Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:5

What does 1 Corinthians 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 2:5 means

The reason for Paul’s approach becomes explicit: he wanted their faith anchored in “the power of God,” not in “the wisdom of men.” Faith built on a personality, a style, or a school of thought is fragile; when the messenger fades or the fashion changes, confidence collapses. Faith rooted in God’s power endures, because its object is God Himself who raised Jesus from the dead. By removing props that draw attention to human ability, Paul ensured that the Corinthians trusted the God who saves. The durability and purity of faith depend on its foundation; only God’s power is strong enough to bear the weight of eternal hope.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that your faith might be based not on man's wisdom but on the power of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that your faith may not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That your faith might not stand on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that your faith might not stand in men's wisdom, but inGod's power.

Context

This verse is the hinge concluding Paul’s defense of his method (vv.1–4) and introducing the discussion of true wisdom (vv.6–16). Having shown why he avoided worldly eloquence—so faith rests on God—Paul can now say that there is real wisdom to be spoken. Verses 6–8 will define its nature and contrast it with the world’s rulers. Verses 9–13 will explain how this wisdom is revealed by the Spirit, and verses 14–16 will distinguish the spiritual from the natural reception of it.

v.4And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

v.5This passage

v.6We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Acts 16:14

    And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:6

    I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7

    in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7

    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

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