1 Corinthians 1:20
New International Version
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

New Living Translation
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.

English Standard Version
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Berean Standard Bible
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Berean Literal Bible
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

King James Bible
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

New King James Version
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

New American Standard Bible
Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?

NASB 1995
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

NASB 1977
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Legacy Standard Bible
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Amplified Bible
Where is the wise man (philosopher)? Where is the scribe (scholar)? Where is the debater (logician, orator) of this age? Has God not exposed the foolishness of this world’s wisdom?

Christian Standard Bible
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish?

American Standard Version
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Contemporary English Version
What happened to those wise people? What happened to those experts in the Scriptures? What happened to the ones who think they have all the answers? Didn't God show that the wisdom of this world is foolish?

English Revised Version
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the persuasive speaker of our time? Hasn't God turned the wisdom of the world into nonsense?

Good News Translation
So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness!

International Standard Version
Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? God has turned the wisdom of the world into nonsense, hasn't he?

Majority Standard Bible
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

NET Bible
Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Mosaic law? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish?

New Heart English Bible
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Webster's Bible Translation
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Weymouth New Testament
Where is your wise man? Where your expounder of the Law? Where your investigator of the questions of this present age? Has not God shown the world's wisdom to be utter foolishness?

World English Bible
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
where [is] the wise? Where the scribe? Where a disputer of this age? Did God not make foolish the wisdom of this world?

Berean Literal Bible
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Young's Literal Translation
where is the wise? where the scribe? where a disputer of this age? did not God make foolish the wisdom of this world?

Smith's Literal Translation
Where the wise? where the scribe? where the seekers together of this life has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Where are the wise? Where are the scribes? Where are the truth-seekers of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of this world into foolishness?

New American Bible
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?

New Revised Standard Version
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the learned of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Where is the wise or where is the Scribe or where is the debater of this world? Behold, has not God shown the wisdom of this world to be insane?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Godbey New Testament
Where is the wise man? where is the scribe? where is the investigator of this age? has not God rendered the wisdom of the world foolishness?

Haweis New Testament
Where is the sophist? where is the scribe? where is the inquisitive searcher after this world’s wisdom? hath not God turned into folly the wisdom of this world?

Mace New Testament
where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputant of this age? has not God prov'd the wisdom of this world to be downright folly.

Weymouth New Testament
Where is your wise man? Where your expounder of the Law? Where your investigator of the questions of this present age? Has not God shown the world's wisdom to be utter foolishness?

Worrell New Testament
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Worsley New Testament
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputant of the age? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Message of the Cross
19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.…

Cross References
Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Isaiah 33:18
Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?”

Isaiah 44:25
who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,

Job 5:12-13
He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. / He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.

Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

Romans 1:22
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

James 3:13-17
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Proverbs 1:20-25
Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; / in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: / “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? ...

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.


Treasury of Scripture

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

is the wise.

Isaiah 33:18
Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?

Isaiah 53:1
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

hath.

1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

2 Samuel 15:31
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

2 Samuel 16:23
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

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1 Corinthians 1
1. After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,
10. Paul exhorts them to unity,
12. and reproves their dissensions.
18. God destroys the wisdom of the wise,
21. by the foolishness of preaching;
26. and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,
28. but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.














Where is the wise man?
The term "wise man" in Greek is "sophos," which refers to someone skilled in philosophy or the learned individuals of the time. In the context of Corinth, a city known for its intellectual pursuits and philosophical debates, Paul challenges the prevailing notion of wisdom. Historically, the Greeks prided themselves on their philosophical traditions, yet Paul questions the ultimate value of such wisdom when it stands in contrast to the divine wisdom revealed through Christ. This rhetorical question serves to highlight the limitations of human wisdom when it is devoid of divine insight.

Where is the scribe?
The "scribe" refers to the Jewish scholars and teachers of the Law, known in Greek as "grammateus." These individuals were experts in the Scriptures and held positions of authority in Jewish society. By questioning the presence and influence of the scribe, Paul underscores the inadequacy of relying solely on human interpretation of the Law without recognizing the fulfillment of the Law in Christ. This reflects a broader biblical theme where the letter of the Law is insufficient without the Spirit, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Where is the philosopher of this age?
The phrase "philosopher of this age" can be understood as a critique of contemporary thinkers who rely on human reasoning. The Greek word "suzētētēs" implies a debater or someone who engages in intellectual discourse. Paul contrasts the temporal nature of human philosophy with the eternal truth of the Gospel. The "age" (Greek "aiōn") signifies the present world system, which is transient and often at odds with God's eternal kingdom. This highlights the futility of philosophies that do not acknowledge God's sovereignty and the revelation of His wisdom through Christ.

