1 Corinthians 2:6

KJV

¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G1161} we speak {G2980} wisdom {G4678} among {G1722} them that are perfect {G5046}: yet {G1161} not {G3756} the wisdom {G4678} of this {G5127} world {G165}, nor {G3761} of the princes {G758} of this {G5127} world {G165}, that come to nought {G2673}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet there is a wisdom that we are speaking to those who are mature enough for it. But it is not the wisdom of this world or of this world’s leaders, who are in the process of passing away.

Berean Standard Bible

Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

American Standard Version

We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 2:6, the Apostle Paul clarifies that while he does indeed speak a profound wisdom, it is fundamentally distinct from the transient, human-centric wisdom valued by the world and its influential leaders. This divine wisdom, revealed by God, is reserved for those who are spiritually mature, standing in stark contrast to the worldly philosophies and powers that are ultimately destined for obsolescence and futility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial pivot in Paul's argument, building directly on the preceding chapters where he establishes the "foolishness" of the cross to the perishing and its "power" to believers ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1-corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). Having asserted that he did not come with "excellency of speech or of wisdom" ([1 Corinthians 2:1](/1-corinthians/2-1 "1 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Proclamation of Christ Crucified")), Paul now introduces a nuance: there *is* a wisdom he speaks, but it is not of human origin. This sets the stage for his subsequent discussion of the Spirit's role in revealing God's profound truths, which are beyond human comprehension ([1 Corinthians 2:9-10](/1-corinthians/2-9-10 "1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - God's Revealed Wisdom")). The broader context of chapters 1-3 addresses the Corinthian church's divisions, spiritual pride, and their tendency to value human eloquence and status over the simplicity and power of the Gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a thriving, cosmopolitan Roman city, renowned for its wealth, trade, and diverse philosophical schools (e.g., Stoicism, Epicureanism). Rhetoric and eloquent speech were highly prized, and intellectual prowess was a significant marker of status. In this environment, the message of a crucified Messiah, preached by a seemingly unimpressive Paul, would have appeared utterly foolish and scandalous to many. The "princes of this world" (Greek: *archontes tou aiōnos toutou*) would have included the Roman political authorities, local civic leaders, and the influential intellectual elites and philosophers whose worldly wisdom shaped public discourse. Paul's audience, both Jewish and Gentile, would have been deeply ingrained in cultural systems that valued human achievement, power, and philosophical sophistication, making his counter-cultural message all the more challenging yet vital.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the profound **contrast between divine wisdom and worldly wisdom**. Paul consistently elevates God's wisdom, which is rooted in the cross, as superior to any human philosophy or intellectual construct. Another key theme is **spiritual maturity and discernment**, as Paul states this deeper wisdom is spoken "among them that are perfect," implying a capacity for spiritual understanding beyond basic truths. This theme continues into [1 Corinthians 3:1-3](/1-corinthians/3-1-3 "1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Spiritual Immaturity in Corinth") where he addresses the Corinthians as "carnal" and "babes in Christ." Finally, the verse underscores the **transience and ultimate futility of worldly power and intellect**. The "princes of this world" and their wisdom "come to nought," highlighting the impermanence of all human systems and authorities that operate apart from or in opposition to God's eternal plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wisdom (Greek, _sophía'_):** This term, used twice in the verse, denotes intellectual insight, skill, or practical knowledge. Paul distinguishes between two kinds: the *sophía* of God, which is profound, revealed, and salvific, and the *sophía* of this world, which is human-derived, transient, and ultimately futile. The contrast is central to Paul's argument against the Corinthians' overvaluation of human intellect.
* **perfect (Greek, _téleios'_):** Derived from *télos* (end, goal), this word signifies "complete," "mature," or "fully developed." In this context, it does not imply sinless perfection but rather spiritual maturity. Paul speaks this deeper wisdom to those believers who have progressed beyond elementary truths and possess the spiritual capacity to receive and discern more profound spiritual realities, contrasting with the "babes" or "carnal" believers he addresses elsewhere.
* **come to nought (Greek, _katargéō'_):** This powerful verb means "to make idle," "to render ineffective," "to abolish," or "to bring to nothing." It emphasizes the ultimate futility and impermanence of the wisdom and power of this world and its rulers. Their influence, systems, and philosophies, no matter how impressive or dominant in the present age, are destined to be completely annulled and rendered powerless in the face of God's eternal purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect":** Paul asserts that he does indeed communicate a form of wisdom, but it is not for everyone. This wisdom is shared "among them that are perfect," referring to spiritually mature believers who possess the spiritual discernment to grasp deeper truths, unlike those who remain spiritually immature or "carnal."
* **"yet not the wisdom of this world":** This clause immediately clarifies the nature of the wisdom Paul speaks. It is explicitly *not* the wisdom that originates from human philosophy, intellectual prowess, or the prevailing thought systems of the current age. It stands in direct opposition to the values and intellectual pride prevalent in Corinth.
* **"nor of the princes of this world":** Paul further distinguishes his message from the wisdom of the world's rulers or authorities. These "princes" can refer to human political leaders, intellectual elites, or even spiritual powers that influence worldly systems. Their wisdom, like the world's, is rejected as the source of Paul's message.
* **"that come to nought":** This final phrase delivers a decisive judgment on both "the wisdom of this world" and "the princes of this world." Both are temporary, destined to be abolished, rendered ineffective, and ultimately brought to nothing. This highlights the transient and futile nature of all human systems and powers that stand apart from God's eternal plan.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as he sharply distinguishes between two types of wisdom: divine wisdom and worldly wisdom, and implicitly, between two types of people: the "perfect" (mature believers) and the "princes of this world." This antithesis highlights the irreconcilable differences between God's perspective and humanity's fallen perspective. There is also an element of **Irony** in Paul's broader argument (from [1 Corinthians 1](/1-corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - The Cross as God's Power and Wisdom")), where God's ultimate wisdom (the cross) appears as "foolishness" to the world, while the world's esteemed wisdom is ultimately "brought to nothing." The phrase "come to nought" functions as a powerful **Hyperbole** or **Understatement** to emphasize the absolute and inevitable demise of all worldly power and wisdom in the face of God's eternal sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 2:6 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine revelation, spiritual growth, and God's ultimate triumph over all earthly opposition. It asserts that God's truth is not discovered through human intellectual striving or philosophical speculation, but is divinely revealed and spiritually discerned. This wisdom is not simplistic, but rather profound, accessible only to those whose spiritual senses have been trained. The transient nature of worldly power and wisdom serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers that all human systems, no matter how influential, are temporary and will ultimately yield to God's eternal kingdom. This perspective fosters a humble reliance on God's revelation and a steadfast hope in His sovereign plan, rather than being swayed by the fleeting trends or dominant ideologies of any given age.

