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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

1 Corinthians 1:21–29

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
For 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.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
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;
And 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:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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9 selected · 1 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

45 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 21

  1. Luke 10:21Rank 1 from verse 21
    Open

    21¶ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

  2. Matthew 11:25Rank 2 from verse 21
    Open

    25¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  3. Romans 1:20–22Rank 3 from verse 21
    Open

    20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

    21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

    22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

  4. 1 Corinthians 1:24Rank 4 from verse 21
    Open

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

  5. Ephesians 3:10Rank 5 from verse 21
    Open

    10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

From verse 22

  1. Matthew 16:1–4Rank 1 from verse 22
    Open

    1THE Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

    2He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

    3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

    4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

  2. Acts 17:18–21Rank 2 from verse 22
    Open

    18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

    19And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

    20For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

    21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

  3. John 2:18Rank 3 from verse 22
    Open

    18¶ Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

  4. Luke 11:16Rank 4 from verse 22
    Open

    16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

  5. Mark 8:11Rank 5 from verse 22
    Open

    11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

From verse 23

  1. 1 Corinthians 2:14Rank 1 from verse 23
    Open

    14But 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.

  2. 1 Corinthians 2:2Rank 2 from verse 23
    Open

    2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

  3. 1 Peter 2:8Rank 3 from verse 23
    Open

    8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  4. Galatians 5:11Rank 4 from verse 23
    Open

    11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

  5. Isaiah 8:14–15Rank 5 from verse 23
    Open

    14And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

    15And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

From verse 24

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:30Rank 1 from verse 24
    Open

    30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

  2. Colossians 2:3Rank 2 from verse 24
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    3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

  3. 1 Corinthians 1:18Rank 3 from verse 24
    Open

    18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  4. 1 Corinthians 1:9Rank 4 from verse 24
    Open

    9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

  5. Romans 1:16Rank 5 from verse 24
    Open

    16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

From verse 25

  1. Romans 11:33–36Rank 1 from verse 25
    Open

    33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

    34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

    35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

    36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

  2. 1 Corinthians 1:18Rank 2 from verse 25
    Open

    18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  3. Zechariah 4:6–7Rank 3 from verse 25
    Open

    6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

    7Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

  4. 2 Corinthians 13:4Rank 4 from verse 25
    Open

    4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

  5. 1 Corinthians 1:27–29Rank 5 from verse 25
    Open

    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;

    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:

    29That no flesh should glory in his presence.

From verse 26

  1. James 2:5Rank 1 from verse 26
    Open

    5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  2. 1 Corinthians 3:18–20Rank 2 from verse 26
    Open

    18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

    19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

    20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

  3. James 1:9–11Rank 3 from verse 26
    Open

    9Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

    10But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

    11For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

  4. 1 Corinthians 2:8Rank 4 from verse 26
    Open

    8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

  5. Matthew 11:25–26Rank 5 from verse 26
    Open

    25¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

    26Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

From verse 27

  1. James 2:5Rank 1 from verse 27
    Open

    5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  2. Matthew 11:25Rank 2 from verse 27
    Open

    25¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  3. 1 Corinthians 1:20Rank 3 from verse 27
    Open

    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?

  4. Psalms 8:2Rank 4 from verse 27
    Open

    2Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

  5. Luke 21:15Rank 5 from verse 27
    Open

    15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

From verse 28

  1. Job 34:24Rank 1 from verse 28
    Open

    24He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.

