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1 Corinthians 1:19

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For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

For {G1063} it is written {G1125}, I will destroy {G622} the wisdom {G4678} of the wise {G4680}, and {G2532} will bring to nothing {G114} the understanding {G4907} of the prudent {G4908}.

Indeed, the Tanakh says,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and frustrate the intelligence of the intelligent.”

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.

Commentary

The Apostle Paul quotes from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to emphasize a core truth: God's ways and wisdom are fundamentally different from, and superior to, human understanding. This verse serves as a foundational statement in Paul's argument against relying on worldly wisdom and eloquence in the church at Corinth.

Context

Paul is addressing divisions and pride within the Corinthian church, which were partly based on admiration for eloquent speakers and philosophical ideas prevalent in Greek culture. He contrasts this human emphasis with the message of the cross, which seems weak and foolish to the world but is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Verse 19, quoting Isaiah 29:14, supports his assertion that God deliberately confounds human wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine vs. Human Wisdom: The verse highlights the stark contrast between God's wisdom and human intellect. God sovereignly acts to nullify human understanding that opposes Him.
  • God's Sovereignty: It asserts God's power to dismantle and render ineffective the intellectual schemes and pride of humanity.
  • The Offense of the Cross: The message of salvation through a crucified Messiah was the ultimate challenge to both Jewish religious pride and Greek philosophical wisdom, demonstrating how God's "foolishness" is wiser than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used are sophia (σοφία) for "wisdom" and synesis (σύνεσις) for "understanding" or "prudence." Paul uses these terms frequently in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 to distinguish between worldly intellectualism and the spiritual understanding that comes from God through the Holy Spirit. The quote from Isaiah 29:14 in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) underscores that this principle of God confounding human wisdom is rooted in Old Testament prophecy.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds believers not to place their ultimate trust in human intellect, academic achievement, or worldly philosophies when it comes to understanding God and His plan of salvation. While learning is valuable, spiritual truth is revealed by God and often appears counter-intuitive or simple to the world's wise. It encourages humility and reliance on God's revelation, particularly the gospel message, which is powerful precisely because it depends entirely on God's work, not human cleverness or effort. Our faith should rest on the power of God, not on the wisdom of men.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 29:14 (57 votes)

    Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, [even] a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid.

  • Jeremiah 8:9 (30 votes)

    The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:19 (26 votes)

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  • Job 5:12 (24 votes)

    He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

  • Job 5:13 (24 votes)

    He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

  • Isaiah 19:11 (12 votes)

    Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

  • Isaiah 19:3 (6 votes)

    And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.