1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

But {G235} as {G2531} it is written {G1125},{G3739} Eye {G3788} hath {G1492} not {G3756} seen {G1492}, nor {G2532}{G3756} ear {G3775} heard {G191}, neither {G2532}{G3756} have entered {G305} into {G1909} the heart {G2588} of man {G444}, the things which {G3739} God {G2316} hath prepared {G2090} for them that love {G25} him {G846}.

But, as the Tanakh says,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard
and no one’s heart has imagined
all the things that God has prepared
for those who love him.”

Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, Andwhichentered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 2:9 is a profound declaration, often quoted, that speaks to the immeasurable and incomprehensible nature of God's blessings and wisdom reserved for those who love Him. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human perception and intellect when attempting to grasp divine realities.

Context

In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul is addressing a church grappling with divisions and a tendency to elevate human wisdom and eloquence over the simple, yet profound, message of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul emphasizes that his preaching did not rely on "excellency of speech or of wisdom" but on the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power." He contrasts the "wisdom of this world" with God's "hidden wisdom," which is only revealed spiritually. Verse 9 sets the stage for Paul's explanation in the subsequent verses (1 Corinthians 2:10-14) that this divine wisdom is revealed not through human senses or reasoning, but through the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes

  • Divine Incomprehensibility: The verse powerfully states that God's plans and blessings are far beyond what human senses (sight, hearing) or the human mind ("heart of man") can conceive or imagine. This highlights the vast difference between God's perspective and ours.
  • God's Prepared Blessings: It assures believers that God has purposefully "prepared" incredible things. This preparation implies intentionality, forethought, and a divine design for His beloved. These "things" encompass not only future heavenly glories but also spiritual realities and wisdom available in the present through the Spirit.
  • The Condition of Love: The promise is specifically "for them that love him." This emphasizes that the reception of these profound spiritual truths and blessings is not based on intellectual prowess or worldly status, but on a loving, obedient relationship with God. This aligns with other scriptures that link God's favor to a heart of love (Romans 8:28, James 1:12).
  • Spiritual Revelation: While the verse states what human faculties *cannot* grasp, the following verses clarify that God *does* reveal these things through His Spirit. This sets up the concept of spiritual discernment, which is crucial for understanding God's truth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as it is written" indicates Paul is quoting or alluding to Old Testament scripture. While not a direct verbatim quote, it is widely understood to be a paraphrase of Isaiah 64:4 (and possibly Isaiah 65:17), capturing the essence of the prophet's message about God's unparalleled works. Paul adapts the original context, which speaks of God's intervention in history, to refer to the spiritual realities of salvation and wisdom revealed through Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "prepared" is hetoimazo (ἡτοιμάζω), meaning to make ready, to prepare, to set in order. It conveys a sense of divine intentionality and readiness.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 2:9 offers profound encouragement and a call to humility.

  • Hope and Assurance: It assures us that God has incredible things in store, both in this life and eternity, that far surpass our wildest dreams. This should inspire hope and trust in His goodness.
  • Humility in Knowledge: It reminds us that human wisdom and intellect are limited. We cannot fully comprehend God's ways by mere reasoning; true understanding comes through spiritual revelation. This fosters humility and dependence on God.
  • Value of the Holy Spirit: The verse implicitly highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in revealing God's truth, as explained in the subsequent verses. To truly understand God's "prepared things," we must rely on the Spirit's guidance and illumination.
  • Motivation for Love: The condition "for them that love him" serves as a powerful motivator to cultivate a deeper, more loving relationship with God, knowing that such a relationship unlocks access to His incomparable blessings and wisdom.
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.

  • Isaiah 64:4

    For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

  • Psalms 31:19

    ¶ [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

  • James 1:12

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Isaiah 65:17

    ¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • Hebrews 11:16

    But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
← Back