1 Corinthians 2 6

1 Corinthians 2:6 kjv

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

1 Corinthians 2:6 nkjv

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:6 niv

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:6 esv

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.

1 Corinthians 2:6 nlt

Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten.

1 Corinthians 2 verses

1 Corinthians 2 6 Meaning

The apostle Paul declares that he indeed imparts a profound wisdom, but this wisdom is distinct from and superior to the worldly philosophies and transient understanding of this current fallen age. This true wisdom, originating from God, is understood not by mere human intellect or power, but by those who are spiritually mature. Furthermore, this wisdom exposes the impermanence and ultimate downfall of the rulers of this age, whether human authorities or unseen spiritual forces, who ultimately failed to comprehend God's divine plan revealed in Christ.

1 Corinthians 2 6 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 2 continues Paul's discourse from chapter 1 concerning true wisdom versus worldly wisdom. Paul intentionally rejected eloquent speech and persuasive rhetoric, characteristic of esteemed philosophers in Corinth, choosing instead to preach Christ crucified. This was seen as foolishness by the world, but it was the power and wisdom of God for those being saved. Verse 6 specifically addresses those who can receive this divine wisdom—the spiritually mature—differentiating it from the temporary, perishing wisdom of "this age" and its rulers. The Corinthian church was influenced by philosophical pride and factionalism, leading Paul to redefine wisdom from a divine, not human, perspective, and to challenge their values.

1 Corinthians 2 6 Word analysis

• Yet (δὲ - de): A transitional particle often used to introduce a contrast or a new point in sequence. Here, it indicates a slight contrast or qualification to what was just said (his initial weak and fearful presentation), suggesting a deeper teaching available to certain hearers.
• among the mature (ἐν τοῖς τελείοις - en tois teleiois):
  • teleios in Greek signifies "full-grown," "complete," "perfect," or "adult." It doesn't imply moral flawlessness, but spiritual readiness and receptivity.
  • In contrast to "infants in Christ" (1 Cor 3:1), the "mature" are those capable of understanding deeper spiritual truths beyond elementary principles. They have a Spirit-empowered discernment.
• we do impart wisdom (σοφίαν λαλοῦμεν - sophian laloumen):
  • sophia refers to wisdom, knowledge, or skill. Here, it is divine wisdom, contrasted sharply with human wisdom throughout this chapter.
  • laloumen means "we speak" or "we declare." It's active; Paul isn't just possessing it, but actively communicating it.
• although it is not (οὐχὶ δὲ - ouchi de): ouchi is a strong negative, emphasizing the clear distinction between the wisdom Paul speaks and the wisdom he is about to describe.
• a wisdom of this age (σοφίαν τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου - sophian tou aiōnos toutou):
  • aiōnos toutou means "this age," referring to the present, fallen world system, characterized by human perspectives, values, and principles that are antagonistic or indifferent to God's revelation. It includes human philosophy, rhetorical skill, and political maneuvering. It stands in contrast to "the age to come" or God's eternal reign.
• or of the rulers of this age (οὐδὲ τῶν ἀρχόντων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου - oude tōn archontōn tou aiōnos toutou):
  • archontōn means "rulers" or "authorities." This term carries a dual interpretation:
    • Human rulers: Political figures, influential philosophers, religious leaders (e.g., those who condemned Jesus). Their wisdom and power are transient.
    • Spiritual powers: Demonic forces, principalities, and powers that govern the spiritual darkness of "this age" (cf. Eph 6:12). These powers instigated the crucifixion of Christ (1 Cor 2:8) and ultimately share the same fate of perishing. Given the context of Christ's triumph over them (Col 2:15) and their ultimate judgment, this interpretation carries strong theological weight. The most comprehensive understanding encompasses both, with the spiritual powers often working through human authorities.
• who are doomed to pass away (τῶν καταργουμένων - tōn katargoumenōn):
  • katargoumenōn is a powerful Greek verb, meaning "to make ineffective," "to abolish," "to nullify," "to render powerless," or "to bring to an end." It implies a complete cessation of their power, authority, and influence. This signifies the temporary and perishable nature of all worldly power and wisdom, whether human or demonic, in light of God's eternal wisdom and plan.

1 Corinthians 2 6 Bonus section

The concept of "this age" vs. "the age to come" is a key eschatological framework in biblical thought. "This age" is marked by sin, corruption, and the temporary reign of worldly and spiritual powers opposed to God. The wisdom and rulers of "this age" are fundamentally limited and will inevitably be abolished when "the age to come," ushered in by Christ's first coming and consummated at His second, fully prevails. This verse emphasizes the futility of investing ultimate trust or hope in anything that belongs to "this age," pointing believers to the enduring and triumphant wisdom of God. The phrase "doomed to pass away" underscores God's sovereignty over all creation, including fallen powers, and provides assurance of His ultimate victory.

1 Corinthians 2 6 Commentary

Paul establishes a hierarchy of wisdom. While his preaching to all Corinthians began with the foundational truth of Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:1-5), implying a message accessible even to "babes" (1 Cor 3:1), there is a deeper, more profound wisdom imparted to the spiritually mature. This "wisdom of God" is not grasped through human intellect, worldly philosophical debates, or rhetorical prowess—all of which were highly valued in Corinth. Instead, it is a spiritual discernment concerning God's secret plan for salvation revealed through the Holy Spirit. The rulers of this age, whether human or demonic, ultimately failed to understand this divine wisdom, leading them to crucify the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:8). Their perceived power and wisdom are fleeting; they are destined for nullification, rendering their schemes and philosophies ultimately powerless against God's eternal design. This challenges the Corinthian admiration for worldly greatness and redirects them towards valuing God's truth above all else.

• Example: Just as an adult can grasp complex scientific theories while a child can only understand basic arithmetic, so the spiritually mature can discern God's deeper truths, which remain hidden from those who only rely on human reason or earthly power.