* [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Wisdom from Above"): "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
* [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing"): "He bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity."
* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discerning Good and Evil"): "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 2:6 calls us to a radical reorientation of our values, challenging us to prioritize divine wisdom over the fleeting, often deceptive, wisdom of the world. In an age saturated with information and diverse ideologies, we are constantly bombarded with "wisdom" from various sources – media, academia, political leaders, and cultural influencers. This verse serves as a critical filter, urging us to discern the origin and ultimate end of such wisdom. Are we seeking the profound, eternal truths revealed by God, or are we chasing after the temporary, human-centric ideas that will eventually "come to nought"? Furthermore, the passage encourages spiritual growth; the "perfect" are not flawless, but mature believers who have cultivated a deeper relationship with God and His Word, enabling them to grasp spiritual realities. This means committing to consistent study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. By maintaining an eternal perspective, we are freed from the intimidation or allure of worldly power and intellect, anchoring our hope and identity firmly in God's unchanging truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "worldly wisdom" do I most often find myself valuing or being influenced by in my daily life?**
* **In what areas of my faith journey do I need to grow in "perfection" or spiritual maturity to better receive God's deeper truths?**
* **How does the understanding that "princes of this world... come to nought" impact my perspective on current events, political leaders, or societal trends?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater hunger for God's wisdom over human wisdom?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "princes of this world" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: The "princes of this world" (Greek: *archontes tou aiōnos toutou*) primarily refer to the human authorities and influential figures of Paul's time – political rulers, intellectual elites, and philosophical leaders (like the Roman governors, Jewish Sanhedrin, or Greek philosophers) whose power and wisdom were earthly and temporary. These were the ones who, in their worldly wisdom, condemned Jesus to the cross. Some commentators also interpret this phrase to include spiritual powers or demonic forces that operate behind worldly systems and influence human affairs, as suggested by passages like [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). Regardless of the precise interpretation, Paul emphasizes that their authority and wisdom are ultimately transient and powerless in the face of God's eternal plan.

**What does Paul mean by "perfect" in this context? Does it imply sinless perfection?**

Answer: No, "perfect" (Greek: *téleios*) in this context does not mean sinless perfection. Instead, it signifies spiritual maturity, completeness, or full development. Paul is addressing believers who have progressed beyond the elementary truths of the Gospel and are capable of understanding deeper spiritual realities. He contrasts them with "babes in Christ" or "carnal" believers who are still reliant on milk and not ready for solid food ([1 Corinthians 3:1-2](/1-corinthians/3-1-2 "1 Corinthians 3:1-2 - Spiritual Milk vs. Solid Food")). The wisdom Paul speaks is for those who are spiritually discerning and have grown in their faith, not for those who are morally flawless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 2:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a speaker of God's wisdom; He *is* the very embodiment of God's wisdom. As [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge") declares, "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." The "wisdom" Paul speaks among the "perfect" is the wisdom of God revealed in Christ, particularly in His crucifixion. While the "princes of this world" and their worldly wisdom deemed the cross foolish and a sign of weakness, it was precisely through Christ's death and resurrection that God's ultimate wisdom and power were displayed, bringing their schemes to "nought" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God")). The "princes of this world" – whether human rulers or spiritual powers – were ultimately defeated by Christ's triumph on the cross, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, the wisdom Paul proclaims is the Gospel of Christ crucified, the very power and wisdom of God that dismantles all human pride and worldly authority, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never "come to nought."

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

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: