1 Corinthians 2:16

KJV

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} who {G5101} hath known {G1097} the mind {G3563} of the Lord {G2962}, that {G3739} he may instruct {G4822} him {G846}? But {G1161} we {G2249} have {G2192} the mind {G3563} of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For who has known the mind of Adonai?
Who will counsel him?

But we have the mind of the Messiah!

Berean Standard Bible

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

American Standard Version

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") serves as a profound capstone to his discourse on spiritual wisdom, asserting a radical contrast between humanity's inability to comprehend the divine mind and the believer's unique, Spirit-granted access to the very thoughts and disposition of Christ. This verse not only highlights the incomprehensibility of God's infinite wisdom to the unspiritual but also celebrates the transformative privilege of spiritual understanding bestowed upon those who are united with Christ, enabling them to discern and align with divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") concludes Paul's extensive argument in [1 Corinthians 2](/1_corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - The Spirit's Wisdom") concerning the nature of true wisdom. Throughout the chapter, Paul meticulously contrasts the "wisdom of this world" (which is foolishness to God) with "God's wisdom in a mystery" ([1 Corinthians 2:6-7](/1_corinthians/2-6-7 "1 Corinthians 2:6-7 - God's Hidden Wisdom")), which was hidden from worldly rulers but revealed by God through His Spirit. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit "searches all things, yes, the deep things of God" ([1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")) and communicates these spiritual truths to believers. Paul explicitly states that "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" ([1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - Spiritual Discernment")). Thus, [1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") acts as a triumphant summary, asserting that believers, unlike the natural man, possess the spiritual capacity to understand divine realities because they have been granted the "mind of Christ."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Roman Empire, renowned for its intellectual pursuits, philosophical schools, and rhetorical prowess. The Corinthian church, therefore, was susceptible to valuing human wisdom, eloquent speech, and worldly status over the simple, yet profound, message of the cross. Paul’s letter directly addresses this cultural predisposition, challenging their pride in human intellect and their divisions based on allegiance to different teachers. By contrasting the "mind of the Lord" (incomprehensible to human reason) with the "mind of Christ" (accessible to believers), Paul subverts their worldly standards of wisdom. He asserts that true wisdom comes not through philosophical speculation or rhetorical skill, but through divine revelation apprehended by the Holy Spirit, which was a counter-cultural message to the sophisticated Corinthians who often sought wisdom in human philosophy.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") encapsulates several pivotal themes within Paul's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Incomprehensibility of God's Mind** to finite human understanding, echoing the rhetorical question found in [Isaiah 40:13](/isaiah/40-13 "Isaiah 40:13 - Who Has Directed the Spirit of the Lord?"), which highlights God's infinite wisdom and sovereignty, beyond any human counsel or instruction. Secondly, it powerfully asserts **The Believer's Access to Divine Wisdom**, not through innate human ability, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who reveals God's thoughts and purposes. This access is not about achieving omniscience but about a shared spiritual disposition and understanding of God's will and Christ's perspective. Finally, the verse speaks to **Spiritual Discernment**, emphasizing that having the "mind of Christ" enables believers to rightly judge spiritual matters, distinguish truth from error, and live in alignment with divine principles, a capacity unavailable to the "natural man" who lacks the Spirit ([1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - Spiritual Discernment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies "to know" in a deep, experiential, and often relational sense, beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. In the context of the rhetorical question, it implies a comprehensive understanding or intimate familiarity with God's mind, such that one could offer Him counsel or instruction. The question "who hath known the mind of the Lord?" therefore emphasizes the absolute uniqueness and unapproachable depth of God's wisdom, which no created being can fully grasp or advise.
* **mind (Greek, _noûs'_):** This term refers to the intellect, encompassing thought, understanding, reason, and one's disposition or way of thinking. It is the seat of moral judgment and spiritual perception. To "have the mind of Christ" means to possess His spiritual outlook, His way of discerning truth, His values, and His humble, obedient disposition. It speaks to a profound transformation of one's inner being, moving from a worldly, self-centered focus to a Christ-centered one.
* **instruct (Greek, _symbibázō'_):** This verb means "to drive together," "to unite," or "to teach" by bringing ideas together, inferring, or showing. In the context of the rhetorical question, it implies the ability to provide counsel, guidance, or instruction to God. The question highlights the absurdity of any created being presuming to instruct the all-wise Lord, reinforcing His supreme sovereignty and unparalleled wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For who hath known the mind of the Lord,"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question, drawing from [Isaiah 40:13](/isaiah/40-13 "Isaiah 40:13 - Who Has Directed the Spirit of the Lord?"). It asserts the absolute incomprehensibility of God's thoughts, plans, and wisdom to any human or created being. The implied answer is "no one," underscoring God's infinite, unsearchable understanding that far transcends finite comprehension.
* **"that he may instruct him?"**: This continues the rhetorical question, emphasizing the impossibility of anyone being able to offer counsel, guidance, or instruction to the omniscient Lord. It highlights God's self-sufficiency and His position as the ultimate source of all wisdom, needing no external input. This part of the verse reinforces the vast chasm between divine and human understanding.
* **"But we have the mind of Christ."**: This is a powerful, contrasting declaration introduced by "But" (G1161 `dé`), signaling a dramatic shift. Paul asserts that believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, are granted a unique spiritual capacity to understand and align with Christ's perspective, values, and divine wisdom. This does not mean believers become omniscient like God, but rather that their spiritual intellect, disposition, and understanding are transformed to reflect Christ's own, enabling them to discern spiritual realities that are hidden from the "natural man."

