Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. New Living Translation Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. English Standard Version But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; Berean Standard Bible But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Berean Literal Bible But God has chosen the foolish things of the world that He might shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world that He might shame the strong; King James Bible But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; New King James Version But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; New American Standard Bible but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, NASB 1995 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, NASB 1977 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, Legacy Standard Bible But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, Amplified Bible But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. Christian Standard Bible Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. Holman Christian Standard Bible Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. American Standard Version but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; Contemporary English Version But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame. English Revised Version but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; GOD'S WORD® Translation But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame. Good News Translation God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. International Standard Version But God chose what is nonsense in the world to make the wise feel ashamed. God chose what is weak in the world to make the strong feel ashamed. Majority Standard Bible But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. NET Bible But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. New Heart English Bible But God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise. And God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong. Webster's Bible Translation But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Weymouth New Testament But God has chosen the things which the world regards as foolish, in order to put its wise men to shame; and God has chosen the things which the world regards as destitute of influence, in order to put its powerful things to shame; World English Bible but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut God chose the foolish things of the world that He may put the wise to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world that He may put the strong to shame; Berean Literal Bible But God has chosen the foolish things of the world that He might shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world that He might shame the strong; Young's Literal Translation but the foolish things of the world did God choose, that the wise He may put to shame; and the weak things of the world did God choose that He may put to shame the strong; Smith's Literal Translation But the foolish things of the world, has God chosen that he might shame the wise; and the weak things of the world has God chosen that he might shame things strong; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong. Catholic Public Domain Version But God has chosen the foolish of the world, so that he may confound the wise. And God has chosen the weak of the world, so that he may confound the strong. New American Bible Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, New Revised Standard Version But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut God has chosen the foolish ones of the world to put the wise to shame; and God has chosen the weak ones of the world to embarrass the mighty; Aramaic Bible in Plain English For God has chosen the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and he has chosen the weak of the world to shame the mighty. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentbut God has chosen the foolish things of the world, that he may bring to shame the wise; and the weak things of the world has God chosen, that he may put to shame the strong; Godbey New Testament but God has chosen the foolish things of the world, that he may confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world, that he may confound the strong; Haweis New Testament but the foolish things of this world hath God elected, that he might confound the wise; and the feeble things of the world hath God elected, that he might confound the mighty; Mace New Testament but God hath chosen those who are foolish in the opinion of the world, to confound the wise; and the weak men of the world to confound the mighty: Weymouth New Testament But God has chosen the things which the world regards as foolish, in order to put its wise men to shame; and God has chosen the things which the world regards as destitute of influence, in order to put its powerful things to shame; Worrell New Testament but God chose the foolish things of the world, that He might put to shame the wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that He might put to shame the things that are strong; Worsley New Testament but God hath chosen things that are foolish in the eye of the world to put it's wise men to confusion; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wisdom from God…26Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,… Cross References James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? 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. 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! 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 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. Psalm 8:2 From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger. Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. Zephaniah 3:12 But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD. Proverbs 3:34 He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Treasury of Scripture But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. Isaiah 26:5,6 For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust… Isaiah 29:14,19 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid… Jump to Previous Choose Chose Chosen Confound Destitute Feeble Foolish Influence Mighty Order Powerful Regards Selection Shame Strong Weak Wise WorldJump to Next Choose Chose Chosen Confound Destitute Feeble Foolish Influence Mighty Order Powerful Regards Selection Shame Strong Weak Wise World1 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. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; This phrase highlights the divine paradox where God often uses what the world considers foolish to confound those who are wise in their own eyes. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses a church in a city known for its intellectual pride and philosophical debates. The "foolish things" can be seen as the simple message of the Gospel, which contrasts with the complex philosophies of the Greeks. This echoes the Old Testament theme where God uses unlikely individuals, such as David, a shepherd boy, to defeat Goliath, a mighty warrior (1 Samuel 17). It also reflects the prophecy in Isaiah 29:14, where God promises to destroy the wisdom of the wise. The ultimate example of this is Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion was seen as foolishness to the Greeks but is the power of God for salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18). God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and intellectualism. He wrote to correct and instruct the believers there. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and often divided congregation, the Corinthian church struggled with issues of wisdom, power, and social status, which Paul addresses in his letters. 3. God The ultimate chooser and orchestrator, God’s selection of the "foolish" and "weak" is central to understanding His divine wisdom and purpose. 4. The Wise and the Strong These terms refer to those who are esteemed by worldly standards, often relying on human wisdom and power. 5. The Foolish and the Weak Representing those who are often disregarded or underestimated by society, yet chosen by God to fulfill His purposes. Teaching Points God’s Wisdom vs. Human WisdomGod’s choices often defy human logic and expectations. His wisdom is not bound by worldly standards, and He uses what seems foolish to accomplish His purposes. The Value of Humility God values humility and often works through those who are humble and dependent on Him. This challenges believers to embrace humility and reliance on God rather than worldly wisdom. Empowerment of the Weak God empowers those who are weak by worldly standards, showing that true strength comes from Him. Believers should find encouragement in their weaknesses, knowing God can use them mightily. Reversal of Worldly Values The Kingdom of God often reverses worldly values, elevating the lowly and humbling the proud. Christians are called to adopt this kingdom mindset in their daily lives. Trust in God’s Sovereignty Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He knows best whom to choose and how to use them for His glory. This trust should lead to peace and confidence in His plans.(27) Foolish things.--The neuter is used probably for the purpose of generalising, and it expresses the qualities of the men whom God has chosen--"the wise" is masculine in the Greek, showing that it is still of "persons" the Apostle is speaking.Verse 27. - God chose; not, hath chosen out. We may remark, once for all, that there was no reason why the translators of 1611 should thus have turned the Greek aorists of the New Testament into perfects. In this and in many instances the change of tense is unimportant, but sometimes it materially and injuriously affects the sense. The foolish things... the weak things. So, too, the psalmist, "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength" (Psalm 8:2); and St. James, "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5). Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. God Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. chose ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1586: To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. foolish things μωρὰ (mōra) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3474: Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd. 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). to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. shame καταισχύνῃ (kataischynē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2617: From kata and aischunomai; to shame down, i.e. Disgrace or put to the blush. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. wise; σοφούς (sophous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 4680: Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. God Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. chose ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1586: To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. weak things ἀσθενῆ (asthenē) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 772: (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless. 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). to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. shame καταισχύνῃ (kataischynē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2617: From kata and aischunomai; to shame down, i.e. Disgrace or put to the blush. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. strong. ἰσχυρά (ischyra) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible. Links 1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT 1 Corinthians 1:27 ESV 1 Corinthians 1:27 NASB 1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV 1 Corinthians 1:27 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 1:27 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 1:27 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 1:27 French Bible 1 Corinthians 1:27 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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