1 Corinthians 2:5

KJV

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} your {G5216} faith {G4102} should {G5600} not {G3361} stand {G5600} in {G1722} the wisdom {G4678} of men {G444}, but {G235} in {G1722} the power {G1411} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that your trust might not rest on human wisdom but on God’s power.

Berean Standard Bible

so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

American Standard Version

that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 2:5 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's core conviction regarding the foundation of Christian faith, asserting that it must not derive its strength from human intellect, rhetorical prowess, or philosophical systems. Instead, true and enduring faith finds its unshakeable basis and dynamic vitality solely in the miraculous, transformative power of God, thereby ensuring that divine glory, not human achievement, is magnified in the lives of believers and in the spread of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to Paul's explanation of his apostolic methodology in Corinth, detailed in [1 Corinthians 2:1-4](/1_corinthians/2-1-4 "Paul's Preaching in Corinth"). Having stated his deliberate avoidance of "excellency of speech or of wisdom" ([1 Corinthians 2:1](/1_corinthians/2-1 "Paul's Deliberate Approach")), and his focus on preaching "Christ crucified" ([1 Corinthians 2:2](/1_corinthians/2-2 "Christ Crucified as the Message")), Paul further clarifies that his message was delivered "in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" ([1 Corinthians 2:3](/1_corinthians/2-3 "Paul's Humility in Ministry")). He explicitly states that his "speech and [his] preaching 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 "Spirit and Power in Preaching")). [1 Corinthians 2:5](/1_corinthians/2-5 "The Foundation of Faith") then provides the *reason* for this approach: to ensure the faith of the Corinthians was divinely, not humanly, grounded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, renowned throughout the Greco-Roman world for its intellectual vibrancy, sophisticated rhetoric, and diverse philosophical schools. Oratory was a highly prized skill, and public speakers often competed for renown through eloquent speeches and persuasive arguments. The Corinthian church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, was susceptible to the cultural pressure to value human wisdom and rhetorical finesse above all else. Paul's ministry directly challenged this cultural norm, presenting a message that, to many, seemed foolish and weak precisely because it eschewed the very things Corinthian society esteemed. His approach was counter-cultural, designed to highlight the supremacy of God's wisdom over human intellect, as he expounds in [1 Corinthians 1:18-31](/1_corinthians/1-18-31 "The Foolishness of God and Human Wisdom").
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 2:5](/1_corinthians/2-5 "The Foundation of Faith") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Primarily, it underscores the **contrast between divine power and human wisdom**, a central motif throughout [1 Corinthians 1-2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "God's Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom"). Paul consistently argues that God's wisdom, embodied in the "foolishness" of the cross, far surpasses any human intellectual achievement ([1 Corinthians 1:20-25](/1_corinthians/1-20-25 "God's Wisdom and the Cross")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **supernatural source of true faith**. It is not a product of human persuasion or intellectual assent, but a divine work, initiated and sustained by God's power. This aligns with Paul's broader theological understanding that salvation and spiritual understanding are gifts from God, not achievements of humanity ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Finally, it implicitly emphasizes **humility in ministry**, demonstrating that effective evangelism and spiritual growth depend not on the minister's charisma or intellect, but on the Holy Spirit's convicting and transforming power, ensuring that God receives all glory ([2 Corinthians 3:5-6](/2_corinthians/3-5-6 "Our Competence is from God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From *peitho*, meaning persuasion or credence. In this context, it refers to a moral conviction of religious truth, specifically reliance upon Christ for salvation. Paul emphasizes that this conviction should not be based on human argument but on divine demonstration.
* **wisdom (Greek, _sophía'_):** This term refers to both higher and lower forms of wisdom, encompassing worldly and spiritual understanding. Here, it specifically denotes the philosophical knowledge, rhetorical skill, and intellectual prowess highly valued in Corinthian society, which Paul contrasts with God's power.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** Derived from *dynamai*, signifying force, ability, or inherent strength. It often refers to miraculous power or a miracle itself. Paul uses it to describe the supernatural efficacy of God's Spirit, which validates the Gospel message and transforms lives, rather than human persuasive ability.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** Refers to the supreme Divinity, the ultimate source of all truth, power, and wisdom. Paul's contrast is stark: the foundation of faith must be rooted in the omnipotence and divine nature of God, not in the limited and fallible capacities of humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,"**: This clause reveals Paul's primary concern and the negative aspect of his purpose. He deliberately avoided reliance on human eloquence, philosophical arguments, or persuasive rhetoric so that the Corinthians' belief system (their "faith") would not be built upon or derive its stability from the transient, fallible, and ultimately insufficient intellectual constructs of human beings. Human wisdom, no matter how impressive, is incapable of producing genuine, saving faith.
* **"but in the power of God."**: This clause presents the positive and essential foundation for true faith. In stark contrast to human wisdom, the stability and efficacy of their faith must be rooted in the inherent, miraculous, and transformative "power" of God. This divine power, demonstrated through the Holy Spirit's work and the Gospel's impact, is the only reliable and sufficient basis for genuine conviction and spiritual life. It ensures that faith is a supernatural work, glorifying God alone.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis** and **Juxtaposition** to highlight a profound theological contrast. Paul sets "the wisdom of men" directly against "the power of God," creating a sharp dichotomy that underscores the mutually exclusive foundations for true faith. This **Contrast** is not merely stylistic but deeply theological, asserting that faith cannot simultaneously rest on human intellectual achievement and divine omnipotence; one must necessarily exclude the other as the ultimate ground. The use of "not... but" (**allá** in Greek) serves as a strong adversative conjunction, emphasizing the absolute necessity of choosing one foundation over the other. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Purpose Statement**, explaining the *raison d'être* for Paul's chosen method of ministry, thereby revealing his strategic theological intent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 2:5 is a foundational statement on the nature of saving faith, asserting its divine origin and sustenance. It underscores the biblical truth that faith is not merely intellectual assent to propositions, nor is it the result of human persuasion or philosophical reasoning, but rather a supernatural work of God's Spirit in the human heart. This divine power authenticates the Gospel message and enables individuals to believe, ensuring that God alone receives glory for salvation. The verse challenges any notion that human ingenuity or rhetorical skill can substitute for the Holy Spirit's transformative work, reinforcing the concept that the Gospel's power lies in God's demonstration, not man's articulation.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Beware of Human Philosophy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information, persuasive arguments, and diverse philosophies, 1 Corinthians 2:5 serves as a crucial anchor for believers. It calls us to critically examine the foundations of our own faith and the sources from which we draw our spiritual strength and understanding. Are we building our convictions on the shifting sands of popular opinion, human intellect, or charismatic personalities, or are we rooted deeply in the unchanging, miraculous power of God? This verse encourages a profound humility, reminding us that genuine spiritual transformation and growth are ultimately God's work, not ours. It compels us to seek His power in our lives, to discern teachings based on their reliance on divine truth rather than human ingenuity, and to rest in the sovereignty of God, knowing that our salvation and the advancement of His kingdom depend entirely on His omnipotence, not our limited abilities or cleverness. This perspective liberates us from the pressure to perform or impress, allowing us to simply yield to the Spirit's work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or faith do you tend to rely more on human wisdom or your own abilities than on the power of God?**
* **How does understanding that faith stands in God's power change your approach to evangelism or sharing your faith with others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's power rather than human wisdom in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the "wisdom of men" that Paul warns against?**

