1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

But {G235} we speak {G2980} the wisdom {G4678} of God {G2316} in {G1722} a mystery {G3466}, even the hidden {G613} wisdom, which {G3739} God {G2316} ordained {G4309} before {G4253} the world {G165} unto {G1519} our {G2257} glory {G1391}:

On the contrary, we are communicating a secret wisdom from God which has been hidden until now but which, before history began, God had decreed would bring us glory.

No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

Context

1 Corinthians 2:7 is central to Paul's argument in this chapter, where he contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom. Having just stated that he did not come with "excellency of speech or of wisdom" (1 Corinthians 2:1) and that the "wisdom of this world" is foolishness to God (1 Corinthians 1:20), Paul introduces the profound, spiritual wisdom that God has revealed. This verse explains the nature of the message Paul and other apostles preached, positioning it as far superior to any human philosophy or rhetorical skill that the Corinthian church might have valued.

Key Themes

  • The Wisdom of God: This refers not to human intellectual prowess or philosophical insight, but to God's eternal plan of salvation, centered on the crucified Christ. While it appeared as foolishness to the world, Paul asserts that this message is actually God's ultimate power and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). It is a wisdom that the "princes of this world" did not understand (1 Corinthians 2:8).
  • Mystery and Hidden Wisdom: The Greek word for "mystery" here is musterion. In biblical usage, a "mystery" is not something unknowable, but rather a truth previously concealed by God and now divinely revealed to those who believe. This "hidden wisdom" refers specifically to God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, which was not fully understood in previous ages but is now made plain through the gospel. Paul speaks similarly about this mystery revealed to him in Ephesians 3:3-5.
  • Ordained Before the World: This phrase emphasizes God's eternal sovereignty and foreknowledge. God's plan for humanity's salvation was not an afterthought or a reaction to sin, but was conceived and purposed by God before creation itself. This aligns with the concept of God choosing believers "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4).
  • Unto Our Glory: The ultimate purpose of this divine and hidden wisdom is the glory of believers. This "glory" encompasses their salvation, sanctification, and ultimate exaltation with Christ, sharing in His divine nature and eternal splendor. It speaks to the future hope and destiny God has prepared for those who embrace His wisdom, leading to a glory that far outweighs present sufferings (Romans 8:18).

Linguistic Insights

The term "mystery" (Greek: musterion) is key. It does not imply something incomprehensible, but rather a profound truth that was once hidden but has now been unveiled by God. This wisdom was not discoverable by human intellect or investigation; it had to be revealed by God Himself.

Practical Application

This verse provides profound reassurance that God's plan is not haphazard but is deeply purposeful, eternal, and designed for our ultimate good. It encourages believers to rely not on human cleverness or worldly philosophies, but on God's revealed truth through His Spirit. Understanding this "hidden wisdom" calls us to embrace the gospel as the ultimate truth, recognizing that true glory and fulfillment come from aligning with God's eternal purpose, rather than seeking worldly acclaim or knowledge. It reminds us that our faith is rooted in an ancient, divine design for our glory.

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.

  • Colossians 1:26

    [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

  • Colossians 1:27

    To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

  • 2 Peter 1:3

    According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

  • Psalms 78:2

    I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

  • Matthew 13:35

    That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

  • Matthew 11:25

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  • Romans 16:25

    ¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

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