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1 Corinthians 1:20–28

A connected passage, with study helps kept beside the verses they explain.

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected

1 Corinthians 1:20

20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1 Corinthians 1:21

21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 1:22

22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1 Corinthians 1:23

23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Corinthians 1:24

24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:25

25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1 Corinthians 1:26

26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1 Corinthians 1:27

27But 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;

1 Corinthians 1:28

28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

ENSURE CONTEXTUALIZATION

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DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:20

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wise

Having knowledge, discernment, sound judgment, prudence, or skill.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

foolish

Lacking wisdom or sound judgment; acting without proper regard for truth or what is right.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

Sound judgment and the right use of knowledge; skill, discernment, or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:21

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

after

Later than, behind, following, or in pursuit of, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

Sound judgment and the right use of knowledge; skill, discernment, or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

foolishness

Lack of wisdom, sound judgment, or understanding; folly or absurd conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

believe

To accept as true on testimony or evidence; to be persuaded of; to trust or place confidence in.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:22

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Jews

Members of the Jewish people; Hebrews or Israelites identified as Jews.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

require

To ask, demand, call for, or hold someone accountable for what is due.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

after

Later than, behind, following, or in pursuit of, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

Sound judgment and the right use of knowledge; skill, discernment, or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:23

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

However; introducing a contrast with what precedes.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

preach

To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a text of Scripture. To proclaim; to publish in religious discourses.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

crucified

To put to death by fastening to a cross; in Hebrews 6: 6, to treat the Son of God as crucified afresh and expose him to open shame.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Jews

Members of the Jewish people; Hebrews or Israelites identified as Jews.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

foolishness

Lack of wisdom, sound judgment, or understanding; folly or absurd conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:24

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

However; introducing a contrast with what precedes.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

called

Named, summoned, invited, proclaimed, or addressed, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Jews

Members of the Jewish people; Hebrews or Israelites identified as Jews.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

power

Ability, strength, authority, dominion, or the right and capacity to act.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

Sound judgment and the right use of knowledge; skill, discernment, or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:25

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

foolishness

Lack of wisdom, sound judgment, or understanding; folly or absurd conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wiser

Having greater wisdom, discernment, or sound judgment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:26

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

see

To perceive with the eyes; to behold, observe, understand, consider, experience, or take heed, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

brethren

Brothers; near kindred; fellow Israelites; or fellow believers, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

many

A great number; numerous persons or things.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wise

Having knowledge, discernment, sound judgment, prudence, or skill.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

after

Later than, behind, following, or in pursuit of, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

flesh

The soft substance of the body; also the body, human nature, kindred, or mankind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

mighty

Possessing or displaying great strength, power, ability, rank, or effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

noble

Great; elevated; dignified; being above every thing that can dishonor reputation.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

called

Named, summoned, invited, proclaimed, or addressed, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:27

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

However; introducing a contrast with what precedes.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

chosen

Selected, preferred, or appointed from among others.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

foolish

Lacking wisdom or sound judgment; acting without proper regard for truth or what is right.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wise

Having knowledge, discernment, sound judgment, prudence, or skill.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

weak

Lacking physical strength, power, firmness, or ability.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

mighty

Possessing or displaying great strength, power, ability, rank, or effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:28

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

base

Low in place, rank, condition, or character; also a foundation or lower supporting part.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

despised

Contemned; disdained; abhorred.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

chosen

Selected, preferred, or appointed from among others.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

yea

Yes; truly; an expression of affirmation or emphasis.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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From verse 20

  1. Romans 1:22
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  2. Job 12:17
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  3. 1 Corinthians 1:19
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  4. 1 Corinthians 3:19
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  5. Isaiah 44:25
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From verse 21

  1. Luke 10:21
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  2. Matthew 11:25
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  3. Romans 1:20–22
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  4. 1 Corinthians 1:24
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  5. Ephesians 3:10
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From verse 22

  1. Matthew 16:1–4
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  2. Acts 17:18–21
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  3. John 2:18
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  4. Luke 11:16
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  5. Mark 8:11
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From verse 23

  1. 1 Corinthians 2:14
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  2. 1 Corinthians 2:2
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  3. 1 Peter 2:8
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  4. Galatians 5:11
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  5. Isaiah 8:14–15
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From verse 24

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:30
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  2. Colossians 2:3
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  3. 1 Corinthians 1:18
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  4. 1 Corinthians 1:9
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  5. Romans 1:16
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From verse 25

  1. Romans 11:33–36
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  2. 1 Corinthians 1:18
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  3. Zechariah 4:6–7
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  4. 2 Corinthians 13:4
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  5. 1 Corinthians 1:27–29
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From verse 26

  1. James 2:5
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  2. 1 Corinthians 3:18–20
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  3. James 1:9–11
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  4. 1 Corinthians 2:8
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  5. Matthew 11:25–26
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From verse 27

  1. James 2:5
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  2. Matthew 11:25
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  3. 1 Corinthians 1:20
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  4. Psalms 8:2
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  5. Luke 21:15
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From verse 28

  1. Job 34:24
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  2. Romans 4:17
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  3. Isaiah 2:11
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  4. Job 34:19–20
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  5. Isaiah 2:17
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