1 Corinthians 1:23

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

But {G1161} we {G2249} preach {G2784} Christ {G5547} crucified {G4717}, unto the Jews {G2453} a stumblingblock {G3303}{G4625}, and {G1161} unto the Greeks {G1672} foolishness {G3472};

we go on proclaiming a Messiah executed on a stake as a criminal! To Jews this is an obstacle, and to Greeks it is nonsense;

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;

Commentary

Context

First Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, a bustling, cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece. Corinth was known for its diverse population, wealth, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. In this letter, Paul addresses divisions within the church, including factions based on human wisdom and eloquence. Here, Paul contrasts the world's perception of wisdom with God's divine wisdom, particularly as revealed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Centrality of Christ Crucified: Paul unequivocally states that the core of his message, and indeed the Christian faith, is Christ crucified. This was not a side-note but the very heart of God's redemptive plan, despite its unappealing nature to the world.
  • A Stumblingblock to Jews: For many Jews, who anticipated a powerful, conquering Messiah who would liberate Israel politically, the idea of a crucified Messiah was scandalous. The Law pronounced a curse on anyone hung on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:23), making the cross seem like a sign of weakness or divine disfavor rather than salvation. This concept is explored further as Israel's stumbling over the stumbling stone.
  • Foolishness to Greeks: The Greeks, steeped in philosophical traditions that valued human reason, rhetoric, and intellectual prowess, found the message of a crucified God utterly irrational and absurd. For them, a deity suffering such a shameful, ignominious death was contrary to their understanding of divine power and wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two powerful terms here:

  • "Stumblingblock" translates the Greek word skandalon (σκάνδαλον), which originally referred to the bait stick of a trap, and later to an obstacle over which one might trip or fall. It signifies something that causes offense, moral failure, or spiritual ruin.
  • "Foolishness" comes from the Greek moria (μωρία), from which we get the English word 'moron'. Paul uses this term to highlight the stark contrast between human wisdom and God's profound wisdom, which appears as foolishness to the world.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that the Gospel message, centered on Christ's atoning death and resurrection, will always encounter resistance and misunderstanding from the world. What appears logical or powerful to human eyes often contradicts God's ways and thoughts. It challenges us to embrace the "foolishness" of the cross as the ultimate expression of God's wisdom and power for salvation. It also encourages us to persist in sharing this message, knowing that it is not by human persuasion or intellectual superiority, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, that hearts are transformed.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.

  • 1 Peter 2:8

    And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:2

    For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

  • Galatians 5:11

    And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

  • Isaiah 8:14

    And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 8:15

    And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

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