1 Corinthians 1:27

KJV

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} God {G2316} hath chosen {G1586} the foolish things {G3474} of the world {G2889} to {G2443} confound {G2617} the wise {G4680}; and {G2532} God {G2316} hath chosen {G1586} the weak things {G772} of the world {G2889} to {G2443} confound {G2617} the things which are mighty {G2478};

Complete Jewish Bible

But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong;

Berean Standard Bible

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

American Standard Version

but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:27, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound paradox of divine strategy: God intentionally chooses those whom the world deems foolish and weak to humble and expose the emptiness of human wisdom and strength. This deliberate inversion of worldly values serves to ensure that all glory belongs to God alone, demonstrating that His power and wisdom operate independently of, and indeed often in opposition to, human standards and expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - The Wisdom of God") concerning the nature of true wisdom versus worldly wisdom. Following his declaration that 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" ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")), Paul elaborates on *how* God demonstrates this paradoxical wisdom. He highlights that God's method of salvation, through a crucified Messiah, defies human logic and philosophical systems. Verses [1 Corinthians 1:26-31](/1_corinthians/1-26-31 "1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - God's Choice of the Weak") specifically address the composition of the Corinthian church, noting that few among them were "wise according to worldly standards," "powerful," or "of noble birth." Verse 27, therefore, explains the divine rationale behind this demographic reality, setting the stage for the conclusion that "no human being might boast in the presence of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:29](/1_corinthians/1-29 "1 Corinthians 1:29 - No Boasting Before God")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a prominent Roman provincial capital, a bustling commercial hub renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and intellectual pursuits. Greek philosophy, rhetoric, and social status were highly prized. Intellectual prowess (sophia) and social influence (dynamis) were the benchmarks of success and respect. The Corinthian church, however, was a nascent community largely composed of individuals from the lower echelons of society—slaves, freedmen, artisans, and those lacking social standing. This demographic composition stood in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural values of the city. Paul's message directly confronts this societal admiration for human wisdom and power, asserting that God's kingdom operates on an entirely different set of principles, deliberately subverting the world's criteria for significance.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The Book of 1 Corinthians"). Firstly, it underscores **God's Paradoxical Wisdom**, revealing that His ways are not humanity's ways, and what appears weak or foolish to the world is, in fact, the ultimate expression of divine power and insight. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Humility and Divine Choice**, emphasizing that God deliberately chooses the seemingly insignificant to prevent human boasting and to ensure that all glory redounds to Him alone, as explicitly stated in [1 Corinthians 1:29](/1_corinthians/1-29 "1 Corinthians 1:29 - No Boasting Before God"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Divine Power Over Worldly Might**, demonstrating that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, a concept further developed in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength in Weakness"). This reversal of values challenges the Corinthians' (and our own) tendency to value human achievements over divine grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Greek, _eklégomai_):** This verb, in the middle voice, signifies God's active, deliberate, and sovereign selection. It implies a purposeful act of choosing out from a larger group. God is not merely reacting to circumstances but is intentionally electing specific individuals or types of people, revealing His intentionality in subverting worldly expectations.
* **foolish things (Greek, _mōrós_):** Derived from which we get "moron," this term describes something dull, stupid, heedless, or absurd from a human perspective. In this context, it refers to those people or methods that the world dismisses as lacking intelligence, sophistication, or strategic value. God's choice of the "foolish" directly challenges the world's reliance on intellectual prowess and philosophical acumen.
* **confound (Greek, _kataischýnō_):** This strong verb means "to shame down," "disgrace," or "put to the blush." It implies a complete exposure of inadequacy or futility. God's purpose in choosing the "foolish" and "weak" is not merely to surprise, but to utterly discredit and invalidate the wisdom and might of the world, demonstrating their ultimate powerlessness before His divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world":** This opening clause immediately sets up a stark contrast ("But God") with the world's values. It asserts God's sovereign initiative in selecting what society deems insignificant, unintelligent, or absurd. This divine choice is not accidental but deliberate, aimed at a specific purpose.
* **"to confound the wise;":** The purpose clause reveals God's intent: to utterly shame and expose the inadequacy of those who pride themselves on their worldly wisdom, intellect, and philosophical understanding. God's seemingly illogical methods are designed to demonstrate the futility of human wisdom when it stands in opposition to divine truth.
* **"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world":** This phrase parallels the first, reiterating God's counter-intuitive method. Just as He chooses the foolish, He also selects those who are perceived as powerless, lacking influence, or physically/socially impotent in the eyes of the world. This reinforces the pattern of divine reversal.
* **"to confound the things which are mighty;":** The second purpose clause mirrors the first, indicating that God's choice of the weak is intended to disgrace and invalidate those who rely on their worldly power, strength, or social standing. God demonstrates that true might and effectiveness do not originate from human capabilities but from His sovereign power working through unexpected vessels.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak") to amplify his message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, where God's actions appear contradictory to human logic: He uses the "foolish" to confound the "wise" and the "weak" to confound the "mighty." This highlights the fundamental difference between divine and human wisdom. Closely related is **Antithesis**, the direct opposition of ideas, seen in the pairing of "foolish" vs. "wise" and "weak" vs. "mighty." This sharp contrast underscores the radical inversion of values inherent in God's kingdom. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, with the two halves of the verse mirroring each other in structure and meaning ("God has chosen X to confound Y; and God has chosen A to confound B"). This rhetorical device adds emphasis and reinforces the consistent nature of God's counter-cultural strategy. Finally, there is a strong element of **Irony**, as the very qualities the world despises—foolishness and weakness—become the instruments through which God exposes the emptiness and futility of the world's most cherished attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 1:27 profoundly reveals the nature of God's wisdom and power, which consistently operate in ways that defy human expectation and pride. It underscores that salvation and spiritual effectiveness are entirely of God, not dependent on human merit, intellect, or strength. This divine strategy ensures that no human being can boast in their own achievements before God, thereby directing all glory and praise to the Creator. The verse serves as a foundational statement about the "upside-down" nature of God's kingdom, where humility is exalted, and the seemingly insignificant are empowered to accomplish divine purposes, challenging believers to re-evaluate what truly holds value.

