1 Corinthians 2:2

KJV

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I determined {G2919} not {G3756} to know {G1492} any thing {G5100} among {G1722} you {G5213}, save {G1508} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} him {G5126} crucified {G4717}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for I had decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Yeshua the Messiah, and even him only as someone who had been executed on a stake as a criminal.

Berean Standard Bible

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

American Standard Version

For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 2:2, the Apostle Paul articulates the singular focus of his ministry and message to the Corinthian church: the person and work of Jesus Christ, specifically His crucifixion. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of Paul's unwavering commitment to preach the simple, yet profound, truth of the gospel, deliberately eschewing the sophisticated rhetoric and worldly wisdom highly valued by the Corinthians in favor of the transformative power inherent in Christ's atoning death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's extensive argument in [1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Wisdom and Division") regarding the stark contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom. Paul has just declared 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 Power of the Cross")). He emphasizes that God chose the "foolish things of the world to shame the wise" and the "weak things of the world to shame the strong" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")). Therefore, 1 Corinthians 2:2 acts as a personal resolve and a practical demonstration of this theological principle. Paul's determination not to rely on eloquent speech or persuasive arguments, but solely on Christ crucified, directly illustrates his conviction that God's power, not human intellect, is the means of salvation and spiritual growth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city, a major commercial hub in the Roman Empire, known for its diverse population, wealth, and, notably, its intellectual and rhetorical culture. Greek philosophy, particularly the Sophist tradition, placed a high premium on eloquent speech, persuasive argumentation, and intellectual prowess. Public speakers and philosophers were revered, and their ability to articulate complex ideas with rhetorical flair was a mark of status. In such an environment, the message of a crucified Messiah would have been perceived as utterly scandalous to Jews (a stumbling block) and foolishness to Gentiles (Greeks), as Paul himself notes in [1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified: A Stumbling Block and Foolishness"). Crucifixion was a brutal, shameful form of execution reserved for the lowest criminals and slaves, a symbol of utter degradation. For Paul to declare this as the sole focus of his message was a radical, counter-cultural act, deliberately rejecting the very tools and values esteemed by Corinthian society.

* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Wisdom versus Human Wisdom**. Paul consistently argues that true wisdom comes from God, revealed through the cross, not from human philosophical systems or rhetorical skill. This divine wisdom is often paradoxical to human understanding, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness and Weakness"). Secondly, it highlights the **Centrality and Sufficiency of Christ**. Paul's mission is not about abstract ideas or moral codes, but about a person—Jesus Christ—and a specific event—His crucifixion. This establishes Christ as the sole foundation for faith, salvation, and all Christian life, a truth he reinforces throughout the epistle, for example, when discussing the unity of the church in [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Power of the Gospel in Simplicity**. By stripping away human adornments and intellectual complexities, Paul demonstrates that the gospel's power lies not in its presentation, but in its inherent truth and God's work through it, a principle that echoes throughout his ministry and writings (e.g., [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **determined (Greek, _krínō'_):** This verb signifies a decisive, deliberate, and firm resolution or judgment. It is not a casual choice but a settled conviction, indicating Paul's unwavering commitment and a conscious decision made after careful consideration. It implies a judicial or authoritative decision, a fixed purpose that guides his actions.
* **to know (Greek, _eídō'_):** In its perfect tense, as used here, this verb means "to have come to see or perceive," and by implication, "to know." It refers to a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. Paul is stating that his settled purpose is to have no other *known* or *recognized* subject of his teaching and life among them, except Christ crucified. This "knowing" is the sum total of his intellectual and spiritual engagement.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō'_):** This word, derived from the noun for "cross," means "to impale on the cross." Used here as a perfect passive participle, it emphasizes the lasting state and ongoing significance of Christ's crucifixion. It is not merely an event that happened in the past, but an accomplished fact with enduring, eternal implications for humanity's reconciliation with God and the believer's new life. It highlights the completed work and its continuing power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I determined":** Paul begins with a strong declaration of his personal resolve. The "For" (G1063, _gár_) links this statement directly to the preceding discussion about God's wisdom and the foolishness of the cross. It signifies that his approach is not accidental or a matter of preference, but a deliberate, settled decision rooted in his theological convictions and understanding of God's saving power. It underscores his intentionality in ministry.
* **"not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ":** This clause reveals the exclusionary and inclusionary nature of Paul's determination. "Not to know any thing" (G3756 _ou_ + G5100 _tìs_ + G1492 _eídō_) signifies a deliberate abstention from engaging in or prioritizing any other subject, philosophy, or rhetorical display that might distract from or compete with his central message. The phrase "among you" (G1722 _en_ + G5213 _hymîn_) specifically targets the Corinthian context, where worldly wisdom and eloquent speech were highly valued. The exception, "save Jesus Christ" (G1508 _ei mḗ_ + G2424 _Iēsoûs_ + G5547 _Christós_), clarifies that his exclusion is not absolute ignorance, but a focused prioritization. His knowledge and teaching would be entirely centered on the person of Jesus, the Messiah.
* **"and him crucified":** This final phrase is a crucial qualification, narrowing the focus even further. It is not just "Jesus Christ" in a general sense, but specifically "him crucified" (G2532 _kaí_ + G5126 _toûton_ + G4717 _stauróō_). This emphasizes the atoning death of Christ on the cross as the core, non-negotiable, and most powerful aspect of the gospel message. It is the scandal and the glory, the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power for salvation, and the very antithesis of human wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, there is a strong use of **Contrast**, setting Paul's singular focus on "Christ crucified" against the "any thing" else that the Corinthians might have expected or valued, such as philosophical discourse or rhetorical brilliance. This contrast highlights the radical nature of the gospel message in a culture that esteemed worldly wisdom. Secondly, the verse demonstrates **Emphasis** through its exclusionary language ("not to know any thing... save") which underscores the absolute priority and singular importance Paul places on the cross. This serves as a rhetorical device to draw the reader's attention to the one, non-negotiable truth. Finally, there is an underlying **Paradox** at play, as the "crucified" Christ, a symbol of weakness and shame in the ancient world, is precisely the source of God's ultimate power and wisdom, a theme Paul develops throughout the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 2:2 profoundly articulates the theological core of Paul's apostolic mission and the Christian faith itself: the cross of Christ is not merely an event, but the interpretive lens through which all of God's redemptive plan is understood. It is the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom, power, and love, paradoxically displayed in what appears to be weakness and foolishness to the world. This singular focus on the crucified Christ means that human efforts, intellectual prowess, or social status are rendered secondary, if not irrelevant, in the pursuit of true spiritual knowledge and salvation. It underscores the complete sufficiency of Christ's atoning work for the reconciliation of humanity with God, making Him the exclusive ground for boasting and the sole object of faith.

