Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:9

What does 1 Corinthians 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 2:9 means

Paul cites Scripture to affirm that God’s prepared blessings are beyond the reach of natural sight, hearing, or imagination. This is not an invitation to guess the unknown but a reminder that God’s saving plan and promised future cannot be discovered by human faculties alone. They are designed for “them that love him,” those who respond to God in faith. The verse exalts the generosity of God, who prepares good far greater than people expect or deserve. It also humbles human boasting, because no one can claim to have reasoned their way into the gospel’s riches without God’s gracious initiative.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But as it says in the holy Writings, Things which the eye saw not, and which had not come to the ears or into the heart of man, such things as God has made ready for those who have love for him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but, according as it hath been written, `What eye did not see, and ear did not hear, and upon the heart of man came not up, what God did prepare for those loving Him--'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard: neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but according as it is written, Things which eye has not seen, and ear not heard, and which have not come into man's heart, whichGod has prepared for them that love him,

Context

After demonstrating that the rulers failed to grasp God’s wisdom (v.8), Paul quotes Scripture (v.9) to reinforce the point: human senses and imagination are insufficient. This sets the stage for verse 10, where Paul explains that these realities are revealed by the Spirit. The movement is from human incapacity to divine disclosure. Verses 11–13 will unpack how the Spirit alone knows and communicates God’s deep things, and verses 14–16 will contrast spiritual receptivity with natural resistance.

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:

v.9This passage

v.10But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Isaiah 65:17

    For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

  • Matthew 20:23

    He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.

  • 1 John 4:19

    We love, because he first loved us.

  • James 1:12

    Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.

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