1 Corinthians 2 12

1 Corinthians 2:12 kjv

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 2:12 nkjv

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

1 Corinthians 2:12 niv

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

1 Corinthians 2:12 esv

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

1 Corinthians 2:12 nlt

And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

1 Corinthians 2 verses

h2 MeaningThe apostle Paul declares that believers have not received the spirit that characterizes and empowers the world system apart from God, but rather the very Spirit who originates from God. This divine indwelling enables them to comprehend, embrace, and discern the profound truths and blessings that God has graciously bestowed upon them, which are beyond the grasp of human reason alone.

h2 Cross References

h2 ContextThis verse is positioned within a broader discussion (1 Cor 2:6-16) where Paul contrasts human, worldly wisdom with the divine wisdom revealed by the Holy Spirit. The Corinthian church was influenced by the city's emphasis on rhetoric, philosophy, and intellectual prowess, leading some to evaluate Christian teachings through these lenses. Paul asserts that the gospel message, specifically "Christ crucified," seems foolish to those who operate solely on human wisdom (1 Cor 1:18-25). He clarifies that genuine spiritual truth, God's hidden wisdom, cannot be discovered or comprehended by natural human intelligence or the "rulers of this age." Instead, it is revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who are spiritually receptive. Verse 12 is a direct statement about how believers are enabled to understand these divine mysteries – not by embracing the world's spirit or principles, but by receiving the Spirit of God. This forms a foundation for the subsequent discussion about the "spiritual man" (vs. 15) versus the "natural man" (vs. 14).

h2 Word analysis

• Now (δέ, de): Acts as a transitional particle, often indicating a contrast or a progression from a previous point. Here, it introduces a definitive statement contrasting what believers have not received with what they have received.
• we have received (ἐλάβομεν, elabomen): A strong aorist active indicative verb. It denotes a definite, completed action in the past, yet with ongoing results. It emphasizes an active receiving, implying conscious acceptance of a gift rather than an independent acquisition. This reception is passive on our part regarding earning, but active regarding appropriation.
• not the spirit of the world (οὐ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου, ou to pneuma tou kosmou):
  • not (οὐ, ou): An absolute negation, asserting that there is no connection or source from this.
  • spirit (πνεῦμα, pneuma): Here refers not to a person (like the Holy Spirit) but to an animating principle, an underlying disposition, mindset, or influence. It's the governing attitude or power that characterizes worldly thinking and living.
  • world (κόσμος, kosmos): Refers to the ordered human society and system apart from God, which operates by its own wisdom, values, and principles. It stands in opposition to God's ways and revelation (1 Cor 1:21). It denotes human culture, philosophies, and ambitions distinct from divine truth.
• but the Spirit who is from God (ἀλλὰ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, alla to pneuma to ek tou Theou):
  • but (ἀλλά, alla): A strong adversative conjunction, presenting a sharp contrast or opposition to the preceding negative statement.
  • the Spirit (τὸ πνεῦμα, to pneuma): Refers definitively to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, distinguished by His divine origin.
  • from God (ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ek tou Theou): Explicitly states the source and origin of this Spirit, confirming His divine nature and authority. This emphasizes that the Spirit is not generated from within humans or from the world system, but directly emanates from God.
• that we might understand (ἵνα εἰδῶμεν, hina eidomen):
  • that (ἵνα, hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause. It clarifies the specific aim or goal of having received the Spirit.
  • we might understand (εἰδῶμεν, eidomen): From eido, meaning to know, to perceive, to comprehend. It suggests not just intellectual knowledge but experiential knowledge, full discernment, and insight into spiritual realities. The reception of the Spirit enables believers to truly grasp divine truths.
• the things that have been freely given to us by God (τὰ ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ κεχαρισμένα ἡμῖν, ta hypo tou Theou kecharismena hēmin):
  • the things (τὰ, ta): Refers to the content of God's divine revelation and blessing. This encompasses salvation, spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3), divine wisdom, spiritual gifts, and a relationship with God.
  • freely given (κεχαρισμένα, kecharismena): A perfect passive participle of the verb χαρίζομαι (charizomai), meaning "to give freely," "to bestow as a favor or gift," "to pardon" (derived from χάρις, charis, meaning grace). The perfect tense indicates a completed act with continuing results. The passive voice highlights that these things are given to us, not earned by us. The underlying root emphasizes gratuity and grace – they are undeserved gifts.
  • by God (ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, hypo tou Theou): Designates God as the ultimate giver and source of these gracious gifts.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God": This is a powerful antithesis. Paul presents two mutually exclusive sources of wisdom and understanding. One is earthly, finite, and fundamentally opposed to God; the other is divine, infinite, and illuminates God's truth. This directly combats any syncretistic thinking or attempt to combine Christian faith with pagan philosophy or worldly intellectual pride prevalent in Corinth.
• "we have received... that we might understand the things that have been freely given to us by God": This highlights a clear divine sequence: reception leads to spiritual perception, which in turn unlocks an appreciation for God's gracious provision. The Holy Spirit is the indispensable agent connecting believers to divine truth and God's abundant generosity. Understanding Christian truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a Spirit-empowered insight into God's character and gifts.

h2 Commentary1 Corinthians 2:12 articulates the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit for believers to comprehend God's revelation. Paul draws a clear, uncompromising line between the "spirit of the world"—representing the mindset, principles, and influence of a humanity detached from God, characterized by its own limited, often proud, wisdom—and the "Spirit who is from God." The former, being unspiritual and human-centered, cannot grasp divine truths; the latter, the Holy Spirit, is the divine agent of illumination. The core message is that spiritual understanding is not achieved through human intellect, philosophical inquiry, or worldly cleverness, but through the gracious gift of the indwelling Spirit. This understanding empowers believers to fully apprehend and appreciate the immense spiritual blessings and salvific realities that God, in His sovereign grace, has bestowed upon them. These are not earned or discovered by human effort but are "freely given" by God. This verse underscores the Christian worldview as distinct from any worldly ideology, establishing that true wisdom originates from divine revelation mediated by the Spirit, not human achievement.

h2 Bonus section

• Spiritual Gnosis: The word eidomen ("understand") here implies a deep, intuitive, and experiential knowledge, often called gnosis in Greek. It is not just head-knowledge but a comprehensive discernment that changes one's perspective and appreciation.
• Foundation for Discerning Spiritual Truth: This verse provides the foundation for Paul's further arguments in 1 Cor 2:13-16 about how believers are enabled to discern spiritual things while the "natural man" cannot. It emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the essential interpreter of divine mysteries.
• Past Tense Significance: "We have received" emphasizes that this is not a future hope or a struggle to achieve, but a present reality for all believers. The reception of the Spirit is a completed work, ensuring continuous access to divine understanding.
• Implication for Ministry: The verse implicitly critiques reliance on human rhetoric or persuasive speech for imparting spiritual truth, instead advocating for ministry that trusts the Spirit's power to reveal and interpret. This echoes Paul's earlier statement in 1 Cor 2:1-5, where he intentionally avoids "lofty speech or wisdom."