  2. Romans 4:17Rank 2 from verse 28
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    17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

  3. Isaiah 2:11Rank 3 from verse 28
    Open

    11The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

  4. Job 34:19–20Rank 4 from verse 28
    Open

    19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

    20In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

  5. Isaiah 2:17Rank 5 from verse 28
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    17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

From verse 29

  1. Romans 3:27Rank 1 from verse 29
    Open

    27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

  2. Ephesians 2:9Rank 2 from verse 29
    Open

    9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

  3. Jeremiah 9:23Rank 3 from verse 29
    Open

    23¶ Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

  4. 1 Corinthians 1:31Rank 4 from verse 29
    Open

    31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  5. 1 Corinthians 4:7Rank 5 from verse 29
    Open

    7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:21

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

after

↗

1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

knew

↗

Perceived, understood, recognized, or was acquainted with.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

pleased

↗

Past-tense, past-participial, or adjectival form of please. Sense 1: Gave pleasure or satisfaction to, was agreeable or acceptable to, or was gratified. Sense 2: Chose, desired, willed, or saw fit.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

save

↗

Sense 1: To rescue, deliver, preserve, keep alive, heal, recover, or bring safely through. Sense 2: Except or apart from.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

believe

↗

Sense 1: To accept as true on testimony or evidence; to be persuaded. Sense 2: To trust or place confidence in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:22

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

require

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

Greeks

↗

Sense 1: People of Greece or Greek language and culture. Sense 2: Gentiles.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

after

↗

1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:23

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

Christ

↗

The Anointed One; the same title as Messias.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

crucified

↗

1. Put to death by being fastened to a cross. 2. By figure, treated as crucified or put to death in relation to sin.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Greeks

↗

Sense 1: People of Greece or Greek language and culture. Sense 2: Gentiles.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:24

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

called

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of call. Sense 1: To name. Sense 2: To summon or invite. Sense 3: To proclaim or address. Sense 4: To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

Greeks

↗

Sense 1: People of Greece or Greek language and culture. Sense 2: Gentiles.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Christ

↗

The Anointed One; the same title as Messias.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

power

↗

Sense 1: Ability, strength, force, or effective capacity to act, prevail, or produce an effect. Sense 2: Authority, right, permission, rule, dominion, or control. Sense 3: A person, authority, host, spiritual being, or other agent possessing or manifesting power.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:25

COMBINED MEANING

stronger

↗

Possessing greater power, firmness, force, capacity, health, influence, or ability than another.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:26

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

see

↗

Sense 1: To perceive or behold with the eyes or in a vision. Sense 2: To observe, examine, discover, ascertain, consider, understand, know, or recognize. Sense 3: To visit, meet, converse with, or be in the presence of. Sense 4: To experience, undergo, endure, or enjoy. Sense 5: To attend to, take care, ensure, or beware.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

brethren

↗

1. Persons of the same people, tribe, community, or shared service who are regarded or addressed as brothers. 2. Persons regarded as brothers by reason of faith or another spiritual relation. 3. Male siblings or other male relatives.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

after

↗

1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

flesh

↗

Sense 1: The soft substance of the body. Sense 2: The body, human nature, kindred, or mankind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mighty

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

noble

↗

Great; elevated; dignified; being above every thing that can dishonor reputation. Ingenuous; candid; of an excellent disposition; ready to receive truth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

called

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of call. Sense 1: To name. Sense 2: To summon or invite. Sense 3: To proclaim or address. Sense 4: To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:27

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

confound

↗

1. To confuse or disorder so that understanding fails. 2. To put to shame, dismay, or frustrate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mighty

↗

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:28

COMBINED MEANING

base

↗

Sense 1: Low in place, rank, condition, or character. Sense 2: A foundation or lower supporting part.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yea

↗

1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

nought

↗

Nothing, no thing, no value, no effect, no result, or no payment or cost; to come or be brought to nought is to fail, perish, or be made ineffective, and to set one at nought is to despise, reject, or treat as worthless.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 1:29

COMBINED MEANING

flesh

↗

Sense 1: The soft substance of the body. Sense 2: The body, human nature, kindred, or mankind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

glory

↗

Sense 1: Splendour, honour, praise, majesty, or a ground of rejoicing or boasting. Sense 2: To boast, exult, take pride, or rejoice in a person or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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Related Concepts

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Surrounding Verses

Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.

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?

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.

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

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;

Selected passage

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:

Selected passage

29That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Selected passage

30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

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