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.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:21KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:21 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:21 says that, even though the world tried to know God through its own wisdom, it did not succeed; instead, God chose to use what seems like foolishness—preaching—to save those who believe. The verse highlights that God’s way of reaching people is different from what human wisdom would expect.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city known for valuing philosophy and human knowledge. He points out that, in God’s plan, intellectual efforts alone did not lead people to truly know Him. Instead, God decided that the message of the gospel, which some consider foolish, is the way He brings salvation to those who trust in Him.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:21

  • σοφία (sophia, "wisdom"): This word appears twice and refers both to God's wisdom and to the kind of wisdom valued by the world. Paul contrasts the two, showing that human wisdom is not enough to know God.
  • μωρία (mōria, "foolishness"): This is the word behind "foolishness" and is used to describe how the message of preaching is viewed by those relying on worldly wisdom. Paul uses it to highlight the surprising way God works.
  • κήρυγμα (kērugma, "preaching"): This word means a public proclamation or message, especially about Jesus. The focus is on the act of announcing the gospel, not on persuasive arguments.
  • ἔγνω (egnō, "knew"): This verb means to know or recognize. Paul says the world did not truly know God through its own wisdom, emphasizing the need for a different approach.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that intellectual achievement or philosophy alone cannot bring someone to a true relationship with God; it is faith in the gospel message that matters.
  • Paul’s words challenge the values of Corinthian society, which prized clever speech and human reasoning, by showing that God’s way often looks upside-down to human expectations.
  • The verse sets up a key theme in the letter: God’s power and wisdom are revealed in what seems weak or foolish to the world, especially in the message of Christ crucified.

Where else these words appear

“foolishness” Greek G3472 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But 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.

“preaching” Greek G2782 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“after” Greek G1894 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
  • Acts 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

“pleased” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.