1 Corinthians 1:20

← 1 Corinthians 1:19 1 Corinthians 1:21 →

1 Corinthians 1:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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?

King James Version KJV

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?

American Standard Version ASV

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?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Where is the wise? where is he who has knowledge of the law? where is the man of this world who has a love of discussion? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Free Bible Version FBV

So how about the wise, the writers, and the philosophers of this age? Hasn't God turned the wisdom of this world into foolishness?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Where is the wise? where is the Scribe? where is the disputer of this worlde? hath not God made the wisedome of this worlde foolishnesse?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

where [is] the wise? where the scribe? where a disputer of this age? did not God make foolish the wisdom of this world?

World English Bible WEB

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?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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?

Translation for Translators T4T

So, do you know what God thinks about what [RHQ] people who [IRO] consider themselves to be wise and scholars and philosophers say? He does not pay attention to what they say, because [RHQ] he has shown clearly that what unbelievers think is [IRO] wise is not wise at all, but is really foolish.

Plain English Version PEV

So what does that tell us about the smart people in this world? And what about those people that reckon they properly know the Jewish law? And what about those people that can talk really good, so that they win arguments? None of them get to know God. They leave God out. They don’t think about him, and in the end God shows us that they are all stupid.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 1:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK που σοφος που γραμματευς που συζητητης του αιωνος τουτου ουχι εμωρανεν ο θεος την σοφιαν του κοσμου τουτου

που pou G4226 where? Adv-I

σοφος sophos G4680 wise Adj-NSM

που pou G4226 where? Adv-I

γραμματευς grammateus G1122 scribe Noun-NSM

που pou G4226 where? Adv-I

συζητητης suzētētēs G4804 debater Noun-NSM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

αιωνος aiōn G165 an age: age Noun-GSM

τουτου ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-GSM

ουχι ouchi G3780 not! Particle-I

εμωρανεν mōrainō G3471 be foolish Verb-AAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

θεος theos G2316 God Noun-NSM

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

σοφιαν sophia G4678 wisdom Noun-ASF

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

κοσμου kosmos G2889 world Noun-GSM

τουτου ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-GSM

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 1:20

που pou G4226 "where?" Adv-I

This Greek word means 'where' and is used to ask about a location, as seen in Matthew 2:2 and Mark 14:12. It can also indicate something is not found, like in Luke 8:25 and Romans 3:27. It's often translated as 'where' or 'whither'.

Definition: ποῦ interrog. adv., [in LXX for אַי, אַיֵּה, אָן ;] __1. prop., where?: Mat.2:2 26:17, Mrk.14:12, 14, Luk.17:17, 37 22:9, 11, Jhn.1:39 7:11 8:10, 19 9:12 11:34; ποῦ (ἐστιν), indicating that the subject in question is not to be found, Luk.8:25, Rom.3:27, 1Co.1:20 12:17 12:19 15:55, Gal.4:15, 2Pe.3:4; ποῦ φανεῖται, 1Pe.4:18. __2. = ὅπου (WM, 640; B1., § 50, 5): with indic., Mat.2:4, Mrk.15:47, Jhn.1:40 11:57 20:2, 13 20:15 Rev.2:13; with subjc., Mat.8:20, Luk.9:58 12:17. __3. In colloq. (as in Eng.) = ποῖ, whither: in direct questions, Jhn.7:35 9:12 13:36 16:5; in indir. quest., Jhn.3:8 8:14 12:35 14:5, Heb.11:8, 1Jn.2:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 39 NT verses. KJV: where, whither See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:5; 1 Peter 4:18.

σοφος sophos G4680 "wise" Adj-NSM

Wise means having good judgment or being skilled, as seen in Romans 16:19 and 1 Corinthians 3:10, and can apply to people or God.

Definition: σοφός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for חָכָם ;] skilled, clever, wise, whether in handicraft, the affairs of life, the sciences or learning: Rom.16:19, 1Co.3:10; of the learned, Rom.1:14, 22, 1Co.1:19-20 1:26-27 3:18-20; of Jewish teachers, Mat.11:25, Luk.10:21; Christian, Mat.23:34; of those endowed with practical wisdom, 1Co.6:5, Eph.5:15, Jas.3:13; of God, Rom.16:27; compar., τ. μωρὸν τ. θεοῦ σοφώτερον, 1Co.1:25.† SYN.: συνετός, φρόνιμος (see: σοφία, SYN.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: wise See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Timothy 1:17; James 3:13.

που pou G4226 "where?" Adv-I

Usage: Occurs in 39 NT verses. KJV: where, whither See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:5; 1 Peter 4:18.

