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?

1 CORINTHIANS 1:20KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:20 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:20 challenges the value of human wisdom by asking where the wise, the scribe, and the debater of the age are, then declaring that God has made the wisdom of this world foolish. The verse says that what people consider clever or learned is shown to be empty when compared to God’s ways.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city known for its love of philosophy and debate. He addresses believers who are tempted to value human intellect and argument over the message of Christ. Paul’s questions highlight that, in God’s plan, worldly wisdom does not lead to true understanding or salvation.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:20

  • σοφός (sophos, "wise"): This word refers to someone considered knowledgeable or skilled, often in philosophy or worldly matters. Paul uses it to point out that even the most respected thinkers cannot grasp God’s truth on their own.
  • γραμματεύς (grammateus, "scribe"): This term means a learned expert, especially in Jewish law or scriptures. Paul includes them to show that religious scholarship alone is not enough.
  • συζητητής (suzētētēs, "disputer"): This word describes a debater or someone skilled in argument. Paul’s mention of the "disputer of this world" suggests that clever debate does not equal true wisdom.
  • μωραίνω (mōrainō, "made foolish"): This verb means to make something foolish or empty. Paul says God has shown the limits and emptiness of human wisdom by His own actions and message.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:20 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that intellectual achievement or religious expertise is enough to understand God’s ways, reminding readers that God’s wisdom is different from human wisdom.
  • Paul’s questions connect to the larger theme in 1 Corinthians 1, where he contrasts the message of the cross with the values of the world, showing that God’s plan often overturns human expectations.
  • The verse helps readers see that faith in Christ is not about winning arguments or having the most knowledge, but about trusting in God’s surprising and greater wisdom.

Where else these words appear

“hath” Greek G3471 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
  • Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

“wise” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 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.
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

“Where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
  • John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,