1 Corinthians 3:18
What does 1 Corinthians 3:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 3:18 means
Paul forbids self-deception. If someone thinks he is wise “in this world,” he should become a “fool” in the world’s eyes to truly become wise. The gospel inverts cultural valuations: human cleverness and status do not equal God’s wisdom. To become a “fool” is to renounce boasting in intellect, eloquence, or party allegiance, and to submit to God’s revelation centered in Christ. This verse confronts pride at its source. Spiritual maturity requires a reeducation of the heart, where we stop seeking validation by worldly standards and embrace the humility that receives truth from God. Paradoxically, the path to true wisdom begins with admitting our own limits.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Let no one deceive himself; if any one doth seem to be wise among you in this age--let him become a fool, that he may become wise,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let no one deceive himself: if any one thinks himself to be wise among you in this world, let him become foolish, that he may be wise.
Context
After warning temple destroyers, Paul tackles the inner engine of Corinthian division: confidence in worldly wisdom. Verse 18 commands a reversal of values that aligns with the cross-shaped wisdom expounded earlier in the letter. Verses 19–20 will ground this call by citing Scripture that exposes the futility of human scheming. The flow moves from behavior (divisions) to diagnosis (prideful wisdom) to remedy (humble folly for Christ), preparing the climactic renunciation of boasting in men.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 5:6
Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
- 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- Titus 3:3
For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
- Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;
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