γραμματευς grammateus G1122 "scribe" Noun-NSM

A scribe is a scholar or teacher of the law, often referring to Jewish leaders who studied and taught the scriptures, as seen in Acts 19:35 and Luke 5:17. They were experts in biblical knowledge.

Definition: γραμματεύς, -έως (accusative pl., -εῖς, see Bl., §8, 2), ὁ (γράμμα), [in LXX always for שׁטר in Hex., elsewhere chiefly for ספר ;] __1. a secretary; γ. τ. πόλεως, a state-clerk: Act.19:35. __2. In π., of a military officer (Deiss., BS, 110f.). So Jdg.5:14, 4Ki.25:19 (ספר), al. __3. a scribe, a biblical scholar, teacher of the law (so first in I Est.8:3, II Est.7:6; in Luk.5:17, νομοδιδάσκαλος; in Luk.10:25, νομικός): Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, and frequently in Gosp. γ. καὶ ἀρχιερεῖς, Mat.2:4, and al.; γ. κ. Φαρισαῖοι, Mat.5:20, and al.; γ. μαθητευθεὶς τῇ βασιλείᾳ τ. οὐρ., Mat.13:52; ποῦ σοφός; ποῦ γ., 1Co.1:20 (Cremer, 167; DB, iv, 420, 800). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: scribe, town-clerk See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; Mark 11:27; Matthew 27:41.

που pou G4226 "where?" Adv-I

Usage: Occurs in 39 NT verses. KJV: where, whither See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:5; 1 Peter 4:18.

συζητητης suzētētēs G4804 "debater" Noun-NSM

A debater or disputant, like the ones mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:20, who argue against the gospel. This word refers to someone who engages in discussions or debates, often in a contentious manner.

Definition: συν-ζητητής (Rec. συζ-), -οῦ, ἁ (συνζητέω), a disputer, disputant: 1Co.1:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: disputer See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αιωνος aiōn G165 "an age: age" Noun-GSM

Refers to an age or a long period of time, as seen in Luke 1:70, describing the past. It can also mean forever or eternity, as in Matthew.

Definition: αἰών, -ῶνος, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for עַד ,עוֹלָם ;] __1. in cl., like Lat. aevum (LS, MM, VGT, see word), a space of time, as, a lifetime, generation, period of history, an indefinitely long period; in NT of an indefinitely long period, an age, eternity, usually with prep. (MM, VGT); __(a) of the past: ἀπ᾽ αἰ. (cf. Heb. מֵעוֹלָם), Luk.1:70; __(b) of the future: εἰς τ. αἰ. (cf. לְעוֹלָם), forever, Mat.21:19; id., with neg., never, Jhn.4:14; more strongly, εἰς τὸν αἰ. τοῦ αἰ., Heb.1:8 (LXX); εἰς τοὺς αἰ., Mat.6:13; εἰς τοὺς αἰ. τῶν αἰ. (cf. Isa.45:17, עַד־עוֹלְמֵי עַד), Rom.16:27, LT; cf. also Eph.3:21, 2Pe.3:18, Ju 25, Rev.14:11. __2. οἱ αἰ., the worlds, the universe, "the sum of the periods of time, including all that is manifested in them": He :12 11:3 (cf. 1Ti.1:17, where τῶν αἰ. are prob. "the ages or world-periods which when summed up make eternity". __3. the present age (Heb. הָעוֹלָם הַזֶּה): ὁ αἰ., Mat.13:22; ὁ αἰ. οὗτος, Mat.12:32; ὁ νῦν αἰ., 1Ti.6:17; ὁ ἐνεστὼς αἰ., Gal.1:4; similarly, of the time after Christ's second coming (הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא), ὁ αἰ. ἐκεῖνος, Luk.20:35; ὁ αἰ. μέλλων, Mat.12:32; ὁ αἰ. ὁ ἐρχόμενος, Mrk.10:30. SYN.: κόσμος, the ordered universe, the scheme of material things; οἰκουμένη, the inhabited earth; in contrast with both of which αἰ. is the world under aspects of time (cf. Westc. on Heb.1:2; Tr., Syn., §lix; Thayer, see word, αἰ.; Cremer, 74, 620; MM, VGT). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 101 NT verses. KJV: age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 8:35; 1 Peter 1:23.

τουτου ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-GSM

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

ουχι ouchi G3780 "not!" Particle-I

Ouchi is a strong way of saying no in Greek, like saying not at all. It's used in Luke 1:60 and John 13:10 to show a strong negative response.

