Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:26

What does 1 Corinthians 1:26 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:26 means

Paul asks the Corinthians to consider their calling: not many were wise, mighty, or noble by worldly standards. Their community illustrates God’s pattern. The church is not a trophy case of the elite but a display of grace. “Not many” leaves room for some, but the overall makeup undercuts boasting. If God saved them when they were ordinary or overlooked, then their identity must rest in Christ, not in social status, education, or power. Reflecting on their beginnings helps them resist pride and factionalism fed by admiration of impressive leaders. Their very existence argues that salvation is by grace, not by natural advantage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For you see God's design for you, my brothers, that he has not taken a great number of the wise after the flesh, not the strong, not the noble:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for see your calling, brethren, that not many <FI>are<Fi> wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For consider your calling, brethren, that [there are] not many wise according to flesh, not many powerful, not many high-born.

Context

After establishing the paradox of God’s wisdom (verse 25), Paul turns to the Corinthians’ experience as evidence. Verse 26 recalls their unimpressive backgrounds. Verses 27–28 will explain that God intentionally chose the foolish, weak, and despised to shame the self-assured. Verse 29 states the purpose: that no flesh should boast before God. This application aims to dismantle the pride fueling divisions and to re-center their identity on God’s gracious choice rather than on human credentials.

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

v.26This passage

v.27but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 2:8

    which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:18

    Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.

  • Zephaniah 3:12

    But I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall take refuge in the name of Jehovah.

  • James 1:9

    But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:13

    Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.

  • Luke 1:3

    it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;

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