Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:31

What does 1 Corinthians 1:31 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:31 means

Paul concludes with Scripture: “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” This seals the argument. If God chose the lowly and gave us everything in Christ, then all boasting must be directed to Him. The church’s unity and humility flow from this doxology. Glorying in the Lord means finding identity, confidence, and joy in who God is and what He has done in Jesus, rather than in leaders, gifts, or social standing. It is the antidote to factional pride and the fitting response to the cross’s wisdom and power. Christ is the ground and goal of all true boasting.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that, as it is said in the holy Writings, Whoever has a desire for glory, let his glory be in the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that, according as it hath been written, `He who is glorying--in the Lord let him glory.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That, as it is written: He that glorieth may glory in the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that according as it is written, He that boasts, let him boast in [the] Lord.

Context

This verse caps the chapter’s movement from division to doxology. After dismantling party spirit with the cross-centered logic of God’s wisdom (verses 18–25) and God’s choice of the lowly (verses 26–29), Paul centers all blessing in Christ (verse 30) and closes by directing all glory to the Lord. The citation reinforces that this has always been God’s way. This sets the stage for the rest of the letter, where practical issues will be addressed under the banner of boasting only in the Lord who unites His people by the cross.

v.30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

v.31This passage

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 105:3

    Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.

  • Jeremiah 4:2

    and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:10

    Glory ye in his holy name; Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    Thus saith Jehovah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches;

  • 2 Corinthians 10:17

    But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:35

    And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us together and deliver us from the nations, To give thanks unto thy holy name, And to triumph in thy praise.

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