


1 Corinthians 1:22
Bible Versions
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Precisely because Jews ask for signs and Greeks try to find wisdom,
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,
Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:
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Matthew 16:1
¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. -
Matthew 16:4
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. -
Acts 17:18
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. -
Acts 17:21
(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) -
Matthew 12:38
¶ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. -
Matthew 12:39
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: -
John 2:18
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
1 Corinthians 1:22 presents a concise summary of the prevailing expectations and cultural leanings of two major groups in the ancient world, setting the stage for Paul's profound declaration about the nature of the Gospel.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's opening argument in his first letter to the church in Corinth, where he addresses divisions and the undue emphasis some members placed on human wisdom and eloquence over the simple, yet powerful, message of the cross. Paul contrasts the world's wisdom with God's wisdom, particularly concerning salvation. He has just stated that the preaching of the cross is "foolishness to them that perish" but "the power of God unto salvation" to believers (1 Corinthians 1:18). Verse 22 explains why the cross was perceived this way by different audiences.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
This verse continues to be relevant today, as people still approach faith with preconceived notions. Some seek sensational experiences or "signs," while others demand intellectual satisfaction and logical proof that aligns with their existing worldview. Paul's message reminds us that: