Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:5

What does 1 Corinthians 1:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:5 means

Paul notes that the Corinthians were enriched in Christ in all speech and all knowledge. Their verbal gifts and theological understanding are evidence of divine generosity. In a city that prized rhetoric and philosophy, Paul affirms that God has indeed granted them eloquence and insight—but as gifts, not grounds for boasting. Enrichment “in him” keeps the focus on Christ as the source and purpose of these abilities. Properly received, such gifts should build up the church and honor the Giver. The problem at Corinth was not the presence of gifts but their misuse; here Paul reframes their thinking by recognizing the gifts while implicitly reminding them of their Christ-centered origin and aim.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that in every thing ye were enriched in him, in all discourse and all knowledge,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That in all things you are made rich in him, in all utterance and in all knowledge;

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that in everything ye have been enriched in him, in all word [of doctrine], and all knowledge,

Context

Continuing his thanksgiving (verses 4–9), Paul names specific blessings: speech and knowledge (verse 5), then the confirmation of Christ’s testimony among them (verse 6). He will soon challenge their pride and divisions (verses 10–12), but first he acknowledges the very areas—eloquence and insight—where they may have been tempted to boast. This prepares for later contrasts between worldly wisdom and the word of the cross (verses 18–25). It also underlines that the church does not lack resources to live faithfully; what is needed is right orientation to Christ.

v.4I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

v.5This passage

v.6even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 8:11

    For through thy knowledge he that is weak perisheth, the brother for whose sake Christ died.

  • Colossians 3:10

    and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10

    and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:

  • 1 Corinthians 4:7

    For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?

  • 2 Corinthians 8:7

    But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

  • James 3:13

    Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

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 1:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary