1 Corinthians 2:13
New International Version
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

New Living Translation
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.

English Standard Version
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Berean Standard Bible
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

Berean Literal Bible
which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in those taught of the Spirit, communicating spiritual things by spiritual means.

King James Bible
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

New King James Version
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

New American Standard Bible
We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

NASB 1995
which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

NASB 1977
which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

Legacy Standard Bible
of which depths we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual depths with spiritual words.

Amplified Bible
We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit].

Christian Standard Bible
We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

American Standard Version
Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.

Contemporary English Version
Every word we speak was taught to us by God's Spirit, not by human wisdom. And this same Spirit helps us teach spiritual things to spiritual people.

English Revised Version
Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We don't speak about these things using teachings that are based on intellectual arguments like people do. Instead, we use the Spirit's teachings. We explain spiritual things to those who have the Spirit.

Good News Translation
So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit.

International Standard Version
We don't speak about these things with words taught us by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual things to spiritual people.

Majority Standard Bible
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Holy Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

NET Bible
And we speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

New Heart English Bible
And we speak of these things, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.

Webster's Bible Translation
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Weymouth New Testament
Of these we speak--not in language which man's wisdom teaches us, but in that which the Spirit teaches--adapting, as we do, spiritual words to spiritual truths.

World English Bible
We also speak these things, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Holy Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things,

Berean Literal Bible
which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in those taught of the Spirit, communicating spiritual things by spiritual means.

Young's Literal Translation
which things also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Holy Spirit, with spiritual things spiritual things comparing,

Smith's Literal Translation
Which also we speak, not in words taught of man's wisdom, but in them taught of the Holy Spirit; examining spiritual things by spiritual.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And we are also speaking of these things, not in the learned words of human wisdom, but in the doctrine of the Spirit, bringing spiritual things together with spiritual things.

New American Bible
And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.

New Revised Standard Version
And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the things which we discuss are not dependent on the knowledge of words and man’s wisdom, but on the teaching of the Spirit; thus explaining spiritual things to the spiritually minded.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But those things we speak are not in the teaching of the words of the wisdom of men, but in the teaching of The Spirit, and we compare spiritual things to the spiritual.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
which things also we speak, not in words taught by man's wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.

Godbey New Testament
Which things indeed we speak, not in the teachable words of human wisdom, but in the teachable words of the Spirit, expounding spiritual things to spiritual people.

Haweis New Testament
Which things also we speak, not in discourses framed by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit of God; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Mace New Testament
this is what we declare, not in the words which human wisdom, but which the holy spirit dictates; explaining spiritual things in a spiritual language.

Weymouth New Testament
Of these we speak--not in language which man's wisdom teaches us, but in that which the Spirit teaches--adapting, as we do, spiritual words to spiritual truths.

Worrell New Testament
Which things also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit; combining spiritual things with spiritual.

Worsley New Testament
which we also speak of, not in words dictated by human wisdom, but in those which are dictated by the holy Spirit; explaining spiritual things by spiritual words.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Wisdom
12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.…

Cross References
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.

2 Peter 1:21
For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

Isaiah 28:10
For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.”

Isaiah 28:13
Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.

Matthew 10:20
For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jeremiah 1:9
Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

Ezekiel 3:10
“Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart.

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

2 Corinthians 4:2
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Treasury of Scripture

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

not.

1 Corinthians 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

2 Peter 1:16
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

but.

1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant…

1 Corinthians 14:2
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Luke 12:12
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

comparing.

spirtual things.

1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 9:11
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

1 Corinthians 10:3-5
And did all eat the same spiritual meat; …

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Communicating Comparing Ghost Help Holy Human Impart Interpreting Judging Language Speak Spirit Spiritual Taught Teaches Teacheth Thoughts Truths Wisdom Words
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Communicating Comparing Ghost Help Holy Human Impart Interpreting Judging Language Speak Spirit Spiritual Taught Teaches Teacheth Thoughts Truths Wisdom Words
1 Corinthians 2
1. Paul declares that his preaching,
4. though it bring not excellence of speech, or of human wisdom,
5. yet consists in the power of God;
6. and so far excels the wisdom of this world, that the natural man cannot understand it.














