1:21 1:21

1 Corinthians 1:22

1:23 1:23

Bible Versions

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
For {G2532}{G1894} the Jews {G2453} require {G154} a sign {G4592}, and {G2532} the Greeks {G1672} seek {G2212} after wisdom {G4678}:
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:

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

  • Contrasting Expectations: The verse highlights the distinct spiritual and intellectual appetites of Jews and Greeks. Jews, steeped in a history of divine intervention, sought miraculous proof (a "sign") to validate divine claims. Greeks, heirs to a rich philosophical tradition, prized eloquent discourse, logical reasoning, and intellectual understanding (a "wisdom").
  • The Gospel's Challenge: The message of a crucified Messiah did not fit either paradigm. For the Jews, a crucified leader was a stumbling block, an apparent sign of weakness and defeat, not power. For the Greeks, the idea of salvation through a humble, crucified figure seemed like sheer "foolishness," lacking the intellectual sophistication they admired.
  • God's Counter-Intuitive Plan: This verse underscores God's chosen method of salvation, which deliberately subverts human expectations and intellectual pride. God's wisdom is often paradoxical to human wisdom, demonstrating that His power operates independently of, and often contrary to, human criteria.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sign" (Greek: semeion): In the New Testament, a semeion typically refers to a miraculous event or supernatural display intended to authenticate a divine message or messenger. Jewish tradition frequently sought such signs, as seen in the demands made of Jesus (Matthew 12:38).
  • "Wisdom" (Greek: sophia): This term, especially in the Greek context, refers to philosophical knowledge, intellectual prowess, and skilled rhetoric. Greek culture, particularly in a city like Corinth, was highly attuned to eloquent speech and philosophical debates. Paul addresses this directly when he explains that the world through its wisdom did not know God.

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:

  • Faith Transcends Human Reason: True faith in Christ often requires moving beyond what our intellect or senses can fully grasp.
  • God's Ways Are Not Our Ways: The power of God is revealed not always in what is grand or intellectually appealing to the world, but often in what seems humble or even foolish from a human perspective.
  • The Gospel's Simplicity and Power: The core message of Christ crucified and risen remains the central truth. It is not dependent on human validation, but on God's own power to transform lives, regardless of whether it meets human demands for signs or wisdom.
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.

  • 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?
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