1 Corinthians 2:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the natural {G5591} man {G444} receiveth {G1209} not {G3756} the things {G3588} of the Spirit {G4151} of God {G2316}: for {G1063} they are {G2076} foolishness {G3472} unto him {G846}: neither {G2532}{G3756} can {G1410} he know {G1097} them, because {G3754} they are spiritually {G4153} discerned {G350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the natural man does not receive the things from the Spirit of God — to him they are nonsense! Moreover, he is unable to grasp them, because they are evaluated through the Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

American Standard Version

Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 2:14 articulates a profound spiritual truth: the individual who relies solely on human intellect and sensory perception, devoid of the Holy Spirit's illuminating work, is inherently incapable of comprehending or receiving the truths originating from God's Spirit. These divine realities appear as utter foolishness to such a person, precisely because their apprehension requires a spiritual faculty of discernment that is absent in the unregenerate heart. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit for genuine spiritual understanding and highlights the fundamental chasm between human wisdom and divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 1-2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1-2 - Wisdom of God vs. Wisdom of Man"), where he starkly contrasts human wisdom with the wisdom of God. Having declared that his preaching was not with "excellency of speech or of wisdom" ([1 Corinthians 2:1](/1_corinthians/2-1 "1 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Preaching Not with Eloquence")), but rather in "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" ([1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Preaching in Spirit and Power")), Paul explains *why* this approach is necessary. He has already established that the message of Christ crucified 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 Cross: Foolishness or Power?")). Building on this, verses [1 Corinthians 2:6-13](/1_corinthians/2-6-13 "1 Corinthians 2:6-13 - God's Hidden Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit") elaborate on God's hidden wisdom, which is revealed not by human means but by the Spirit, who "searches all things, yes, the deep things of God" ([1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Searches All Things")). Verse 14 then serves as the logical conclusion, explaining why, despite the Spirit's revelation, some remain unable to grasp these truths: they lack the spiritual capacity to receive them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling commercial hub, renowned for its intellectual prowess, philosophical schools, and rhetorical skill. Greek culture highly valued human reason, eloquent speech, and philosophical debate as the pinnacle of wisdom. Many Corinthians, both Jews and Gentiles, would have approached religious and philosophical claims through this lens, seeking logical coherence and persuasive argumentation. Paul’s message of a crucified Messiah, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified: Stumbling Block and Foolishness")), directly challenged these cultural norms. The "natural man" in this context refers to an individual steeped in this worldly wisdom, whose understanding is confined to what can be rationally deduced or empirically observed, making him inherently resistant to divine truths that transcend human logic.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The Book of 1 Corinthians"). Primarily, it reinforces the **contrast between divine wisdom and human wisdom**, asserting that God's wisdom is fundamentally different and superior, often appearing illogical to the unspiritual mind. It highlights the **indispensable role of the Holy Spirit** in revealing and enabling the understanding of spiritual truths, a theme Paul introduces in [1 Corinthians 2:10-13](/1_corinthians/2-10-13 "1 Corinthians 2:10-13 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom"). Furthermore, it establishes a clear **distinction between the "natural" (psychical) and "spiritual" (pneumatical) person**, explaining why the former cannot comprehend the latter's realm of understanding. This distinction is crucial for understanding the divisions and misunderstandings within the Corinthian church itself, as some believers were still operating from a "natural" rather than "spiritual" mindset, leading to immaturity and conflict, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 3:1-3](/1_corinthians/3-1-3 "1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Carnal Christians in Corinth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **natural (Greek, _psychikós'_):** This term, derived from _psychē_ (soul), describes a person dominated by their natural human faculties—intellect, emotions, and will—without the regenerating or illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit. It refers to the unregenerate individual who operates solely on human reason and sensory perception, distinct from the spiritual (pneumatikos) person who is led by the Spirit.
* **foolishness (Greek, _mōría'_):** This word signifies silliness, absurdity, or nonsense. To the natural man, the "things of the Spirit of God" appear utterly irrational and contemptible, directly contrasting with what human wisdom deems intelligent or profound. It is the opposite of sophia (wisdom).
* **discerned (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** This verb means to scrutinize, investigate, examine, or judge. When applied to spiritual truths, it implies that they require a specific, spiritual faculty or lens for proper evaluation and comprehension. The natural man lacks this spiritual capacity to rightly "examine" or "judge" divine realities, hence they remain unintelligible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God":** This clause introduces the central assertion: there is a fundamental inability for the "natural man"—the person operating solely on human faculties without spiritual regeneration—to accept or grasp the truths revealed by the Holy Spirit. These "things" encompass divine revelation, the Gospel, and the profound mysteries of God's kingdom. The word "receiveth" (déchomai) implies not just intellectual apprehension but also acceptance and welcoming.
* **"for they are foolishness unto him":** This sub-clause provides the reason for the inability to receive. To the unspiritual mind, God's truths—such as salvation through a crucified Messiah, grace, or spiritual principles—appear illogical, absurd, or utterly nonsensical, directly contradicting conventional human wisdom and intellectual frameworks.
* **"neither can he know [them],":** This further emphasizes the impossibility of comprehension. The natural man does not merely reject them, but he is fundamentally incapable of truly understanding them. The knowledge (ginōskō) required is not merely intellectual acquaintance but a deep, experiential, and spiritual apprehension.
* **"because they are spiritually discerned.":** This final clause explains the prerequisite for understanding. Spiritual truths are not apprehended through human reason, empirical observation, or philosophical inquiry alone. They require a spiritual faculty, an illumination provided by the Holy Spirit, to be properly "scrutinized," "judged," or "understood." Without this spiritual lens, they remain hidden and unintelligible.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Contrast** throughout this passage, juxtaposing the "natural man" with the "spiritual man," and human wisdom with divine wisdom. This creates a stark dichotomy, highlighting the irreconcilable differences between these two realms of understanding. The concept of "foolishness" is used with powerful **Irony**; what the world deems foolish (the cross, God's wisdom) is, in fact, the ultimate wisdom and power, while what the world esteems as wise is ultimately foolish in God's eyes. The phrase "things of the Spirit of God" uses **Metonymy**, where "things" stands for the truths, revelations, and realities that originate from or are characteristic of the Holy Spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 2:14 is foundational for understanding the biblical doctrine of regeneration and the necessity of divine revelation. It posits that there is a qualitative difference between human knowledge and spiritual knowledge, asserting that the latter is inaccessible to the unregenerate mind. This is not a deficiency of intellect but a spiritual incapacity, emphasizing that salvation and spiritual understanding are entirely the work of God's Spirit, not human effort or intellectual prowess. It underscores the profound chasm between the fallen human condition and the divine realm, a gap that can only be bridged by the Holy Spirit's transforming work. This verse also highlights God's sovereignty in revealing His truth and the utter dependence of humanity on divine grace for spiritual enlightenment.