And this is what we speak
This phrase emphasizes the act of communication and proclamation. The Greek word for "speak" here is "laleō," which implies not just casual conversation but a deliberate and purposeful declaration. In the context of the early church, this speaking is not merely human discourse but a divinely inspired message. The apostles, including Paul, were tasked with conveying the truths of the Gospel, which were not derived from human intellect but from divine revelation.

not in words taught us by human wisdom
The contrast here is between human wisdom and divine revelation. The Greek term for "wisdom" is "sophia," often associated with the philosophical and rhetorical skills highly valued in Greek culture. Paul is making a clear distinction that the message of the Gospel does not originate from human philosophy or intellectual prowess. Historically, Corinth was a city known for its love of eloquence and philosophy, yet Paul insists that the Gospel transcends these human constructs.

but in words taught by the Spirit
The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the inspiration and understanding of Scripture. The Greek word "pneuma" is used here, indicating the breath or spirit of God. This highlights the divine origin of the message Paul and the apostles are conveying. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher, guiding believers into all truth, as promised by Jesus in John 16:13.

expressing spiritual truths
The phrase "spiritual truths" is derived from the Greek "pneumatika," which refers to things pertaining to the Spirit. This underscores the nature of the Gospel as not merely a set of doctrines but a living, dynamic truth that transforms lives. The truths of the Gospel are spiritual in nature, requiring spiritual discernment to be fully understood and appreciated.

in spiritual words
The term "spiritual words" suggests that the language used to convey these truths is also inspired by the Spirit. The Greek word "pneumatikois" is used, indicating that both the content and the form of the message are divinely influenced. This implies that the communication of the Gospel is not just about the message itself but also about the manner in which it is delivered, ensuring that it aligns with the Spirit's guidance.

(13) Not in the words.--Not only the gospel truths themselves, but the very form and manner in which those truths are taught is the result of spiritual insight.

Comparing spiritual things with spiritual.--Better, explaining spiritual things in spiritual language; really only another more pointed form of stating what he has just said. The word translated here "comparing" in our Authorised version is used in the sense of expounding or teaching in the LXX. (Genesis 40:8; Genesis 40:16; Daniel 5:12), especially of dreams, where the dream is, so to speak, "compared" with the interpretation. So here, the spiritual things are "compared" with the spiritual language in which they are stated. Another meaning--explaining spiritual things to spiritual men--has been suggested, but that adopted would seem to be the more simple and natural. This second interpretation, would make these words the introduction to the remark which follows about "the spiritual man," but it involves a use of the word in which it is not found elsewhere in the New Testament.

Verse 13. - Comparing spiritual things with spiritual. The meaning of this clause is very uncertain. It has been rendered, "Blending spiritual things with spiritual" (Kling, Wordsworth), i.e. not adulterating them with carnal admixtures (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Peter 2:22). "Interpreting spiritual things to spiritual men" (Bengel, Reichert, Stanley, margin of Revised Version; see Genesis 40:8; Daniel 5:12, LXX.). "Explaining spiritual things in spiritual words." This meaning the Greek will not bear, but Calvin and Beza get the same meaning by rendering it, "Adapting spiritual things to spiritual words." It is doubtful whether the Greek verb (sunkrinontes) can be rendered "comparing," which comes from the Vulgate, comparantes. Wickliffe has the version, "Maken a liknesse of spyritual things to goostli men, for a besteli man persuyved not through thingis." The commonest sense of the word in the LXX. is "interpreting" (Genesis 40:8, etc.), and the best rendering is, "Explaining spirituals to spiritual men." If it be supposed that the verb συγκρίνω acquired the sense of "comparing" in Hellenistic Greek (2 Corinthians 10:12; Wisd. 7:29 Wisd. 15:18), then the rendering of our Authorized Version may stand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[this is]
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[what] we speak,
λαλοῦμεν (laloumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

words
λόγοις (logois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

taught [us]
διδακτοῖς (didaktois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1318: Taught, instructed. From didasko; instructed, or communicated by teaching.

by human
ἀνθρωπίνης (anthrōpinēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 442: Belonging to human beings (especially as contrasted with God), human (as contrasted with divine). From anthropos; human.

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

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

in [words]
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

taught
διδακτοῖς (didaktois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1318: Taught, instructed. From didasko; instructed, or communicated by teaching.

by [the] Spirit,
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

expressing
συνκρίνοντες (synkrinontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4793: From sun and krino; to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e. Combine or collate.

spiritual truths
πνευματικὰ (pneumatika)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4152: Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.

in spiritual [words].
πνευματικοῖς (pneumatikois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4152: Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak not (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 2:12
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