Definition: οὐχί strengthened form of οὐ, not; __(a) in neg. sentences, not, not at all: Luk.1:60 12:51, Jhn.13:10, al.; __(b) more frequently in questions where an affirm. ans. is expected (Lat. nonne) : Mat.5:46-47, Luk.6:39, Jhn.11:9, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 54 NT verses. KJV: nay, not See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; Luke 12:6; Hebrews 1:14.

εμωρανεν mōrainō G3471 "be foolish" Verb-AAI-3S

To be foolish means to act silly or senseless, like playing the fool in 1 Corinthians 1:20. It can also mean to lose your effectiveness, like salt that has lost its flavor in Matthew 5:13.

Definition: μωραίνω (μωρός), [in LXX: Isa.19:11, Jer.10:14 51:17 (בָּעַר ni.), 2Ki.24:10, Isa.44:25 R (שָׂכַל ni., pi.)* ;] __1. cl., to be foolish, play the fool. __2. LXX and NT, causal, to make foolish: 1Co.1:20; pass., to become foolish: Rom.1:22; of salt that has lost its flavour, become tasteless: Mat.5:13, Luk.14:34.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: become fool, make foolish, lose savour See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; Matthew 5:13; Romans 1:22.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεος theos G2316 "God" Noun-NSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σοφιαν sophia G4678 "wisdom" Noun-ASF

Wisdom refers to higher or spiritual understanding, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:1 and James 3:15.

Definition: σοφία, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for חׇכְמָה ;] skill, intelligence, wisdom, ranging from knowledge of the arts and matters of daily life to mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense; __(a) of human wisdom: 1Co.2:1 2:4-5, Jas.3:15, Rev.13:18 17:9; σ. Σολομῶνος, Mat.12:42, Luk.11:31; Αἰγυπτίων, Act.7:22; Ἕλληνες σ. ζητοῦσιν, 1Co.1:22; σ. λόγου, 1Co.1:17; τ. σοφῶν, 1Co.1:19 (LXX); τ. κόσμου, 1Co.1:20-21 3:19; ἀνθρωπίνη, 1Co.2:13; σαρκική, 2Co.1:12; of wisdom in spiritual things: Luk.21:15, Act.6:3, 10 7:10, 1Co.2:6, Col.1:28 2:23 3:16 4:5, Jas.1:5 3:13, 17, 2Pe.3:15; λόγος σοφίας, 1Co.12:8; πνεῦμα σοφίας, Eph.1:17; σ. καὶ φρόνησις, Eph.1:8; σ. καὶ σύνεσις, Col.1:9; __(b) of divine wisdom: of God, Rom.11:33, 1Co.1:21 1:24 2:7, Rev.7:12; πολυποίκιλος, Eph.3:10 of Christ, Mat.13:54, Mrk.6:2, Luk.2:40, 52, 1Co.1:30 Col.2:3, Rev.5:12; of wisdom personified, Mat.11:19, Luk.7:35 11:49.† SYN.: σύνεσις, intelligence; φρόνησις, prudence, which with σ. make up (Arist., N. Eth., i, 13) the three intellectual ἀρεταί. σ. is wisdom primary and absolute; in distinction from which φ. is practical, σύνεσις critical, both being applications of σ. in detail (cf. Lft., and ICC on Col.1:9; Lft., Notes, 317 f.; Tr., Syn., § LXXv; Cremer, 870 ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 49 NT verses. KJV: wisdom See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; Colossians 2:23; James 1:5.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κοσμου kosmos G2889 "world" Noun-GSM

The Greek word for world can mean an orderly arrangement or decoration, but also refers to the world and its inhabitants, as seen in Acts 17:24 and Romans 4:13.

Definition: κόσμος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Gen.2:1, Deu.4:19 17:3, Isa.24:21 40:26 (צבא), Exo.33:5, 6 Jer.2:32 4:30, Eze.7:20 16:11 23:40 (עֲדִי), Isa.61:10 (כְּלִי), al., Wis.2:24 and freq., Sir.6:30, al ;] __1. order (Hom., Plat., al.). __2. ornament, adornment, esp. of women (Hom., al.): 1Pe.3:3. __3. Later, the world or universe, as an ordered system (Plat., al.): Act.17:24, Rom.4:13, 1Co.3:22, Php.2:15, Heb.4:3, al. __4. In late writers only, the world, i.e. the earth (= ἡ οἰκουμένη, cf. Mat.4:8 with Luk.4:5): Mat.4:8, Mrk.16:[15], Col.2:20, 1Ti.6:7, al.; hence by meton., __(a) of the human inhabitants of the world: Mat.5:14 15:38, Mrk.14:9, Jhn.1:10 4:42 12:47, Rom.3:6, 1Co.4:13, 2Co.5:19, 2Pe.2:5, al.; __(b) of worldly affairs or possessions: Mat.16:26, Mrk.8:36, Luk.9:25, 1Co.7:31, 1Jn.2:16, al.; __(with) in ethical sense, of the ungodly: Jhn.7:7 14:17, 27 1Co.1:21, Jas.1:27, 1Jn.4:4, al.; __(d) metaphorically: ὁ κ. τῆς ἀδικίας, Jas.3:6. SYN.: αἰών, which see (cf . also Dalman, Words, 162ff.; Tr., Syn., §lix; Westc., additional note on Jhn.1:10; DB, iv, 938ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 152 NT verses. KJV: adorning, world See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 7:4; 1 Peter 1:20.

