The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:18 Explained

1 Corinthians 1:18

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

YLT: for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us -- those being saved -- it is the power of God,

Darby: For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but to us that are saved it is God's power.

ASV: For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

Discover 1 Corinthians 1:18

CONTEXT: What is the Context of 1 Corinthians 1:18?

MEANING: What does 1 Corinthians 1:18 Mean?

WORDS: What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 1:18 mean?

RELATIONS: What do the major concepts mean in 1 Corinthians 1:18?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does 1 Corinthians 1:18 Mean?

Study Notes

saved
salvation
The Heb. and (Greek - ἀλεκτοροφωνία , safety, preservation, healing, and soundness). Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes: as justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification. Salvation is in three tenses:
(1) The believer has been saved from the guilt and penalty of sin Luke 7:50 ; 1 Corinthians 1:18 ; 2 Corinthians 2:15 ; Ephesians 2:5 ; Ephesians 2:8 ; 2 Timothy 1:9 and is safe.
(2) the believer is being saved from the habit and dominion of sin Romans 6:14 ; Philippians 1:19 ; Philippians 2:12 ; Philippians 2:13 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ; Romans 8:2 ; Galatians 2:19 ; Galatians 2:20 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18 .
(3) The believer is to be saved in the sense of entire conformity to Christ. Romans 13:11 ; Hebrews 10:36 ; 1 Peter 1:5 ; 1 John 3:2 . Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without works; Romans 3:27 ; Romans 3:28 ; Romans 4:1-8 ; Romans 6:23 ; Ephesians 2:8 . The divine order is: first salvation, then works; Ephesians 2:9 ; Ephesians 2:10 ; Titus 3:5-8 .

Verse Meaning

Paul set up a contrast between cleverness of speech (impressive oratory) and the Cross in 1 Corinthians 1:17. Next he developed this contrast with a series of arguments. Boasting in men impacts the nature of the gospel. He pointed out that the gospel is not a form of sophia (human wisdom). Its message of a crucified Messiah does not appeal to human wisdom ( 1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Second, its recipients are not especially wise in the eyes of humanity ( 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Third, Paul"s preaching was not impressive in its human Wisdom of Solomon , but it bore powerful results ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
"There are . . . three particularly important expository passages in1Corinthians. They may be regarded as the letter"s principal theological discourses and as such deserve special attention.
"These three key discourses deal, respectively, with the wisdom of the cross ( 1 Corinthians 1:18 to 1 Corinthians 2:16), the nature of Christian community ( 1 Corinthians 12:4 to 1 Corinthians 13:13), and the resurrection of the dead (chap15). In each instance Paul"s reflections on the topic are deliberate and focused, and lead him to develop a more or less extended and coherent argument. Moreover, each of these passages occurs at an important point within the overall structure of the letter. The discourse on Wisdom of Solomon , situated prominently at the beginning of the letter, supports the apostle"s urgent appeals for unity ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 to 1 Corinthians 4:21). It can be argued that the discourse on Christian community undergirds, directly or indirectly, all of the counsels and instructions in chaps8 through14. And the discourse on resurrection, a response to those who claim that "there is no resurrection of the dead" ( 1 Corinthians 15:12), is located prominently at the end of the letter." [1]
"In this part of the [2] discourse [3] the argument proceeds in three steps: Paul makes his main point in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, confirms it in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 with an appeal to the Corinthians" own situation, and then further confirms it in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 with reference to what and how he had preached in Corinth.
"The apostle"s thesis is registered first in 1 Corinthians 1:18 and then twice restated (in 1 Corinthians 1:21 and 1 Corinthians 1:23-24). [4]
Superficial displays of erudite oratory, which to the Corinthians appeared to be demonstrations of Wisdom of Solomon , impressed them too greatly. Paul pointed out that the wisdom of God, the gospel of Christ, had power that mere worldly wisdom lacked.
The message (logos) of the Cross, in contrast to the speech (logos) of human wisdom ( 1 Corinthians 1:17), has the Cross as its central theme. When people hear it, it produces opposite effects in those who are on the way to perdition and in those on the way to glory. Paul contrasted foolishness and weakness with wisdom and power (cf. Romans 1:16).
"What would you think if a woman came to work wearing earrings stamped with an image of the mushroom cloud of the atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima?
"What would you think of a church building adorned with a fresco of the massed graves at Auschwitz? ...
"The same sort of shocking horror was associated with cross and crucifixion in the first century." [1]

