1 Corinthians 2 16

1 Corinthians 2:16 kjv

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 nkjv

For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 niv

for, "Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 esv

"For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 nlt

For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2 verses

1 Corinthians 2 16 Meaning

First Corinthians 2:16 contrasts human inability to fully grasp God’s profound wisdom with the unique privilege believers possess. The verse initially poses a rhetorical question, derived from Isaiah 40:13, emphasizing that no human can comprehend or advise the infinitely wise Lord. The latter part of the verse then presents a radical antithesis, stating that believers, by virtue of their union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, are granted spiritual discernment to understand divine truths and perceive matters from Christ’s own perspective. This "mind of Christ" refers not to omniscience, but to a shared spiritual capacity to understand God's purposes and evaluate spiritual realities, distinct from natural human reasoning.

1 Corinthians 2 16 Context

First Corinthians chapter 2 details Paul’s proclamation of the Gospel to the Corinthian church. The apostle contrasts human wisdom and rhetorical eloquence, which were highly valued in Greek culture, with the simplicity and spiritual power of the divine wisdom of Christ crucified. Paul states that he intentionally preached "not with excellency of speech or of wisdom" (1 Cor 2:1), but focused on Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2), empowered by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:3-4).

He explains that God's wisdom, which brings true understanding and spiritual maturity, is a hidden wisdom not grasped by worldly rulers or systems (1 Cor 2:6-8). This wisdom is profound, beyond what eye has seen or ear heard or human mind conceived (1 Cor 2:9). Critically, God reveals this profound wisdom to believers through His Spirit, who searches "the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10). Paul emphasizes that only God's Spirit truly knows the thoughts of God, just as only a man's spirit knows his own thoughts (1 Cor 2:11). Believers, having received this Spirit, can then understand "the things that are freely given to us of God" (1 Cor 2:12).

This leads to the crucial distinction in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15: "the natural man" (ψυχικός - psychikos, soulish/unspiritual) cannot receive or understand the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned. In contrast, "he that is spiritual" (πνευματικός - pneumatikos) discerns all things, though he himself is not discerned by the natural man. Verse 16 serves as the climactic summation of this argument: if only the Spirit knows God's mind, and if believers possess the Spirit of Christ, then they inherently possess the spiritual capacity to discern these truths. This was a direct polemic against the Corinthian emphasis on worldly philosophy, human eloquence, and self-derived knowledge, asserting that true wisdom comes solely from divine revelation through the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2 16 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction introduces an explanation or justification for the preceding statement, specifically for the claim in verse 15 that "he that is spiritual discerns all things." It links the impossibility of natural man knowing God's mind to the believers' unique spiritual capacity.
• who (τίς - tis): A pronoun forming a rhetorical question, implicitly expecting the answer "no one." It emphasizes the utter uniqueness and unsearchability of God's wisdom by human means.
• hath known (ἔγνω - egno): This verb means to "come to know" or "experience" knowledge, often implying a personal, intimate understanding rather than mere factual acquaintance. Here, it refers to knowing God's comprehensive plan and inner workings. The perfect tense emphasizes a completed state of knowledge.
• the mind (νοῦν - noun): Refers to the intellect, understanding, thoughts, reason, or perspective. In the first half of the verse, it signifies God's complete and incomprehensible wisdom, thoughts, and purposes.
• of the Lord (Κυρίου - Kyriou): Refers to Yahweh, the sovereign God of the Old Testament, from whom Paul directly quotes in Isaiah 40:13. It highlights His supreme authority and omniscience.
• that he might instruct him (ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτόν - hos symbibasei auton): "Instruct" (συμβιβάσει - symbibasei) means to teach, enlighten, make to understand, or put together in one's mind. This rhetorical question reinforces that God is beyond human instruction; His wisdom is self-sufficient and absolute. No creature can offer Him counsel or superior knowledge.
• But (δὲ - de): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or turning point. It emphatically introduces the believers' privileged position in opposition to the preceding impossibility for natural man.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hemeis): The emphatic first-person plural pronoun, referring specifically to believers, particularly those Paul has identified as "spiritual" (πνευματικοί) in verse 15 – those indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It underlines their unique standing.
• have (ἔχομεν - echomen): A present active indicative verb meaning "to possess," "hold," or "have an ongoing reality of." This implies a current, active, and abiding possession of the mind of Christ. It is a gift, not a natural attribute.
• the mind (νοῦν - noun): The same Greek word used earlier, but its application changes dramatically. Here, it signifies a shared spiritual perspective, the capacity to think, understand, and discern from Christ's divine vantage point. It means possessing Christ's way of perceiving and valuing truth, guided by the Holy Spirit.
• of Christ (Χριστοῦ - Christou): Refers to Jesus, the Anointed One, who is God incarnate. To "have the mind of Christ" means to share in His revealed wisdom and purposes. This connection is made possible because the Holy Spirit (God's Spirit) is also the Spirit of Christ, indwelling believers (Rom 8:9-10). It's not a claim to be omniscient like Christ, but to be spiritually aligned with His thoughts and to receive revelation of divine truths through Him.