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Here, Paul uses the Greek word "mōrainō," meaning to make foolish or to render void. This statement is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over human wisdom. The "wisdom of the world" refers to the collective understanding and knowledge that humanity esteems apart from God. Through the cross of Christ, God has demonstrated the ultimate folly of relying on human wisdom for salvation. Historically, the crucifixion was seen as a scandal and foolishness to both Jews and Greeks, yet it is through this very act that God reveals His profound wisdom and power. This verse serves as a reminder that true wisdom comes from God and is often contrary to human expectations and understanding.

(20) To the second quotation, which was originally a song of triumph over the enemies of Israel, the Apostle gives a general application.

The wise.--The general reference in this word is to those who would exalt human knowledge, while "the scribe" indicates the Jew, and the "disputer" the Greek, who discussed philosophy (Acts 6:9; Acts 9:29).

Of this world.--These words qualify all three mentioned, and not exclusively the disputer." "World" (more literally, age) does not here mean the physical world, but, in an ethical sense, "this age," in contrast to that which is "to come" (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30). It is employed afterwards (last word of 1Corinthians 1:20, and in 1Corinthians 1:21) to designate all who are outside the Christian communion, as in the next verse it is contrasted with "them that believe." . . .

Verse 20. - Where is the wise? etc. (Isaiah 33:18); rather, Where is a wise man? i.e. a scribe, etc., which is even more incisive. These questions are triumphant, like the "Where is the King of Hamath and of Arpad?" The same impassioned form of speech recurs in 1 Corinthians 15:55 and in Romans 3:27. The questions would come home to the Jews, who regarded their rabbis and the "pupils of the wise as exalted beings who could look down on all poor ignorant persons (amharatsim, or "people of the land"); and to the Greeks, who regarded none but the philosophers as "wise." The scribe. With the Jews of that day" the scribe" was" the theologian," the ideal of dignified learning and orthodoxy, though for the most part he mistook elaborate ignorance for profound knowledge. The disputer. The word would specially suit the disputatious Greeks, clever dialecticians. The verb from which this word is derived occurs in Mark 8:11, and the abstract substantive ("an eager discussion") in Acts 28:29. If St. Paul has Isaiah 33:18 in his mind, the word "disputer" corresponds to "the counter of the towers" (comp. Psalm 48:12). Even the rabbis say that when Messiah comes human wisdom is to become needless. Of the world; rather, of this age, or aeon. The old dispensation, then so rapidly waning to its close, was called "this age" (olam hazzeh); the next or Messianic age was called "the age to come" (olam habba). The Messianic age had dawned at the birth of Christ, but the old covenant was not finally annulled till his second coming at the fall of Jerusalem. Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? rather, Did not God (by the cross) stultify the wisdom, etc.? The oxymoron, or sharp contrast of terms - a figure of which St. Paul is fond (see 1 Timothy 5:6; Romans 1:20, etc.; and my 'Life of St. Paul,' 1:628) - is here clearly marked in the Greek. The thought was as familiar to the old prophets (Isaiah 44:25) as to St. Paul (Romans 1:22); and even Horace saw that heathen philosophy was sometimes no better than insaniens sapientia (Horace, 'Od.,' 1:34, 2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Where [is the]
Ποῦ (Pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

wise [man]?
σοφός (sophos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4680: Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.

Where [is]
ποῦ (pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

[the] scribe?
γραμματεύς (grammateus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1122: From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.

Where [is]
ποῦ (pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

[the] philosopher
συζητητὴς (syzētētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4804: A disputer, as the Greek sophists. From suzeteo; a disputant, i.e. Sophist.

of this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

age?
αἰῶνος (aiōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

{Has} not
οὐχὶ (ouchi)
IntPrtcl
Strong's 3780: By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

made foolish
ἐμώρανεν (emōranen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3471: From moros; to become insipid; figuratively, to make as a simpleton.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wisdom
σοφίαν (sophian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world?
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).


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