τουτου ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-GSM

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 1:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:20

Context — The Message of the Cross

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 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. 22Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 1:22	Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,
2	Job 12:17	He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.
3	1 Corinthians 3:19	For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
4	1 Corinthians 1:19	For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
5	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,
6	Job 12:24	He deprives the earth’s leaders of reason and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland.
7	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?”
8	Isaiah 53:1	Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
9	2 Samuel 17:23	When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
10	2 Samuel 15:31	Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

1 Corinthians 1:20 Summary

This verse is saying that God's wisdom is much greater than the wisdom of the world. The wise men, scribes, and philosophers of the world may think they have all the answers, but God has shown that their wisdom is actually foolishness compared to His wisdom, as stated in Isaiah 29:14 and 1 Corinthians 3:19. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, the message of the cross, which is the heart of God's wisdom, may seem foolish to some people, but it is actually the power of God to save those who believe, as seen in Romans 1:16 and 1 Corinthians 1:24. By trusting in God's wisdom, we can have confidence that His ways are higher than our ways, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to make foolish the wisdom of the world?

According to 1 Corinthians 1:20, God has made foolish the wisdom of the world, which means that the world's wisdom is not sufficient to know or understand God, as stated in Isaiah 55:9 and Romans 1:22.

Is the Bible saying that all wisdom or knowledge is bad?

No, the Bible is not saying that all wisdom or knowledge is bad, but rather that the wisdom of the world, which is based on human reasoning and pride, is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:19 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

What is the significance of the wise man, scribe, and philosopher in this verse?

The wise man, scribe, and philosopher represent the pinnacle of human wisdom and knowledge in the ancient world, and by asking where they are, the Apostle Paul is highlighting the inadequacy of human wisdom to understand spiritual truth, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:14 and Jeremiah 8:9.

How does this verse relate to the message of the cross?

This verse is closely tied to the message of the cross, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:18, which says that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God, demonstrating that God's wisdom is superior to human wisdom, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:24 and Galatians 6:14.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I have relied on human wisdom rather than God's wisdom, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
How does the idea that God has made foolish the wisdom of the world challenge my own thoughts and behaviors, and what changes can I make to align myself with God's wisdom?
In what ways can I share the message of the cross with others, even if it seems foolish to them, and how can I trust in God's power to save those who believe, as stated in Romans 1:16?
What are some examples of human wisdom that have been proven foolish in the light of Scripture, such as the idea that we can earn our way to heaven, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5?
How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wisdom of God, as revealed in Scripture, and apply it to my everyday life, as encouraged in Psalm 119:97-104 and Proverbs 2:1-6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise? where is the Scribe?.... These are the apostle's own words; though he may allude to Isaiah 33:18 where there are some phrases much like these, but the meaning is very different.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:20

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? Where? ... - Nowhere; for God 'brings them to nought' (1 Corinthians 1:19).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? He alludeth again to that, : Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? Where are the wise men amongst the heathens? Where are the scribes, the learned men in the law, amongst the Jews? Where is the disputer of this world? Where are those amongst Jews or Gentiles that are the great inquirers into the reasons and natures of things, and manage debates and disputes about them? They understand nothing of the mysteries of the gospel, or the way of salvation, which God holds out to the world in and through Jesus Christ. Or, where are they? What have they done by all their philosophy and moral doctrine, as to the turning of men from sin unto God, from ways of iniquity unto ways of righteousness, in comparison of what we, the ministers of Christ, have done by preaching the doctrine of the gospel, and the cross of Christ? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Do not you see how God hath fooled the wisdom of the world? Making it to appear vain and contemptible, and of no use, as to the saving of men’ s souls; making choice of none of their doctors and great rabbis, to carry that doctrine abroad in the world; and convincing men that, without faith in Christ, all that can be learned from them will be of no avail to the soul.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20

