Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:7

What does 1 Corinthians 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 2:7 means

Paul describes the gospel as “God’s wisdom in a mystery,” not because it is unknowable, but because it was once hidden and is now revealed. God “foreordained” this plan “before the worlds unto our glory,” showing that salvation in Christ is no afterthought. From eternity, God purposed a redemptive wisdom that would culminate in believers’ glory—sharing in the restored life God gives through Christ. By calling it a mystery, Paul underscores that human effort could never have discovered it. Only divine revelation unveils a plan that both humbles the proud and lifts the undeserving into God’s gracious future.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But we give the news of the secret wisdom of God, which he had kept in store before the world came into existence, for our glory;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but we speak the hidden wisdom of God in a secret, that God foreordained before the ages to our glory,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, a wisdom which is hidden, which God ordained before the world, unto our glory:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we speakGod's wisdom in [a] mystery, that hidden [wisdom] whichGod had predetermined before the ages for our glory:

Context

Verse 7 deepens the contrast introduced in verse 6. The world’s wisdom is fading, but God’s wisdom was determined before time and results in glory for believers. This sets up verse 8’s historical test case: the rulers’ failure to recognize and receive this wisdom, shown in their treatment of the “Lord of glory.” Verses 9–10 will then explain that what eye and ear cannot discover, God reveals by His Spirit to those who love Him.

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:

v.7This passage

v.8which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 11:25

    At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:

  • Ephesians 3:4

    whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

  • Romans 16:25

    Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

  • Colossians 1:26

    even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Psalms 78:2

    I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

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