1 Corinthians 1:18

KJV

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the preaching {G3056} of the cross {G4716} is {G2076} to them {G3303} that perish {G622} foolishness {G3472}; but {G1161} unto us {G2254} which are saved {G4982} it is {G2076} the power {G1411} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the message about the execution-stake is nonsense to those in the process of being destroyed, but to us in the process of being saved it is the power of God.

Berean Standard Bible

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

American Standard Version

For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 1:18 encapsulates the profound paradox at the heart of the Christian gospel, revealing two diametrically opposed responses to the message of Christ's crucifixion. To those who are spiritually lost and destined for destruction, the "preaching of the cross" appears utterly nonsensical and absurd, a stumbling block to their human reasoning. Conversely, for those who are being saved by God's grace, this same message is experienced as the dynamic, transformative, and irresistible power of God, demonstrating His wisdom and ability to redeem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the foundational thesis for Paul's extended argument in [1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions and the Wisdom of God") and [1 Corinthians 2](/1_corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - The Spirit's Wisdom"). Paul is addressing severe divisions within the Corinthian church, which were largely fueled by an overvaluation of human wisdom, rhetorical prowess, and philosophical schools of thought prevalent in their culture. He directly confronts the Corinthians' pride in their intellectual or oratorical allegiances (e.g., "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas" in [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in the Church")), asserting that the true power of God is not found in eloquent speech or human philosophy, but in the seemingly weak and foolish message of a crucified Messiah. Verse 18 introduces this central contrast, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent dismantling of human wisdom and exaltation of divine wisdom, which culminates in the declaration that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Wisdom and Weakness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a major commercial hub in the Roman Empire, known for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality. It was also a center for various philosophical schools, where eloquent rhetoric and intellectual debate were highly prized. Greeks, in particular, sought "wisdom" (as mentioned in [1 Corinthians 1:22](/1_corinthians/1-22 "1 Corinthians 1:22 - Jews demand signs, Greeks seek wisdom")), and the idea of a crucified God was utterly scandalous and illogical to their way of thinking. Roman society, too, viewed crucifixion as a shameful, humiliating form of execution reserved for the lowest criminals and slaves, making the "cross" a symbol of weakness and disgrace, not power or glory. Paul's message, therefore, directly challenged the core values and intellectual pride of Corinthian society, presenting a "stumblingblock" to Jews and "foolishness" to Gentiles ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several critical themes that permeate Paul's letter. Firstly, the **Paradox of the Cross** is central: God's greatest act of power and wisdom is revealed through what appears to be ultimate weakness and foolishness—the crucifixion of His Son. This theme challenges human perceptions of strength and wisdom. Secondly, it highlights the stark **Contrast between Divine Wisdom and Human Wisdom**, asserting that God's plan of salvation, though appearing absurd to the world, is infinitely superior to any human philosophical construct or intellectual achievement. This divine wisdom is revealed not through human eloquence but through the simple, scandalous message of the cross. Thirdly, the verse establishes a **Dichotomy of Humanity's Response** to the gospel: those who are "perishing" reject it as foolishness, and those who are "saved" embrace it as the power of God. This division underscores the spiritual reality of humanity's state before God and the transformative nature of the gospel for those who believe, echoing themes of judgment and salvation found throughout Scripture, such as in [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He that believeth is not condemned").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **preaching (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." Here, it refers not merely to the act of verbal proclamation, but to the entire "message" or "word" concerning the cross. It encapsulates the content of the gospel—the divine revelation of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ's atoning work.
* **cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** From G4716, meaning "a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e. self-denial; by implication, the atonement of Christ." The "cross" is a metonymy for the entire event of Christ's crucifixion, including His sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection, which forms the core of the gospel message. It represents the means by which God accomplished salvation.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** From G622, meaning "to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively." This term denotes a state of spiritual ruin, destruction, and eternal condemnation. It describes those who are spiritually lost, separated from God, and on a path leading to ultimate destruction, unable to comprehend or accept God's truth.
* **foolishness (Greek, _mōría'_):** From G3472, meaning "silliness, i.e. absurdity." This word emphasizes the utter absurdity, stupidity, and utter lack of sense that the message of the cross represents to the unregenerate mind. It's not just a lack of understanding, but an active disdain for what is perceived as irrational and contemptible.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." This term signifies God's inherent, dynamic, and effective ability to save, transform, and accomplish His purposes. It points to the supernatural efficacy of the gospel message to bring about salvation, spiritual regeneration, and empowerment in the lives of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness":** This clause establishes the first of two contrasting responses to the gospel. The "preaching of the cross"—the central message of Christ's atoning death—is utterly incomprehensible and absurd to those who are spiritually perishing. Their minds, influenced by worldly wisdom and darkened by sin, cannot grasp the divine logic or power inherent in a crucified Savior, seeing it only as weakness or irrationality. This spiritual blindness leads them away from salvation.
* **"but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."**: This clause presents the antithetical response. For those who are actively being "saved" (a present participle, indicating an ongoing process of salvation), the very same message of the cross is experienced as the dynamic, transformative, and saving "power of God." This power is not merely intellectual persuasion, but a spiritual force that regenerates hearts, grants faith, and leads to eternal life, demonstrating God's inherent ability to redeem and restore.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** in this verse, creating a stark contrast between two groups of people ("them that perish" vs. "us which are saved") and their opposing perceptions of the cross ("foolishness" vs. "the power of God"). This direct opposition highlights the radical, divisive nature of the gospel message. Furthermore, the verse embodies **Paradox**, where what appears as ultimate weakness and absurdity (a crucified Messiah) is, in God's divine economy, the ultimate display of His power and wisdom. The "cross" itself functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, standing in for the entire gospel message and the redemptive work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the core tension between divine revelation and human reason, a theme Paul develops extensively in [1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions and the Wisdom of God") and [1 Corinthians 2](/1_corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - The Spirit's Wisdom"). It asserts that true wisdom and power do not originate from human intellect or philosophical systems, but from God alone, revealed in the seemingly humble and scandalous message of Christ's crucifixion. The cross, far from being a sign of defeat, is the epicenter of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His justice, love, and power to save. It also underscores the spiritual divide among humanity: those who are perishing because they reject God's wisdom, and those who are being saved because they embrace it.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation"): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Things"): "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 1:18 offers a timeless truth that challenges our natural inclinations and comforts us in our evangelistic efforts. In a world that often values intellectual sophistication, worldly success, and self-sufficiency, the message of the cross can indeed seem foolish or irrelevant. This verse reminds us that the power of the gospel does not lie in our ability to make it palatable, culturally relevant, or intellectually appealing to the unregenerate mind, but in the inherent, supernatural power of God Himself. Our task is not to dilute or reframe the message of Christ crucified, but to faithfully proclaim it, trusting that God's Spirit will open eyes and transform hearts. It calls believers to humility, recognizing that our salvation is not due to our own wisdom or merit, but solely to God's intervention. It also encourages unwavering confidence in the gospel's efficacy, even when faced with ridicule or rejection, knowing that for those whom God is calling, it is nothing less than the very power of God unto salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to make the gospel more "palatable" to the world, rather than trusting in the inherent "foolishness" and "power" of the cross?**
* **How does my own understanding of the cross reflect either human wisdom or divine wisdom?**
* **What does it mean for me to experience the "preaching of the cross" as the "power of God" in my daily life?**
* **How can this verse encourage me when others dismiss or mock my faith?**

