1 Corinthians 2:6

¶ 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:

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}:

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.

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.

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:

Context of 1 Corinthians 2:6

In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul addresses a church grappling with divisions, spiritual pride, and a misunderstanding of Christian truth. Chapter 2 continues the theme from chapter 1, where Paul contrasts the "wisdom of this world" with the "foolishness of God." While chapter 1 declares that the cross of Christ is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18), this verse (2:6) introduces a nuance: Paul does speak a form of wisdom, but it is not the kind valued by the world. This sets the stage for understanding the profound, spiritual nature of the Gospel message that transcends human intellect and worldly power.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom: The verse clearly distinguishes between two types of wisdom. The wisdom Paul preaches is not based on human philosophy, rhetoric, or the transient understanding of worldly leaders. Instead, it is a deeper, spiritual insight revealed by God. This divine wisdom is often counter-intuitive to human reasoning.
  • Spiritual Maturity and Discernment: Paul states he speaks this wisdom "among them that are perfect." This does not imply sinless perfection, but rather spiritual maturity and a capacity for deeper spiritual understanding. Those who are spiritually "babes in Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:1) may not yet grasp these profound truths.
  • The Transience of Worldly Power and Intellect: The "princes of this world" refer to human rulers, intellectual elites, and influential figures whose authority and wisdom are temporary. Paul emphasizes that their influence and understanding "come to nought," meaning they are ultimately abolished, rendered ineffective, and will pass away, contrasting sharply with the eternal nature of God's wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Perfect" (Greek: teleios): This term does not mean morally flawless, but rather "mature," "complete," or "fully developed." In this context, it refers to believers who have grown beyond the foundational truths of the Gospel and are ready to receive deeper spiritual truths. It contrasts with the spiritually immature or "carnal" believers in Corinth.
  • "Princes of this world" (Greek: archontes tou aiōnos toutou): This phrase can refer to human authorities, political leaders, and intellectual giants of the age. Some commentators also see an allusion to spiritual powers or demonic forces that influence worldly systems, as seen in Ephesians 6:12. Regardless, their power and wisdom are explicitly temporary.
  • "Come to nought" (Greek: katargoumenōn): This strong verb signifies being "brought to nothing," "abolished," "rendered inoperative," or "done away with." It underscores the ultimate futility and impermanence of all human systems, philosophies, and powers that oppose or ignore God's eternal plan.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 2:6 challenges believers to prioritize spiritual wisdom over the fleeting trends and intellectual pursuits of the world. It encourages us to:

  • Seek Spiritual Discernment: Not all wisdom is equal. We are called to discern between human reasoning, which is limited and temporary, and divine wisdom, which is eternal and transformative.
  • Grow in Maturity: The deeper truths of God's Word are accessible to those who are growing in their faith and spiritual understanding. This involves consistent study, prayer, and obedience.
  • Maintain an Eternal Perspective: The verse reminds us that worldly power, influence, and philosophies are transient. Our hope and foundation should rest on God's eternal truth, not on the shifting sands of human achievement or popular opinion. This perspective helps us to not be intimidated or swayed by the powerful or intellectual elites of our day who oppose Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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