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 1:12-25 - The Cross God's Saving Power
Apollos had gone straight from Ephesus to Corinth, Acts 19:1. A party gathered around him, especially attracted by his eloquence and intellectual brilliance. Cephas was Peter, and around his name the more conservative elements gathered. Christ, stood for the promised glory of the Messianic kingdom. Paul was filled with dismay on hearing that a fourth division of the Church called themselves by his name. He told the Corinthians that whatever any of their human teachers had done for them, they had contributed only different phases or viewpoints of truth, all of which service sank into absolute insignificance as contrasted with the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The cross here implies not only the doctrine of the Atonement, but the humble bearing of the cross in daily life. There are many who wear a cross as an article of dress, but who evince nothing of its pitying, self-immolating, sacrificial spirit. Everyone needs a Calvary in the heart. Note from 1 Corinthians 1:18, r.v., margin, that being saved is a process, as well as an immediate experience. Oh to have grace to know the Cross, never to be ashamed of it, and to preach a crucified Savior in a humble, crucified spirit! [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 1

1  After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,
10  Paul exhorts them to unity,
12  and reproves their dissensions
18  God destroys the wisdom of the wise,
21  by the foolishness of preaching;
26  and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,
28  but the foolish, weak, and men of no account

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 1:18

For the word of the cross [ο λογος γαρ ο του σταυρου]
Literally, “for the preaching (with which I am concerned as the opposite of wisdom of word in 1 Corinthians 1:17) that (repeated article ο — ho almost demonstrative) of the cross.” “Through this incidental allusion to preaching St. Paul passes to a new subject. The discussions in the Corinthian Church are for a time forgotten, and he takes the opportunity of correcting his converts for their undue exaltation of human eloquence and wisdom” (Lightfoot). [source]
To them that are perishing [τοις μεν απολλυμενοις]
Dative of disadvantage (personal interest). Present middle participle is here timeless, those in the path to destruction (not annihilation. See note on 2 Thessalonians 2:10). Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:3. Foolishness (μωρια — mōria). Folly. Old word from μωρος — mōros foolish. In N.T. only in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:19. But unto us which are being saved Sharp contrast to those that are perishing and same construction with the articular participle. No reason for the change of pronouns in English. This present passive participle is again timeless. Salvation is described by Paul as a thing done in the past, “we were saved” (Romans 8:24), as a present state, “ye have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5), as a process, “ye are being saved” (1 Corinthians 15:2), as a future result, “thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). The power of God (δυναμις τεου — dunamis theou). So in Romans 1:16. No other message has this dynamite of God (1 Corinthians 4:20). God‘s power is shown in the preaching of the Cross of Christ through all the ages, now as always. No other preaching wins men and women from sin to holiness or can save them. The judgment of Paul here is the verdict of every soul winner through all time. [source]
Foolishness [μωρια]
Folly. Old word from μωρος — mōros foolish. In N.T. only in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:19. [source]
But unto us which are being saved [τοις σωζομενοις ημιν]
Sharp contrast to those that are perishing and same construction with the articular participle. No reason for the change of pronouns in English. This present passive participle is again timeless. Salvation is described by Paul as a thing done in the past, “we were saved” (Romans 8:24), as a present state, “ye have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5), as a process, “ye are being saved” (1 Corinthians 15:2), as a future result, “thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). The power of God (δυναμις τεου — dunamis theou). So in Romans 1:16. No other message has this dynamite of God (1 Corinthians 4:20). God‘s power is shown in the preaching of the Cross of Christ through all the ages, now as always. No other preaching wins men and women from sin to holiness or can save them. The judgment of Paul here is the verdict of every soul winner through all time. [source]
The power of God [δυναμις τεου]
So in Romans 1:16. No other message has this dynamite of God (1 Corinthians 4:20). God‘s power is shown in the preaching of the Cross of Christ through all the ages, now as always. No other preaching wins men and women from sin to holiness or can save them. The judgment of Paul here is the verdict of every soul winner through all time. [source]
The word of the cross [ὁ λόγος ὀ τοῦ σταυροῦ]
Lit., the word, that, namely, of the cross. The second article is definitive and emphatic. The word of which the substance and purport is the cross. [source]
To them that perish [τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις]
Lit., that are perishing. So Rev. The present participle denotes process: they who are on the way to destruction. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:15. [source]
Foolishness [μωρία]
Only in this epistle. See on have lost his savor, Matthew 5:13. [source]
Which are saved [τοῖς σωζομένοις]
Rev., being saved: in process of salvation. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 1:18