* [1 Corinthians 1:29](/1_corinthians/1-29 "1 Corinthians 1:29 - No Boasting Before God")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")
* [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Wisdom Hidden from the Wise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 1:27 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to humility for believers today. It reminds us that our worth, usefulness, and effectiveness in God's kingdom are not contingent upon our worldly achievements, intellectual prowess, social status, or perceived strengths. Instead, they rest entirely upon God's sovereign choice and His power working through us, often precisely in our moments of perceived weakness or inadequacy. This truth should cultivate deep humility, profound gratitude, and unwavering trust in God's unconventional methods. When we feel overwhelmed, unqualified, or overlooked by the world, this verse assures us that God delights in using the unexpected and the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His greatest purposes, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone. It challenges us to surrender our pride, embrace our dependence on God, and allow Him to work powerfully through our weaknesses, knowing that His strength is perfected in them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "wisdom" and "strength" in my own life, and do these definitions align with God's perspective as presented in this verse?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be subtly relying on worldly wisdom, human strength, or personal accomplishments rather than fully trusting in God's power and methods?**
* **How can I more intentionally embrace humility and allow God to work through my perceived weaknesses or limitations, rather than trying to hide or overcome them by my own efforts?**
* **Considering God's choice of the "foolish" and "weak," how does this verse challenge my perspective on who God uses for His purposes, both in the church and in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does God choose the "foolish" and "weak" things of the world?**

Answer: God chooses the "foolish" and "weak" things of the world primarily for two interconnected reasons: to prevent human boasting and to demonstrate that His wisdom and power are entirely superior to, and independent of, worldly standards. By selecting those whom the world dismisses as insignificant, God ensures that when His purposes are accomplished, no one can claim credit for themselves or boast in their own abilities ([1 Corinthians 1:29](/1_corinthians/1-29 "1 Corinthians 1:29 - No Boasting Before God")). This divine strategy highlights that salvation, spiritual growth, and kingdom advancement are solely the result of God's sovereign grace and omnipotence, not human intellect, social standing, or physical might. It underscores that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to human logic, revealing His profound wisdom in humbling the proud and exalting the humble ([Romans 9:16](/romans/9-16 "Romans 9:16 - God's Sovereign Choice")).

**Does this verse mean that intelligence, strength, or worldly success are inherently bad or that God cannot use people who possess them?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that intelligence, strength, or worldly success are inherently evil, nor does it mean God cannot use individuals who possess these qualities. Rather, Paul's point is about where our ultimate trust and boasting lie. The danger is not in possessing these attributes, but in relying on them apart from God or allowing them to foster pride and self-sufficiency. God can and does use people of great intellect, influence, and strength for His purposes, but He often does so in a way that humbles their self-reliance and demonstrates that His power is the true source of effectiveness. The core message is that these worldly advantages are not prerequisites for God's favor or for being used by Him; in fact, God often bypasses them to highlight His own glory and power, which are made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 1:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. From the world's perspective, Jesus, born in a humble manger, ministering among the common people, and ultimately dying a criminal's death on a cross, embodied the very "foolish" and "weak" things that God chose. The cross, in particular, was the epitome of weakness and foolishness to both Jews seeking signs and Greeks seeking wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:22-23](/1_corinthians/1-22-23 "1 Corinthians 1:22-23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness")). Yet, it was precisely through this apparent weakness and humiliation that God accomplished His greatest triumph, "disarming the powers and authorities" and making "a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus, in His profound humility and self-emptying ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")), became the ultimate "foolish thing" that "confounded the wise" and the ultimate "weak thing" that "confounded the mighty," utterly defeating sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). His resurrection, following His apparent defeat, is the irrefutable demonstration that God's power is indeed made perfect in weakness, and His wisdom far surpasses all human understanding.

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

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Psalms 8:2

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Isaiah 29:14

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, [even] a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid.

Acts 4:11

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Acts 4:21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.