• "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he might instruct him?": This segment, a direct quote from Isaiah 40:13 (LXX), establishes God's absolute sovereignty, unchallengeable wisdom, and infinite knowledge. It rhetorically questions the possibility of any human, or even spiritual being, being an advisor or instructor to God. This highlights the chasm between human finite understanding and divine infinitude, a contrast fundamental to Paul's argument about the nature of true wisdom.
• "But we have the mind of Christ": This profound antithetical statement stands in stark contrast to the preceding question. The "we" refers to Spirit-indwelt believers. While no one can comprehend or counsel God on their own, believers, through Christ and His Spirit, are granted access to God's thoughts and wisdom concerning spiritual realities. This means believers are able to perceive and evaluate spiritual matters (as discussed in 1 Cor 2:15) because they possess a spiritual discernment and perspective that originates from Christ. It denotes a spiritual alignment, a shared understanding of God's revealed will and purposes, enabled by divine illumination, enabling them to understand the "deep things of God" mentioned in earlier verses. This radical shift signifies a supernatural gift of discernment given by grace through faith.

1 Corinthians 2 16 Bonus section

The concept of "having the mind of Christ" is foundational to Christian living. It implies a moral and ethical dimension as well, moving beyond mere intellectual comprehension to spiritual character. This shared mind should manifest in the way believers relate to one another (Php 2:3-5, encouraging humility and considering others above oneself) and the world. It means embracing Christ's priorities, His compassion, His sacrificial love, and His discernment in everyday life. It stands in direct opposition to worldly thinking, pride, and self-sufficiency, calling believers to a state of complete reliance on divine wisdom. It underscores that spiritual insight is a gift, not an earned ability, demanding humility and a continuous seeking of Christ through His Word and Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2 16 Commentary

First Corinthians 2:16 encapsulates Paul's profound theological argument on divine revelation versus human wisdom. The initial rhetorical question from Isaiah 40:13 powerfully establishes the unsearchable depth of God's wisdom and His supreme sovereignty; no created being can possibly comprehend or counsel the infinite Lord. This sets up the ultimate contrast with the audacious and glorious declaration that follows: "But we have the mind of Christ." This statement is not a claim to omniscience, but a revelation of the radical spiritual transformation and privilege granted to believers.

"We" refers to those who have received the Holy Spirit (as discussed in 1 Cor 2:10-13) and are thus "spiritual" (1 Cor 2:15), discerning spiritual truths unlike the "natural man" who finds them foolishness (1 Cor 2:14). "The mind of Christ" signifies not Christ's physical brain, but a spiritual apprehension, a new intellectual and spiritual capacity, a divine perspective, and an ability to understand God's will and purpose that aligns with Christ's own. This alignment is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who connects believers with Christ, guiding them into truth and revealing God's deep things. It means discerning matters according to Christ's values and truth, enabled to understand the spiritual mysteries previously hidden. This discernment empowers believers to judge and evaluate spiritual realities rightly, fostering true spiritual maturity that transcends human logic or philosophical cleverness. This concept has practical implications, for instance, guiding believers in understanding Scripture, discerning God's will for their lives, and making wise decisions that honor Christ rather than relying on worldly counsel or fleeting trends.