1 Corinthians 12:2
What does 1 Corinthians 12:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 12:2 means
Paul reminds the Corinthians of their pre-Christian past, when they were Gentiles led to voiceless idols. Those idols could not speak truth or give life, yet the people were drawn along by them. This memory humbles their current spiritual pride and warns them against being impressed by anything merely sensational. True spirituality is not defined by ecstatic experiences but by the living God who speaks. The contrast is clear: idols are dumb; the Spirit reveals. By revisiting their former bondage, Paul prepares them to discern between empty religious influence and genuine activity of the Holy Spirit.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You are conscious that when you were Gentiles, in whatever way you were guided, you went after images without voice or power.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye have known that ye were nations, unto the dumb idols--as ye were led--being carried away;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye know that when ye were [of the] nations [ye were] led away to dumb idols, in whatever way ye might be led.
Context
After stating his aim to instruct them, Paul takes them back to their origins to expose the emptiness of pagan spirituality. This sets the stage for a crucial doctrinal test in verse 3 about honoring Jesus. The reminder of “dumb idols” prepares them to value the Spirit’s clear testimony about Christ. The argument shifts from their past deception (verse 2) to a present safeguard (verse 3), and then to the rich diversity and unity of true gifts (verses 4–11).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,
- Jeremiah 10:5
They are like a palm-tree, of turned work, and speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
- Matthew 15:14
Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.
- Psalms 135:16
They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not;
- Isaiah 46:7
They bear it upon the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it standeth, from its place shall it not remove: yea, one may cry unto it, yet can it not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
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