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1 Corinthians 1

1 Cor. 1:21 KJV (With Strong’s)

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21
For
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
afterx that
epeide (Greek #1894)
since now, i.e. (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas
KJV usage: after that, because, for (that, -asmuch as), seeing, since.
Pronounce: ep-i-day'
Origin: from 1893 and 1211
in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
the wisdom
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
sophia (Greek #4678)
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
KJV usage: wisdom.
Pronounce: sof-ee'-ah
Origin: from 4680
of God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
the world
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
kosmos (Greek #2889)
orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
KJV usage: adorning, world.
Pronounce: kos'-mos
Origin: probably from the base of 2865
by
dia (Greek #1223)
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
KJV usage: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
Pronounce: dee-ah'
Origin: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act
wisdom
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
sophia (Greek #4678)
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
KJV usage: wisdom.
Pronounce: sof-ee'-ah
Origin: from 4680
knew
ginosko (Greek #1097)
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
KJV usage: allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.
Pronounce: ghin-oce'-ko
Origin: a prolonged form of a primary verb
not
ou (Greek #3756)
the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not
KJV usage: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also 3364, 3372.
Pronounce: oo
Origin: οὐκ (ook), and (before an aspirate) οὐχ (ookh) a primary word
God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
, it pleased
eudokeo (Greek #2106)
to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
KJV usage: think good, (be well) please(-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.
Pronounce: yoo-dok-eh'-o
Origin: from 2095 and 1380
God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
by
dia (Greek #1223)
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
KJV usage: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
Pronounce: dee-ah'
Origin: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act
the foolishness
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
moria (Greek #3472)
silliness, i.e. absurdity
KJV usage: foolishness.
Pronounce: mo-ree'-ah
Origin: from 3474
of preaching
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
kerugma (Greek #2782)
a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)
KJV usage: preaching.
Pronounce: kay'-roog-mah
Origin: from 2784
to save
sozo (Greek #4982)
to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
Pronounce: sode'-zo
Origin: from a primary σῶς (contraction for obsolete σάος, "safe")
them
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
that believe
pisteuo (Greek #4100)
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)
KJV usage: believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
Pronounce: pist-yoo'-o
Origin: from 4102
.
x
Luke 10:21• 21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (Luke 10:21)
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Rom. 1:20,22,28• 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Rom. 1:20,22,28)

More on:

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God,
Preaching,
The World

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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in.
1 Cor. 1:24• 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Cor. 1:24)
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Dan. 2:20• 20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: (Dan. 2:20)
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Rom. 11:33• 33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33)
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Eph. 3:10• 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Eph. 3:10)
the wisdom.Dr. Lightfoot well observes, "that [sophia tou theos ,] the wisdom of God, is not to be understood of that wisdom which had God for its author, but of that wisdom which had God for its object.
There was, among the heathen, [sophia tes physeos,] wisdom about natural things, that is philosophy; and [sophia tou theos ,] wisdom about God, that is, divinity.
But the world, in its divinity, could not, by wisdom, know God."
The wisest of the heathen had no just and correct views of the Divine nature; of which the works of Cicero and Lucretius are incontestable proofs.the world.
Matt. 11:25• 25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (Matt. 11:25)
;
Luke 10:21• 21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (Luke 10:21)
;
Rom. 1:20‑22,28• 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Rom. 1:20‑22,28)
the foolishness.
1 Cor. 1:18• 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1:18)
• Thus Satan's triumph over the nations now heathen was complete; for their religion itself most of all corrupted them, its symbols being also identified with every moral iniquity, and their wisdom bound them fast in that debasing slavery, seeking at best to explain, or explain away, all that misrepresented and supplanted the true God. (“Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:21-25” by W. Kelly)
• Thus in God's wisdom ends the world's wisdom: He is unknown, the knowledge of whom in Christ is eternal life. (“Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:21-25” by W. Kelly)
• The Apostle here speaks not of preaching exactly as a mere instrument, but of the thing preached. Such is the force resulting from the form of the word, which with others I have translated “the preaching." (“Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:21-25” by W. Kelly)

J. N. Darby Translation

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21
For since, in the wisdom of God, the worldd by wisdom has not known God, God has been pleased by the foolishness of the preachinge to save those that believe.

JND Translation Notes

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d
Kosmos, the usual word for world. see chs. 3.19; 6.2; Heb. 9.1.
e
"The preaching" gives a different sense from "preaching." Without the article it is the instrument, the foolishness of such a means. Here "the preaching" is the actual thing preached; and such is the force of the Greek.

W. Kelly Translation

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21
For since in thea wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the preachingb to save those that believe;

WK Translation Notes

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a
"Wisdom" here is preceded by the Greek article which seems to mean its wisdom, what it has as a fact, and not merely character. The latter wisdom (of the world) seems to me contradistinguished from the former, the one self-exalting and destructive, the other real and righteous altogether.
b
The apostle here speaks not exactly of preaching as a mere instrument, but of the thing preached. Such is the force resulting from the form of the word, which with others I have translated "the preaching."