Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:8

What does 1 Corinthians 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 2:8 means

The decisive proof that the age’s leaders lack true wisdom is their role in crucifying “the Lord of glory.” Had they understood God’s plan and the identity of Jesus, they would not have condemned Him. Their ignorance fulfilled God’s purpose, not by excusing their guilt, but by showing that human power cannot perceive or thwart divine wisdom. Calling Jesus “the Lord of glory” reveals His exalted status: the One worthy of divine honor suffered at their hands, and yet through that very cross God accomplished salvation. What seemed ultimate defeat was actually the triumphant unveiling of God’s predetermined, saving design in Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Of which not one of the rulers of this world had knowledge: for if they had, they would not have put the Lord of glory on the cross:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

which no one of the rulers of this age did know, for if they had known, the Lord of the glory they would not have crucified;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which none of the princes of this world knew. For if they had known it, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

which none of the princes of this age knew, (for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;)

Context

Following verse 7’s claim that God’s wisdom was foreordained, verse 8 supplies history’s example: the rulers missed it and crucified the Messiah. This prepares for verse 9’s citation about realities beyond human discovery and verse 10’s assertion that God reveals them by the Spirit. The flow shows both the blindness of human authority and the necessity of revelation. The cross itself becomes the lens for reading the rest of the chapter: what the world rejects, God uses to save.

v.7but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

v.8This passage

v.9but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, Andwhichentered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14

    but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

  • John 7:48

    Hath any of the rulers believed on him, or of the Pharisees?

  • John 16:3

    And these things will they do, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

  • 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:

  • Acts 3:16

    And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

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