1 Corinthians 1:26 kjv

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1 Corinthians 1:26 nkjv

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

1 Corinthians 1:26 niv

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

1 Corinthians 1:26 esv

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

1 Corinthians 1:26 nlt

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

1 Corinthians 1 verses

1 Corinthians 1 26 Meaning

First Corinthians 1:26 instructs believers to examine the circumstances of their divine calling. It points out that within the early Christian community in Corinth, and by extension throughout the early church, a striking pattern emerged: there were not many who possessed great intellectual wisdom by worldly standards, nor many with significant worldly power or influence, nor many of noble, aristocratic birth. This observation serves to demonstrate that God intentionally chose individuals who were not highly esteemed by human criteria, thereby nullifying human boasting and ensuring that all glory belongs to Him alone for their salvation and transformation.

1 Corinthians 1 26 Context

This verse is situated within the opening chapter of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, where he immediately addresses the prevalent issue of divisions within the church. The root cause of these divisions often stemmed from an over-reliance on human wisdom, persuasive rhetoric, and admiration for influential leaders (such as Apollos or Cephas), leading to factionalism and pride. Paul has just declared that the message of the cross, while foolish to those who are perishing, is the power and wisdom of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). He contrasts God's "foolishness" with human "wisdom" (1 Cor 1:19-25), asserting that God deliberately uses seemingly weak and foolish means to humble human pride. Verse 26 directly follows this theological argument, offering a practical, observable illustration from the very demographic makeup of the Corinthian church. Corinth itself was a prominent Roman colony and a wealthy, bustling port city, a melting pot of cultures known for its philosophical schools, rhetorical traditions, and distinct social hierarchies. In such a competitive, status-conscious environment, believers might be tempted to seek worldly affirmation or to judge spiritual worth by worldly metrics. Paul's reminder of their "calling" redirects their focus from human standards to God's transformative work, demonstrating that salvation does not hinge on, nor is it earned by, worldly prestige.

1 Corinthians 1 26 Word analysis

• For: (Greek: Gar - γὰρ) This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for Paul's preceding argument. It links the demographic reality of the Corinthian believers to God's divine strategy to confound human wisdom and power, as laid out in verses 19-25.
• consider: (Greek: Blepetē - βλέπετε) An imperative verb, meaning "look at," "observe," "perceive," or "examine carefully." It's not a mere suggestion but an earnest call for them to reflect deeply on their own origins and status within the church, seeing the visible evidence of God's method.
• your calling: (Greek: Tēn klēsin hymōn - τὴν κλῆσιν ὑμῶν) Klēsis signifies a divine summons, invitation, or vocation. In the New Testament, it consistently refers to God's effective call to salvation, leading to new life in Christ. It emphasizes that their membership in God's family is not self-initiated or based on human merit, but entirely a result of God's sovereign act. It is a holy calling (2 Tim 1:9).
• brethren: (Greek: Adelphoi - ἀδελφοί) A common Pauline term of endearment and shared spiritual kinship among believers. It serves to underscore the unity of their identity in Christ, despite the worldly distinctions that once separated them or the divisions now afflicting them.
• that there were not many: (Greek: Ouk polloi - οὐ πολλοί) This specific phrasing is crucial. It does not say "no" wise, "no" mighty, "no" noble, but "not many." This acknowledges that some individuals of higher worldly standing were indeed among them (e.g., Erastus mentioned in Rom 16:23), but they constituted a distinct minority. The vast majority of believers were from the common or lower social strata, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of working contrary to human expectations.
• wise: (Greek: Sophos - σοφός) Refers to intellectual, philosophical, and rhetorical skill—the wisdom prized in Greco-Roman society. This includes philosophers, teachers of rhetoric, and those admired for their clever arguments.
• according to the flesh: (Greek: Kata sarka - κατὰ σάρκα) This phrase defines the standard by which "wise," "mighty," and "noble by birth" are measured. It means "according to human standards," "from a worldly perspective," or "based on natural, unregenerate human reasoning and values." This contrasts sharply with wisdom and power that originate from God (1 Cor 1:21, 24). It's a common Pauline phrase contrasting human efforts or the fallen human nature with the work of the Spirit.
• mighty: (Greek: Dynatoi - δυνατοί) Implies those who possess political power, military strength, significant wealth, or societal influence. These are individuals who could effect change in the worldly realm through their authority or resources.
• noble by birth: (Greek: Eugenēs - εὐγενεῖς) Denotes individuals from distinguished families, the aristocracy, or those with high social standing and inherited privilege. In a society stratified by lineage and patronage, being eugenes brought inherent respect and advantage.

1 Corinthians 1 26 Bonus section

The message of 1 Cor 1:26 extends beyond a mere historical description of the early church; it carries profound implications for all ages. It challenges the inherent human tendency to value credentials, status, and worldly achievements over the divine calling and character of individuals. This principle constantly reminds the church that its effectiveness and influence do not derive from aligning with worldly power structures or adopting popular intellectual trends, but from remaining faithful to the simple, "foolish" message of the cross and depending solely on God's power. It implies that true strength and wisdom in the Kingdom are often found in humility, self-denial, and a complete reliance on Christ, demonstrating that God delights in using the weak vessels to display His immense power. This verse continues to be a call to introspection for believers today: to consider the nature of their own calling and ensure their pride is rooted only in Christ.

1 Corinthians 1 26 Commentary

First Corinthians 1:26 functions as an empirical validation of Paul's preceding theological declaration: God intentionally subverts human criteria for wisdom and power. By urging the Corinthians to "consider their calling," Paul prompts them to look at their own community as living proof of God's upside-down kingdom. The reality was that very few of them met the worldly standards of wisdom, power, or nobility that were so highly prized in the secular culture of Corinth. The majority of early believers were drawn from the lower echelons of society – the uneducated, the marginalized, the ordinary.

This verse isn't merely a demographic observation; it's a profound theological statement designed to strip away all basis for human pride or boasting. If salvation and spiritual standing were contingent on human intellect, strength, or social pedigree, then only the elite would qualify, and they would have reason to boast in themselves. But God, in His sovereign wisdom, chose the exact opposite path. By calling primarily the "not many" who were conventionally esteemed, God demonstrated that His grace is impartial, available to all, and operates independently of human achievements. The power and wisdom of the gospel do not rely on worldly credentials but on the humble surrender to the cross of Christ. This radical inclusivity ensures that every believer understands their dependence wholly on God's initiative, and thus all glory and boasting are directed towards Him alone, transforming what the world sees as weakness into a testament to God's incomparable strength and wisdom.