20 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? Ver. 20. Where is the wise?] The teacher of traditions; the Jews had a proverb, οισοφοιημωνδευτερωσι. Where is the scribe?] Or the textmen, those that proceed according to the literal interpretation. Where is the disputer?] The teachers of allegories and mysteries, 1 Timothy 1:4.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20

(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 1 Corinthians 1:20, and in 1 Corinthians 1:21) to designate all who are outside the Christian communion, as in the next verse it is contrasted with “them that believe.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20

Verse 20. Where is the wise - the scribe - the disputer of this world?] These words most manifestly refer to the Jews; as the places (Isaiah 29:14; Isaiah 33:18; Isaiah 44:25) to which he refers cannot be understood of any but the Jews. The wise man σοφος, of the apostle, is the חכם chakam of the prophet; whose office it was to teach others. The scribe, γραμματευς, of the apostle, is the ספר sopher of the prophet; this signifies any man of learning, as distinguished from the common people, especially any master of the traditions. The disputer, συζητητης, answers to the דרש derosh, or דרשן darshan, the propounder of questions; the seeker of allegorical, mystical, and cabalistical senses from the Holy Scriptures. Now as all these are characters well known among the Jews, and as the words αιωνοςτουτου, of this world are a simple translation of עולם הזה olam hazzeh, which is repeatedly used to designate the Jewish republic, there is no doubt that the apostle has the Jews immediately in view. This wisdom of theirs induced them to seek out of the sacred oracles any sense but the true one; and they made the word of God of none effect by their traditions. After them, and precisely on their model, the schoolmen arose; and they rendered the doctrine of the Gospel of no effect by their hypercritical questions, and endless distinctions without differences. By the preaching of Christ crucified God made foolish the wisdom of the Jewish wise men; and, after that the pure religion of Christ had been corrupted by a Church that was of this world, God rendered the wisdom and disputing of the schoolmen foolishness, by the revival of pure Christianity at the Reformation. The Jews themselves allow that nothing is wise, nothing strong, nothing rich, without God. "Our rabbins teach that there were two wise men in this world; one was an Israelite, Achitophel, the other was a Gentile, Balaam; but both were miserable in this world." "There were also two strong men in the world; one an Israelite, Samson, the other a Gentile, Goliah; but they were both miserable in this world." "There were two rich men in the world; one an Israelite, Korah, the other a Gentile, Haman; but both these were miserable in this world. And why? Because their gifts came not from God." See Schoettgen. In truth the world has derived very little, if any, moral good, either from the Jewish rabbins or the Gentile philosophers.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 1:20

20. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world?] i.e. “the wise generally, the Jewish scribe, the Greek disputer.”—Dean Alford. “The words ‘of this world’ apply not to the disputer alone, but to all three.”—De Wette.hath not God made foolish] Rather, did not God make foolish, i.e. when He proclaimed the Gospel of salvation through Christ. Cf. Isaiah 44:25.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise? - Language similar to this occurs in Isaiah 33:18, “Where is the scribe? where is the receiver?

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:20

20. Where—An exclamation of assumed triumph, as if all these competitors of the cross were nowhere. The wise—The sophos, the philosoph.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:20

	Sermon	Description
	What Is Worldliness? by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the question of what worldliness is according to the book of James. He compares the epistle to God's University, with James as the Dean
	The Little Maid by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience from their childhood, highlighting the importance of having evidence and personal encounters with God. They talk about grow
	Cse Seminar 7(2003) Questions and Answers by Kent Hovind	This sermon by Kent Hovind delves into the topics of creation, evolution, and dinosaurs, emphasizing the belief that the Bible is scientifically accurate and evolution is a flawed
	Church Live Re-Visited: Session Two - Part 2 by Ron Bailey	This sermon delves into the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world, emphasizing the importance of choosing God's wisdom which comes from above and leads to humility, mercy, a
	Exposition on Psalm 83 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine delves into Psalm 82, interpreting it as a reflection of the congregation of God's people, comparing the Jewish people to the Synagogue and the Christian people to th
	The Evolution of Stupidity by Ray Comfort	Ray Comfort delivers a powerful sermon on the foolishness of rejecting the Bible and denying the existence of God, highlighting the consequences of such disbelief in modern society
	Observations on Gnosticism and Manicheism by Howard F. Vos	Howard F. Vos delves into the history and impact of Gnosticism, a belief system that emerged in the first century, blending elements from various religions and philosophies to comb