Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:4

What does 1 Corinthians 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 2:4 means

Paul’s preaching did not depend on the techniques of persuasive rhetoric prized in Greek culture. Instead, its credibility was shown by a “demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” This likely refers to the Spirit’s evident work—convicting hearts, producing repentance and faith, transforming lives, and authenticating the message with God’s own authority. The point is not that words are unnecessary, but that human cleverness cannot awaken the dead heart. God Himself must make the message effective. Paul’s restraint from flashy methods was intentional: he wanted hearers to encounter God’s living action, not merely a moving speech or an impressive personality.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in my preaching there were no honeyed words of wisdom, but I was dependent on the power of the Spirit to make it clear to you:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and my word and my preaching was not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And my speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom. but in shewing of the Spirit and power:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and my word and my preaching, not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of [the] Spirit and of power;

Context

Verse 4 continues the contrast begun in verses 1–3 and prepares for verse 5’s purpose statement. Paul’s ministry rested on the Spirit’s operative power rather than on rhetorical polish. The emphasis on divine power sets up the argument that true faith has a divine foundation. From there (v.6 onward), Paul will clarify that he does speak wisdom—just not the world’s kind. The flow moves from method and manner to the intended result, then to a deeper explanation of the nature of God’s wisdom.

v.3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

v.4This passage

v.5that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Romans 16:18

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

  • Galatians 1:10

    For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

  • Colossians 2:4

    This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

  • Judges 16:5

    And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.

  • 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.

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