* [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting in the Cross")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")
* [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - All Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering resolve in 1 Corinthians 2:2 serves as a timeless challenge and guide for believers today. In a world saturated with competing ideologies, self-help philosophies, and various forms of "wisdom," this verse calls us to a radical re-centering on the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His atoning death and resurrection. It reminds us that the power of our faith, our witness, and our hope does not lie in our cleverness, our eloquence, or our ability to conform to worldly standards of success, but solely in the "foolishness" of the cross, which is God's ultimate wisdom and power. This means consciously prioritizing Christ in our personal lives, our evangelism, our discipleship, and our communal worship, stripping away anything that might obscure His centrality. It encourages humility, dependence on God's Spirit, and a bold, counter-cultural witness that proclaims the scandalous yet saving truth of a crucified Savior, trusting that God Himself will bring about transformation through this simple, profound message.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other things" (worldly wisdom, personal achievements, cultural trends) might I be tempted to prioritize over Christ crucified in my life or witness?**
* **How does the "foolishness" of the cross challenge my own preconceived notions of what is powerful or wise?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure that Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, remains the central focus of my faith, my conversations, and my ministry?**
* **How does Paul's determination encourage me to simplify my message or approach when sharing the gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified"?**

Answer: Paul is not advocating for ignorance or a rejection of all knowledge. Rather, he is declaring his singular, intentional focus in his ministry and teaching to the Corinthians. In a city that prided itself on rhetoric, philosophy, and intellectual prowess, Paul deliberately chose to strip away any reliance on human wisdom, persuasive speech, or sophisticated arguments. His "determination" was to make the person and work of Jesus Christ, specifically His death on the cross, the exclusive and foundational subject of his preaching. He understood that the power of the gospel lay not in its presentation, but in the divine truth of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which was often considered "foolishness" by the world but was, in fact, God's ultimate wisdom and power ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")).

**Why did Paul specifically emphasize "him crucified"?**

Answer: The emphasis on "him crucified" is crucial because the cross was the ultimate scandal and paradox to both Jews and Gentiles in the ancient world. For Jews, a crucified Messiah was a contradiction, as their Law stated that anyone hung on a tree was cursed ([Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Cursed is Everyone Who Hangs on a Tree")). For Greeks, crucifixion was a shameful, barbaric form of execution, symbolizing weakness and defeat, utterly contrary to their ideals of wisdom and strength. By focusing on the crucified Christ, Paul was deliberately highlighting the very aspect of the gospel that was most offensive to human pride and intellect. Yet, it is precisely through this seemingly weak and foolish act that God accomplished the greatest act of salvation, demonstrating His power and wisdom in a way that shames human boasting ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak and Lowly")). The cross is the heart of the atonement and the foundation of Christian hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 2:2 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, as the crucified Messiah is the very embodiment of God's redemptive plan. The "him crucified" is not merely a historical event, but the pivotal act in salvation history, where the Lamb of God willingly laid down His life to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). This crucifixion, though a sign of weakness in human eyes, was the ultimate display of divine power, conquering sin, death, and the devil. It is through His cross that Christ became our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")), fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Paul's determination to know nothing but Christ crucified points to the New Covenant established by His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), the reconciliation achieved between God and humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), and the perfect sacrifice that forever atones for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Thus, the crucified Christ is the sum and substance of the gospel, the ultimate revelation of God's character, and the sole means by which humanity can be brought into a right relationship with its Creator.

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

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

1 Corinthians 1:22

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1 Corinthians 1:25

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Galatians 3:1

¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?