1 Corinthians 1:25 The foolishness [τὸ μωρὸν]
Lit., the foolish thing. More specific than the abstract μωρία foolishness(1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21), and pointing to the fact of Christ crucified. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:18 To them that are perishing [τοις μεν απολλυμενοις]
Dative of disadvantage (personal interest). Present middle participle is here timeless, those in the path to destruction (not annihilation. See note on 2 Thessalonians 2:10). Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:3. Foolishness (μωρια — mōria). Folly. Old word from μωρος — mōros foolish. In N.T. only in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:19. But unto us which are being saved Sharp contrast to those that are perishing and same construction with the articular participle. No reason for the change of pronouns in English. This present passive participle is again timeless. Salvation is described by Paul as a thing done in the past, “we were saved” (Romans 8:24), as a present state, “ye have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5), as a process, “ye are being saved” (1 Corinthians 15:2), as a future result, “thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). The power of God (δυναμις τεου — dunamis theou). So in Romans 1:16. No other message has this dynamite of God (1 Corinthians 4:20). God‘s power is shown in the preaching of the Cross of Christ through all the ages, now as always. No other preaching wins men and women from sin to holiness or can save them. The judgment of Paul here is the verdict of every soul winner through all time. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:18 Foolishness [μωρια]
Folly. Old word from μωρος — mōros foolish. In N.T. only in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:19. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:2 Save Jesus Christ [ει μη Ιησουν Χριστον]
Both the person and the office (Lightfoot). I had no intent to go beyond him and in particular, and him crucified Literally, and this one as crucified (perfect passive participle). This phase in particular (1 Corinthians 1:18) was selected by Paul from the start as the centre of his gospel message. He decided to stick to it even after Athens where he was practically laughed out of court. The Cross added to the σχανδαλον — scandalon of the Incarnation, but Paul kept to the main track on coming to Corinth. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:2 and him crucified [και τουτον εσταυρωμενον]
Literally, and this one as crucified (perfect passive participle). This phase in particular (1 Corinthians 1:18) was selected by Paul from the start as the centre of his gospel message. He decided to stick to it even after Athens where he was practically laughed out of court. The Cross added to the σχανδαλον — scandalon of the Incarnation, but Paul kept to the main track on coming to Corinth. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:2 and this one as crucified [perfect passive participle)]
(perfect passive participle). This phase in particular (1 Corinthians 1:18) was selected by Paul from the start as the centre of his gospel message. He decided to stick to it even after Athens where he was practically laughed out of court. The Cross added to the σχανδαλον — scandalon of the Incarnation, but Paul kept to the main track on coming to Corinth. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:4 But in demonstration [αλλ εν αποδειχει]
In contrast with the plausibility just mentioned. This word, though an old one from αποδεικνυμι — apodeiknumi to show forth, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. Spirit (πνευμα — pneuma) here can be the Holy Spirit or inward spirit as opposed to superficial expression and power (δυναμις — dunamis) is moral power rather than intellectual acuteness (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18). [source]
1 Corinthians 2:4 plausibility []
just mentioned. This word, though an old one from αποδεικνυμι — apodeiknumi to show forth, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. Spirit (πνευμα — pneuma) here can be the Holy Spirit or inward spirit as opposed to superficial expression and power (δυναμις — dunamis) is moral power rather than intellectual acuteness (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18). [source]
1 Corinthians 2:4 Spirit [πνευμα]
(πνευμα — pneuma) here can be the Holy Spirit or inward spirit as opposed to superficial expression and power (δυναμις — dunamis) is moral power rather than intellectual acuteness (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18). [source]
1 Corinthians 2:7 That hath been hidden [την αποκεκρυμμενην]
See note on Romans 16:25; note on Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 3:5. Articular perfect passive participle of αποκρυπτω — apokruptō more precisely defining the indefinite σοπιαν — sophian (wisdom). Foreordained before the worlds (προωρισεν προ των αιωνων — proōrisen pro tōn aiōnōn). This relative clause (ην — hēn) defines still more closely God‘s wisdom. Note προ — pro with both verb and substantive (αιωνων — aiōnōn). Constative aorist of God‘s elective purpose as shown in Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:18-24). “It was no afterthought or change of plan” (Robertson and Plummer). Unto our glory “The glory of inward enlightenment as well as of outward exaltation” (Lightfoot). [source]
1 Corinthians 2:7 Foreordained before the worlds [προωρισεν προ των αιωνων]
This relative clause Constative aorist of God‘s elective purpose as shown in Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:18-24). “It was no afterthought or change of plan” (Robertson and Plummer). [source]
