1 Corinthians 2:13

KJV

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which things {G3739} also {G2532} we speak {G2980}, not {G3756} in {G1722} the words {G3056} which man's {G442} wisdom {G4678} teacheth {G1318}, but {G235} which the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} teacheth {G1722}{G1318}; comparing {G4793} spiritual things {G4152} with spiritual {G4152}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the things we are talking about when we avoid the manner of speaking that human wisdom would dictate and instead use a manner of speaking taught by the Spirit, by which we explain things of the Spirit to people who have the Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

American Standard Version

Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 2:13, the Apostle Paul articulates the divine origin and spiritual nature of the gospel message he proclaims. He asserts that the truths he communicates are not derived from human intellect or persuasive rhetoric, but are directly taught by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, these Spirit-revealed truths are conveyed and understood through a spiritual process, requiring divine illumination to properly apprehend and relate spiritual realities. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit's role in both the revelation and reception of God's profound wisdom, contrasting it sharply with the limitations of worldly wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's broader argument in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2, where he confronts the Corinthian church's over-reliance on human wisdom, eloquence, and philosophical prowess. Paul has just declared that his preaching among them was "not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" ([1 Corinthians 2:4](/1-corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Preaching in Power")). He emphasizes that God's wisdom, though appearing foolish to the world, is profound and hidden, revealed only by the Spirit ([1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1-corinthians/2-7-10 "1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit")). Verse 13 logically follows, explaining *how* these Spirit-revealed truths are then articulated and apprehended, directly contrasting them with human methods of communication and understanding. The subsequent verse, [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1-corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Things"), further elaborates on the inability of the "natural man" to comprehend these spiritual realities, thereby reinforcing the necessity of the Spirit's work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its diverse philosophical schools, rhetorical traditions, and a strong emphasis on eloquent speech and intellectual debate. Greek culture, in particular, highly valued sophistry and persuasive argumentation. The Corinthians, influenced by this environment, were prone to valuing speakers based on their oratorical skill and intellectual sophistication rather than the content or divine origin of their message. Paul's rejection of "man's wisdom" and his emphasis on the Spirit's teaching directly challenges these prevailing cultural norms and the Corinthian church's inclination to adopt them, asserting that the Kingdom of God is not about "words, but in power" ([1 Corinthians 4:20](/1-corinthians/4-20 "1 Corinthians 4:20 - The Kingdom of God is Power")).

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **contrast between divine revelation and human wisdom**. Paul consistently argues that God's truth is not discoverable or comprehensible through human intellectual effort alone, but is sovereignly revealed by the Holy Spirit. This theme is introduced in [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1-corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross"), where the "word of the cross" is seen as foolishness to those perishing but the power of God to those being saved. Another crucial theme is the **indispensable role of the Holy Spirit** in both revealing and enabling the understanding of spiritual truths. The Spirit is presented as the divine teacher and revealer of "the deep things of God" ([1 Corinthians 2:10](/1-corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Searches All Things")). Finally, the concept of **spiritual discernment** is highlighted, implying that spiritual realities require a spiritual faculty—the indwelling Holy Spirit—to be truly comprehended and properly related to one another. The Spirit not only teaches but also empowers believers to "compare spiritual things with spiritual," allowing for true understanding and application of divine wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Greek, _lógos'_):** From λέγω (legō), meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." In this context, _lógos_ refers to the specific expressions, concepts, and modes of discourse employed by human wisdom. Paul is not merely rejecting human language itself, but the *content* and *methodology* of humanly devised and communicated wisdom, which lacks divine origin and power.
* **teacheth (Greek, _didaktós'_):** From διδάσκω (didaskō); meaning "(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching." This word emphasizes the source of the instruction. Paul explicitly states that his message is not "taught" by human wisdom, implying a rejection of human pedagogical methods or intellectual frameworks as the foundation for spiritual truth. Instead, the Holy Ghost is the active agent doing the teaching.
* **spiritual (Greek, _pneumatikós'_):** From πνεῦμα (pneuma), meaning "non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal... or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious." This adjective appears twice in the phrase "comparing spiritual things with spiritual." It signifies that which pertains to the Spirit, originates from the Spirit, or is discerned by the Spirit. The repetition underscores that both the content being communicated ("spiritual things") and the means by which it is communicated and understood ("with spiritual") are divine in nature, not human.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which things also we speak":** Paul refers back to the "things" he has just discussed—the "hidden wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 2:7](/1-corinthians/2-7 "1 Corinthians 2:7 - God's Hidden Wisdom")) revealed by the Spirit ([1 Corinthians 2:10](/1-corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Searches All Things")). The "we" refers to the apostles and those who proclaim God's truth. This clause establishes that the communication of divine truth is a spoken, verbal act.
* **"not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth":** This is a direct negation, emphasizing what the apostles' communication is *not*. It is not based on human eloquence, philosophical arguments, rhetorical techniques, or the intellectual constructs derived from unregenerate human reason. Paul rejects the methods and content that originate from the limited and often flawed perspective of human intellect apart from God.
* **"but which the Holy Ghost teacheth":** This is the affirmative counterpart, specifying the true source of the apostles' words and teaching. The Holy Spirit is the divine instructor, providing not just the content but also the appropriate "words" (concepts, expressions, and framework) for communicating God's truth. This highlights the Spirit's active role in inspiration and revelation.
* **"comparing spiritual things with spiritual":** This is the most debated and profound part of the verse. The Greek word for "comparing" (_synkrínō_) means to "combine," "interpret," or "explain one thing by another." The double use of "spiritual" (_pneumatikós_) suggests that spiritual truths (things revealed by the Spirit) are explained, understood, or discerned *by* spiritual means (words taught by the Spirit, or to spiritual people, or in a spiritual manner). It implies that divine revelation requires divine illumination for proper understanding and expression, and that spiritual truths are best understood in relation to other spiritual truths, all illuminated by the Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** in this verse, sharply contrasting "man's wisdom" with the teaching of the "Holy Ghost." This opposition highlights the fundamental difference in origin and nature between human understanding and divine revelation. The phrase "not... but" is a clear marker of this literary technique, underscoring the exclusive source of true spiritual knowledge. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Metonymy** where "man's wisdom" stands for the entire system of human intellectualism, philosophy, and rhetorical skill that attempts to grasp ultimate truth apart from God. The repetition of "spiritual" in "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the pervasive spiritual nature of both the divine message and its proper apprehension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 2:13 is a foundational text for understanding the doctrine of biblical inspiration and the necessity of the Holy Spirit for spiritual comprehension. It teaches that the very words used to convey divine truth are not merely human constructs but are "God-breathed," guided by the Spirit. This divine authorship ensures the authority and infallibility of Scripture. Moreover, it underscores that the profound truths of the gospel, which are "spiritually discerned," cannot be grasped by human intellect alone, but require the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. This means that true theological understanding is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual one, dependent on a relationship with God through His Spirit.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2-timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth")
* [Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse profoundly shapes how we approach God's Word and our spiritual journey. It calls us to a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that genuine understanding of Scripture is not solely a matter of intellectual prowess or diligent study, but primarily a gift of the Holy Spirit. When we read the Bible, we should not rely merely on our own reasoning or worldly wisdom, but earnestly pray for the Spirit's illumination, asking Him to open our minds and hearts to the divine truths He teaches. For those who teach or preach, 1 Corinthians 2:13 is a powerful reminder that the effectiveness of our message lies not in our eloquence, cleverness, or rhetorical skill, but in the power of the Holy Spirit working through His divinely inspired Word. Our aim should be to communicate God's truth as the Spirit teaches it, trusting Him to make it spiritually discernible to our listeners. This fosters a reliance on God's power, not human ability, for the transformation of lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my approach to studying the Bible reflect a reliance on the Holy Spirit, rather than just human intellect?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on "man's wisdom" instead of God's wisdom in my understanding or communication of spiritual truths?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's teaching in my daily life and understanding of spiritual matters?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my communication of the gospel or biblical truth is "comparing spiritual things with spiritual," rather than relying on worldly methods?**

