1 Corinthians 1:27

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;

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};

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;

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.

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;

Context of 1 Corinthians 1:27

This verse is part of a larger argument by the Apostle Paul concerning true wisdom versus worldly wisdom, particularly in the early Christian community in Corinth. The Corinthian church was grappling with divisions and pride, with some members boasting in human philosophy, rhetorical skill, or specific leaders. Paul challenges these worldly values, asserting that God's plan of salvation, centered on the crucified Christ, appears as "foolishness" to the world, yet it is the ultimate expression of divine power and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21).

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Paradoxical Wisdom: The verse highlights God's unconventional methods. Instead of choosing the conventionally "wise" or "mighty" according to human standards, God deliberately selects those considered insignificant. This divine strategy serves to demonstrate that salvation and spiritual power do not originate from human intellect, status, or strength, but from God alone.
  • Humility and Divine Choice: God's choice of the "foolish" and "weak" champions humility. It ensures that no one can boast in their own accomplishments before Him (1 Corinthians 1:29). This theme resonates with other biblical passages where God exalts the humble and opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).
  • Divine Power Over Worldly Might: By choosing the weak, God demonstrates His transcendent power. The Greek word for "confound" (kataischynō) means "to put to shame" or "to disgrace." God's seemingly weak instruments utterly expose the emptiness and futility of worldly wisdom and strength. This reversal of values underscores that God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Linguistic Insights

The terms "foolish" (Greek: mōra) and "weak" (Greek: asthenē) are used here to describe what the world perceives as lacking intelligence, power, or influence. Paul deliberately employs these terms to contrast with the world's admiration for philosophical wisdom (sophia) and political/social power (dynata). God's choosing of these seemingly inferior instruments serves to "confound" (kataischynō), meaning to utterly shame or expose the inadequacy of, what the world prides itself on. This highlights the radical difference between God's perspective and human valuation.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 1:27 offers profound encouragement and a call to humility.

  • Embrace Humility: It reminds us that our worth and effectiveness in God's kingdom do not depend on our worldly achievements, intellect, or status, but on His sovereign choice and power working through us. This should lead to profound humility and gratitude.
  • Trust God's Methods: When facing challenges or feeling inadequate, this verse assures us that God often uses the unexpected and the seemingly weak to accomplish His greatest purposes. We are called to trust His wisdom, even when it seems counterintuitive to human logic.
  • Focus on God's Glory: The ultimate goal of God's choosing is to ensure that all glory belongs to Him. This passage challenges us to consistently point to Christ and His power, rather than our own abilities, in all that we do.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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