1 Corinthians 3:18 Thinketh that he is wise [δοκει σοπος ειναι]
Condition of first class and assumed to be true. Predicate nominative σοπος — sophos with the infinitive to agree with subject of δοκει — dokei (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1038). Paul claimed to be “wise” himself in 1 Corinthians 3:10 and he desires that the claimant to wisdom may become wise (ινα γενηται σοπος — hina genētai sophos purpose clause with ινα — hina and subjunctive) by becoming a fool (μωρος γενεστω — mōros genesthō second aorist middle imperative of γινομαι — ginomai) as this age looks at him. This false wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-20, 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14), this self-conceit, has led to strife and wrangling. Cut it out. [source]
Philippians 1:6 This very thing [αυτο τουτο]
Accusative of the inner object with πεποιτως — pepoithōs “this thing itself.” Will perfect it (επιτελεσει — epitelesei). Future active indicative of επιτελεω — epiteleō will fully (επι — epi̇) finish. God began and God will consummate it (see note on 2 Corinthians 8:6 and note on Galatians 3:3 where both words occur together as here), but not without their cooperation and partnership. Until the day of Jesus Christ The second coming as in Phlippians 1:10. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Paul never sets the time for the Lord‘s return, but he is cheered by that blessed hope. [source]
Philippians 1:6 Until the day of Jesus Christ [αχρι ημερας Χριστου Ιησου]
The second coming as in Phlippians 1:10. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Paul never sets the time for the Lord‘s return, but he is cheered by that blessed hope. [source]
1 Timothy 6:3 The words of our Lord Jesus Christ [τοις του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου]
Either subjective genitive (the words from the Lord Jesus, a collection of his sayings in Lock‘s opinion like 1 Timothy 5:18; Acts 20:35, at least in the Spirit of Jesus as Acts 16:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23) or objective genitive about Jesus like 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18. According to godliness (κατα ευσεβειαν — kata eusebeian). Promoting (designed for) godliness as in Titus 1:1. [source]
1 Timothy 6:3 Consenteth not [μη προσερχεται]
Also condition of first class with μη — mē instead of ου — ou Προσερχομαι — Proserchomai (old verb, to come to, to approach, with dative) is common enough in N.T. (Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 7:25, etc.), but in the metaphorical sense of coming to one‘s ideas, assenting to, here only in N.T., but is so used in Philo and Irenaeus (Ellicott). Sound words (υγιαινουσιν λογοις — hugiainousin logois). See note on 1 Timothy 1:10 for υγιαινω — hugiainō The words of our Lord Jesus Christ Either subjective genitive (the words from the Lord Jesus, a collection of his sayings in Lock‘s opinion like 1 Timothy 5:18; Acts 20:35, at least in the Spirit of Jesus as Acts 16:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23) or objective genitive about Jesus like 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18. According to godliness (κατα ευσεβειαν — kata eusebeian). Promoting (designed for) godliness as in Titus 1:1. [source]
James 2:5 As to the world [τωι κοσμωι]
The ethical dative of interest, as the world looks at it as in Acts 7:20; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 10:4; James 4:4. By the use of the article (the poor) James does not affirm that God chose all the poor, but only that he did choose poor people (Matthew 10:23-26; 1 Corinthians 1:26-28).Rich in faith (πλουσιους εν πιστει — plousious en pistei). Rich because of their faith. As he has shown in James 1:9.Which he promised Genitive of the accusative relative ην — hēn attracted to the case of the antecedent βασιλειας — basileias (the Messianic kingdom), the same verb and idea already in James 1:12 Cf. the beatitude of Jesus in Matthew 5:3 for the poor in spirit. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 1:18 mean?

The message for - of the cross to those indeed perishing foolishness is those however being saved to us power of God it is
Ὁ λόγος γὰρ ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις μωρία ἐστίν τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν

λόγος  message 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
ὁ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
σταυροῦ  cross 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: σταυρός  
Sense: an upright stake, esp.
τοῖς  to  those 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μὲν  indeed 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: μέν  
Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed.
ἀπολλυμένοις  perishing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπόλλυμι  
Sense: to destroy.
μωρία  foolishness 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: μωρία  
Sense: foolishness.
τοῖς  those 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
σῳζομένοις  being  saved 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐκσῴζω 
Sense: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.
ἡμῖν  to  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
δύναμις  power 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: δύναμις  
Sense: strength power, ability.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἐστιν  it  is 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.

What are the major concepts related to 1 Corinthians 1:18?

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