1 Corinthians 2 7

1 Corinthians 2:7 kjv

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

1 Corinthians 2:7 nkjv

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

1 Corinthians 2:7 niv

No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

1 Corinthians 2:7 esv

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.

1 Corinthians 2:7 nlt

No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God ? his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

1 Corinthians 2 verses

1 Corinthians 2 7 Meaning

Paul declares that true wisdom, unlike worldly philosophy, is not conceived by human intellect but is revealed by God. This divine wisdom, concerning God's redemptive plan through Christ, was once concealed, kept as a profound mystery throughout the ages. Yet, it was eternally foreordained by God before time began, specifically for the ultimate glory and benefit of those who believe.

1 Corinthians 2 7 Context

First Corinthians chapter 2 directly contrasts two forms of "wisdom": human wisdom and God's wisdom. Paul is addressing the Corinthian believers who were captivated by worldly rhetoric, eloquent speech, and philosophical argumentation, which often led to division and pride within the church. The chapter opens with Paul stating that he came to them "not with excellency of speech or of wisdom," but focused solely on "Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor 2:1-2). The world, with its wisdom, considers the message of the cross as foolishness. In this verse (1 Cor 2:7), Paul elevates the wisdom he preaches, asserting its divine origin and nature, positioning it diametrically opposed to the world's limited, decaying wisdom. It clarifies that this true wisdom is not humanly discoverable but divinely revealed, eternally planned, and has the believers' ultimate glorification as its purpose.

1 Corinthians 2 7 Word analysis

• But (ἀλλά - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, signifying a sharp contrast. It sets apart the wisdom Paul speaks from the human, worldly wisdom previously discussed (1 Cor 1:20-25; 2:1, 4-6). This is not the wisdom of this age.
• we speak (λαλοῦμεν - laloumen): A continuous present tense, emphasizing Paul's ongoing proclamation and the nature of the apostolic ministry. It refers to the communication of God's message.
• the wisdom of God (Θεοῦ σοφίαν - Theou sophian): Refers to God's inherent, perfect, and all-encompassing understanding and plan. It is intrinsically linked to Christ (1 Cor 1:24, 30). This is the true divine reality, not human invention.
• in a mystery (ἐν μυστηρίῳ - en mystēriō): The Greek mystērion (mystery) in the New Testament doesn't mean something incomprehensible, but rather something previously hidden or concealed that is now being revealed by divine action. It signifies a divine secret disclosed by God to those He chooses.
• even the hidden wisdom (τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην σοφίαν - tēn apokekrymmenēn sophian): Reinforces the concept of mystery. Apokekrymmenēn (hidden, concealed) emphasizes that this wisdom was purposely kept out of reach of human discovery and reason, requiring God's specific revelation.
• which God ordained (ἣν προώρισεν ὁ Θεός - hēn proōrisen ho Theos): From proorizō, meaning to predetermine, appoint beforehand, foreordain, or predestine. It highlights God's sovereign, eternal, and purposeful planning. This wisdom is not accidental or reactive, but part of God's prior counsel.
• before the world (πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων - pro tōn aiōnōn): Literally, "before the ages" or "before the times." This signifies the eternal nature of God's plan, established before the creation of time itself. It speaks to its divine origin and immutable nature, contrasting with the transient "princes of this world" (1 Cor 2:6, 8).
• unto our glory (εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν - eis doxān hēmōn): "Unto our glory" refers to the ultimate end goal: the glorification of believers. This involves not only sharing in God's radiant presence but also becoming perfected in Christ, reflecting His character and ultimately reigning with Him. It's a key aspect of salvation, contrasting the ignominy of the cross in worldly eyes with the magnificent divine purpose it achieves.

1 Corinthians 2 7 Bonus section

The wisdom spoken of here is not intellectual insight attainable through study, but spiritual truth revealed by God through His Spirit (1 Cor 2:10). This divine wisdom confounds and exposes the folly of worldly wisdom, which, without spiritual discernment, could not recognize or crucify the Lord of Glory (1 Cor 2:8). It emphasizes that humanity's greatest achievement (Christ's death) was unknowingly the outworking of God's most profound and glorious plan for humanity's salvation and ultimate glory.

1 Corinthians 2 7 Commentary

First Corinthians 2:7 presents the pinnacle of God's wisdom, distinguishing it profoundly from all human philosophical or rhetorical prowess. This wisdom is centered on Christ crucified, the very message the world deems foolish. The apostle Paul calls this wisdom a "mystery" (μυστήριον) because it was not accessible through human reason or observation; rather, it had been purposefully concealed by God. Yet, this "hidden wisdom" was not an afterthought but was eternally "ordained" (προώρισεν) by God "before the world" (πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων), meaning before time and creation. This emphasizes God's sovereign, immutable, and eternal plan of redemption. The ultimate purpose of this divine foreordination and revelation is "unto our glory" (εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν) – signifying the complete salvation and future glorification of believers, transforming them into the image of Christ and allowing them to share in His eternal glory. This profoundly counters the worldly notion that the Cross brought shame; instead, for God, it was the ordained path to true, eternal glory for His elect.