* [John 3:3-6](/john/3-3-6 "John 3:3-6 - You Must Be Born Again")
* [Romans 8:5-8](/romans/8-5-8 "Romans 8:5-8 - Mind Set on the Spirit vs. the Flesh")
* [Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom and Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound verse offers crucial insights for both believers and those seeking to understand the Christian faith. For the believer, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's indispensable role in our spiritual lives. Our ability to grasp God's Word, to discern His will, and to live according to His truth is not a function of our own intelligence or effort, but a gracious gift enabled by the Spirit. It cultivates humility, prompting us to constantly rely on and pray for the Spirit's illumination. For those engaging in evangelism, 1 Corinthians 2:14 explains why the Gospel can seem absurd or irrelevant to some; it's not always a lack of intellectual capacity but a spiritual blindness that only the Spirit can overcome. This should lead us to pray fervently for the Spirit to open hearts and minds, recognizing that true conversion is His work. Furthermore, it challenges us to examine our own lives: are we seeking God's wisdom through the Spirit, or are we still trying to navigate spiritual realities with only natural understanding?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or understanding do you find yourself relying more on human wisdom than on the Holy Spirit's guidance?**
* **How does this verse impact your approach to sharing the Gospel with others, particularly those who seem resistant or dismissive?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit for spiritual discernment in your daily life and Bible study?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is the "natural man" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "natural man" (Greek: _psychikós_) refers to an individual who operates solely on the basis of their human soul—their intellect, emotions, and will—without the regenerating or illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit. This person is unregenerate, meaning they have not experienced the spiritual new birth described in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Jesus on Being Born Again"). They are not necessarily unintelligent or immoral, but their understanding of spiritual truths is limited to what can be perceived and processed by natural human faculties, making them incapable of comprehending divine revelation.

**Why are "the things of the Spirit of God" considered "foolishness" to the natural man?**

Answer: To the natural man, who relies on human reason and worldly logic, the truths of God's Spirit often appear irrational, absurd, or contradictory to conventional wisdom. Concepts like salvation through a crucified Messiah, grace over works, or faith over empirical proof defy human intellectual frameworks. For example, the idea of God becoming man and dying a shameful death on a cross for the sins of humanity is utterly illogical from a purely human perspective, as Paul explains in [1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified: Stumbling Block and Foolishness"). Since these truths cannot be grasped through natural means, they are dismissed as "foolishness."

**How does one move from being a "natural man" to being able to "spiritually discern" God's truths?**

Answer: The transition from being a "natural man" to one who can "spiritually discern" God's truths occurs through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. This involves being "born again" ([John 3:5-8](/john/3-5-8 "John 3:5-8 - Born of Water and the Spirit")), where the Spirit imparts new spiritual life, opens the eyes of understanding, and enables the individual to receive and comprehend divine revelation. It's not about gaining more intellectual knowledge, but about receiving a new spiritual capacity. Believers are given the "mind of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - Having the Mind of Christ")), which is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to understand God's wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 2:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and the ultimate revelation of the "things of the Spirit of God." Paul declares that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), and that God "has made Him our wisdom—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Holiness, Redemption")). Yet, during His earthly ministry, Jesus' teachings and claims were consistently met with incomprehension and rejection by the "natural man"—the religious leaders and many of the people who operated solely on human reason and tradition. They found His words "hard" ([John 6:60](/john/6-60 "John 6:60 - Many Disciples Turn Back")), and His divine identity "foolishness" or blasphemy ([Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Who Can Forgive Sins But God Alone?")). The very act of His crucifixion, which is God's profound wisdom for salvation, was viewed as a scandal and absurdity to the world ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified: Stumbling Block and Foolishness")). It is only through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Advocate")), that individuals are enabled to truly "know" and "discern" Jesus as Lord and Savior ([1 Corinthians 12:3](/1_corinthians/12-3 "1 Corinthians 12:3 - No One Can Say 'Jesus is Lord' Except by the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Christ is the content of the Spirit's revelation, and the Spirit is the means by which humanity can apprehend Christ, bridging the gap between the natural man's inability and God's saving truth.

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 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.

Romans 8:5

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matthew 13:17

For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.