### FAQ
**What does "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" mean?**

Answer: This phrase, "comparing spiritual things with spiritual," is central to the verse and has been interpreted in a few complementary ways, all pointing to the Holy Spirit's essential role. It most likely means that spiritual truths (the "things" revealed by the Spirit) are best explained and understood using words and concepts that are also taught or inspired by the Spirit ("with spiritual" words/methods). It implies that divine revelation requires divine illumination for proper understanding and expression. It can also suggest that spiritual truths are best understood when related to other spiritual truths revealed by God, with the Holy Spirit guiding this connection. Lastly, it can mean that those who are spiritual (indwelt by the Spirit) are the ones who can properly discern and understand these spiritual realities, as the "natural man" cannot ([1 Corinthians 2:14](/1-corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Things")).

**How does this verse relate to the inspiration of Scripture?**

Answer: 1 Corinthians 2:13 strongly supports the doctrine of verbal plenary inspiration, meaning that the Holy Spirit guided the biblical authors not only in the general message but also in the very "words" they used to communicate God's truth. Paul explicitly states that the words he speaks are "not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth." This indicates that the Spirit's influence extends to the specific language and expressions, ensuring the accuracy and authority of the divine message. It underscores that Scripture is not merely human wisdom about God, but God's own wisdom communicated through human agents, fully inspired by the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 2:13, by emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in revealing and communicating divine truth, points directly to Christ as the ultimate embodiment of God's wisdom and the focal point of all spiritual revelation. The "spiritual things" that the Holy Spirit teaches and enables believers to understand are ultimately centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and the one in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom")). The Holy Spirit's mission is fundamentally Christ-centered: He does not speak of Himself, but "shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" ([John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Glorifies Christ")). Therefore, when the Holy Spirit teaches and enables believers to compare "spiritual things with spiritual," He is guiding them into a deeper apprehension of Christ, His redemptive work, and the profound implications of His Lordship for all of life. The Spirit illuminates the Old Testament prophecies that speak of Christ ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains Scriptures Concerning Himself")) and reveals the New Testament's unfolding of the mystery of Christ and the church ([Ephesians 3:4-5](/ephesians/3-4-5 "Ephesians 3:4-5 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed")). In essence, the Spirit's teaching ensures that all true spiritual understanding leads to a greater knowledge and worship of Jesus Christ, the Living Word.

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

1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

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 Corinthians 1:17

¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Corinthians 2:1

¶ And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

1 Corinthians 12:1

¶ Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.