Answer: The "wisdom of men" (Greek: *sophía anthrōpōn*) in this context refers to the philosophical systems, rhetorical techniques, and intellectual prowess highly valued in Greco-Roman society, particularly in Corinth. It encompasses human reasoning, persuasive speech, and worldly knowledge that attempts to understand or explain spiritual truth apart from divine revelation. Paul argues that such wisdom, while esteemed by the world, is ultimately insufficient and even antithetical to the true, supernatural nature of faith in Christ, as it cannot grasp the "foolishness" of the cross ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "The Foolishness of the Cross")).

**How does "the power of God" manifest in the context of faith?**

Answer: "The power of God" (Greek: *dýnamis theou*) manifests in several ways that establish and sustain faith. Primarily, it refers to the Holy Spirit's work in convicting hearts, revealing spiritual truth, and enabling belief in the Gospel message ([1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "Demonstration of the Spirit and Power")). This power is not merely intellectual persuasion but a transformative force that brings about new birth and spiritual understanding ([John 3:5-8](/john/3-5-8 "Born of the Spirit")). It is also demonstrated through God's miraculous intervention, the transformative impact of the Gospel on lives, and the ongoing sustenance of believers in their walk with Christ, ensuring that faith is a divinely wrought reality, not a human construct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 2:5 profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate embodiment and demonstration of God's power, in stark contrast to human wisdom. Paul's message was not about clever arguments but about "Christ crucified" ([1 Corinthians 2:2](/1_corinthians/2-2 "Christ Crucified")), a message that was "unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:23-24](/1_corinthians/1-23-24 "Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). The cross, seemingly the epitome of weakness and foolishness to human eyes, is revealed as the very locus of divine power, where sin is conquered and salvation is achieved. Our faith, therefore, stands in the power of God precisely because it is anchored in the finished work of Christ—His atoning death, His victorious resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Declared Son of God by Power")), and His ongoing intercession. The Holy Spirit, the agent of God's power, draws us to Christ, illuminates His truth, and empowers us to live by faith, ensuring that our confidence is not in our own understanding or abilities, but entirely in the all-sufficient work of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb 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

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 6:7

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

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.

Acts 16:14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.