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

1 CORINTHIANS 1:24KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:24 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:24 says that for those whom God has called—whether they are Jews or Greeks—Christ is both the power of God and the wisdom of God. This means that, to believers, Jesus is the way God shows His strength and His wise plan.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group made up of people from different backgrounds. Some in the city saw the message of Jesus as foolish or weak, but Paul explains that those who are "called" (meaning those God has drawn to Himself) see Jesus differently. For these people, Jesus is not just a teacher or a prophet—He is the very expression of God's might and God's wisdom.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:24

  • ἐκκλητοῖς (kletos, G2822): This word means "called" or "invited." In this verse, it refers to those whom God has personally drawn to Himself, highlighting that understanding Christ as God's power and wisdom is not just about human effort or background.
  • δύναμις (dynamis, G1411): Translated as "power," this word often means miraculous strength or ability. Paul uses it to say that Christ is the real demonstration of God's strength, not just a symbol.
  • σοφία (sophia, G4678): This is the Greek word for "wisdom." Paul is saying that Jesus is the true wisdom from God, even if some people see the message as foolish.
  • Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios, G2453) and Ἕλλην (Hellēn, G1672): These words mean "Jews" and "Greeks." Paul includes both groups to show that Christ is for everyone, not just one nation or culture.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:24 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the message of Jesus is only for a certain group; Paul insists that both Jews and Greeks—people from all backgrounds—can see Christ as God's power and wisdom.
  • It highlights that understanding who Jesus is comes from being "called" by God, not just from human reasoning or tradition.
  • The verse connects to Paul's larger point in this chapter: what seems weak or foolish to the world is actually God's wise and powerful plan, revealed in Jesus.