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") to convey his profound theological point. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question**, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?" This question, borrowed from [Isaiah 40:13](/isaiah/40-13 "Isaiah 40:13 - Who Has Directed the Spirit of the Lord?"), is designed to evoke an immediate and obvious answer: no one. Its purpose is not to solicit information but to emphasize the absolute, unapproachable sovereignty and wisdom of God, thereby highlighting the futility of human wisdom in grasping divine truth. Following this, Paul uses striking **Contrast** or **Antithesis** with the conjunction "But" (G1161 `dé`), setting up a direct opposition between the incomprehensible "mind of the Lord" and the accessible "mind of Christ" that believers possess. This contrast underscores the radical transformation and privilege granted to believers through their union with Christ. Furthermore, the phrase "the mind of Christ" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing not merely intellectual knowledge but a shared spiritual disposition, perspective, and understanding that aligns with Christ's own. It signifies a profound spiritual transformation that enables believers to perceive and live according to divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") stands as a cornerstone for understanding Christian epistemology – how believers come to know God and His truth. It asserts that true spiritual understanding is not attained through human intellect, philosophical inquiry, or worldly wisdom, but through divine revelation mediated by the Holy Spirit. This revelation grants believers a transformed "mind," enabling them to perceive and appropriate the wisdom of God, which is embodied in Christ. This concept underscores the necessity of the Spirit's work in illuminating spiritual truths and highlights the profound union believers share with Christ, allowing them to participate in His divine perspective and purpose. It challenges any reliance on human cleverness and redirects focus to humble dependence on God's Spirit for discernment and guidance in all matters of faith and life.

* [Isaiah 40:13](/isaiah/40-13 "Isaiah 40:13 - Who Has Directed the Spirit of the Lord?"): The direct Old Testament source for Paul's rhetorical question, emphasizing God's unparalleled wisdom and sovereignty.
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind"): Encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their mind, which aligns with the concept of having the "mind of Christ" and discerning God's will.
* [Philippians 2:5](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - The Mind of Christ in You"): A parallel exhortation to adopt the humble, self-sacrificing disposition and perspective that was characteristic of Christ Jesus.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth that "we have the mind of Christ" is not merely a theological statement but a powerful call to transformation and a source of immense encouragement for believers today. It means that we are not left to navigate the complexities of life with only our limited human understanding or the shifting philosophies of the world. Instead, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are granted a divine lens through which to perceive reality, discern truth, and make decisions that align with God's will. This privilege calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on the Spirit, constantly seeking His guidance in interpreting Scripture, understanding our circumstances, and relating to others. It empowers us to think, feel, and act in ways that reflect Christ's character, priorities, and love, fostering unity within the church and enabling us to bear witness to His wisdom in a world often blinded by its own perceived intelligence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to rely more on human wisdom than on the "mind of Christ"?**
* **How does understanding that you "have the mind of Christ" change your approach to difficult decisions or complex ethical issues?**
* **What practical steps can you take daily to cultivate a greater alignment with Christ's perspective and disposition?**
* **How does the concept of spiritual discernment, enabled by the mind of Christ, impact your engagement with cultural narratives and worldly philosophies?**

### FAQ
**Does "having the mind of Christ" mean believers become omniscient or infallible?**

Answer: No, "having the mind of Christ" does not imply omniscience (all-knowing) or infallibility on the part of believers. Instead, it signifies a spiritual capacity to understand and align with Christ's perspective, values, and divine wisdom. It means that through the Holy Spirit, believers are given a transformed way of thinking and discerning truth that is consistent with Christ's own. As [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - Spiritual Discernment") explains, the natural person cannot understand spiritual truths because they are spiritually discerned. Therefore, having the mind of Christ enables spiritual discernment, allowing believers to grasp God's revealed will and purposes, but it does not grant them exhaustive knowledge of all things or freedom from error. It's about a shared disposition and understanding of spiritual realities, not a divine attribute.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, who is the very embodiment and revelation of God's wisdom. While no human can truly "know the mind of the Lord" in an exhaustive sense, Jesus, as the incarnate Son, perfectly knows the Father and fully reveals His mind to humanity. 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 has been made to us "wisdom from God" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Therefore, when Paul declares, "But we have the mind of Christ," he points to the profound reality that through union with Christ, believers are granted a participation in this divine wisdom. The Holy Spirit, who is the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Indwelling of the Spirit")), indwells believers, illuminating their understanding and conforming their thoughts and dispositions to that of Christ. This means that the once-incomprehensible wisdom of God is now made accessible to us, not through our own intellect, but through our relationship with Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ the Image of the Invisible God")) and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Thus, our ability to understand God's mind is entirely dependent on and derived from Christ, the ultimate revelation of God.

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

Isaiah 40:13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?

Isaiah 40:14

With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

Romans 11:34

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:16

¶ A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Job 15:8

Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?