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.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G2822 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Romans 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

“Greeks” Greek G1672 · used in 26 verses

  • John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
  • Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
  • Romans 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

“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,

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?