ.

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

v.24This passage

v.25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

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

  • Luke 11:49

    Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send unto them prophets and apostles; and some of them they shall kill and persecute;

  • Romans 1:16

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

  • Luke 7:35

    And wisdom is justified of all her children.

  • Colossians 2:3

    in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 1:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary