1 Corinthians 2:13
What does 1 Corinthians 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 2:13 means
Paul insists that the message he and his coworkers proclaim is expressed “not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth.” The same Spirit who reveals God’s truth also guides the manner of communicating it, “combining spiritual things with spiritual words.” Content and expression match: spiritual realities are best conveyed by Spirit-shaped language that directs attention to Christ and accords with God’s purposes. This does not dismiss thoughtful speech; it rejects speech that relies on human flattery or technique to achieve spiritual results. The authority and effectiveness of gospel proclamation remain rooted in the Spirit’s authorship and instruction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And these are the things which we say, not in the language of man's wisdom, but in words given to us by the Spirit, judging the things of the spirit by the help of the Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which things also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Holy Spirit, with spiritual things spiritual things comparing,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which things also we speak: not in the learned words of human wisdom, but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890which also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual [things] by spiritual [means].
Context
Verse 13 completes the chain: Spirit-revealed truth (vv.10–12) is spoken in Spirit-taught words. This naturally sets up a contrast with those who lack the Spirit in verse 14. The chapter pivots from how wisdom is given and communicated to who can receive it. The coming verses (14–16) will distinguish the “natural” person from the “spiritual” person, culminating in the assertion that believers share “the mind of Christ.”
v.12But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.
v.13This passage
v.14Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:2
For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
- 1 Peter 1:12
To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
- Luke 12:12
for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.
- Ephesians 5:19
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
- 1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1
And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
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