### FAQ
**Why does the world consider the message of the cross "foolishness"?**

Answer: The world, operating under human wisdom and natural reasoning, considers the message of the cross "foolishness" for several reasons. Firstly, it challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, demanding an admission of sin and a reliance on a crucified Savior for salvation, which seems weak and undignified. Secondly, the concept of a divine, all-powerful God dying a shameful death on a cross is illogical to a mind that values strength and worldly triumph. The idea that salvation comes through such a seemingly ignominious event contradicts human notions of justice and power. As Paul explains in [1 Corinthians 1:22-23](/1_corinthians/1-22-23 "1 Corinthians 1:22-23 - Jews demand signs, Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified"), Jews sought miraculous signs, and Greeks sought philosophical wisdom, neither of which the crucified Christ immediately offered in their preferred form. The cross, therefore, becomes a "stumblingblock" to those seeking signs and "foolishness" to those seeking human wisdom, because it transcends and subverts their expectations, revealing a divine wisdom that operates contrary to worldly logic.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 1:18 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the "preaching of the cross." The "cross" is not merely an ancient execution device; it is the central act of God's redemptive history, where Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's one sacrifice")). What appears as foolishness to the perishing world—God becoming man and dying on a cross—is, in reality, the ultimate demonstration of God's infinite wisdom and power to save. Through Christ's death, sin was atoned for, Satan's power was broken ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over spiritual powers")), and a pathway to reconciliation with God was opened ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself")). For those who believe, the cross is the source of new life, spiritual transformation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live in the power of God, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). Thus, the message of the cross is intrinsically Christ-centered, for it is through His finished work that salvation is accomplished and God's power is made manifest in the lives of believers.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Corinthians 1:25

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.