For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1 CORINTHIANS 1:26KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:26 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:26 points out that most of the people God called to follow Him were not considered wise, powerful, or of high social status by human standards. Paul is reminding the believers that their calling did not depend on worldly qualifications or prestige.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and social divisions. He addresses the believers as "brethren," emphasizing their shared identity in Christ. By highlighting that not many among them were "wise after the flesh," "mighty," or "noble," Paul is underlining how God's way of choosing people often goes against what society values most.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:26

  • "calling" (κλῆσις, klēsis): This word refers to the invitation or summons from God to belong to His people. Paul wants the Corinthians to reflect on the nature of their invitation, which was not based on their achievements.
  • "wise men after the flesh" (σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα, sophoi kata sarka): The phrase means people considered wise by worldly or human standards. Paul is contrasting human measures of wisdom with God's perspective.
  • "mighty" (δυνατοί, dynatoi): This term refers to those with power or influence. Paul points out that not many with such status were called, showing that God does not favor the powerful.
  • "noble" (εὐγενεῖς, eugeneis): This word means well-born or of noble birth. Paul notes that high social rank was not a requirement for being called by God.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:26 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that God prefers the educated, influential, or socially elite, reminding readers that God's calling is not based on human standards.
  • It prepares the way for Paul's argument that God's wisdom often appears foolish to the world, but is in fact greater than human wisdom.
  • The verse encourages humility among believers, helping them see their value comes from God's choice, not their own status or background.

Where else these words appear

“noble” Greek G2104 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
  • Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

“calling” Greek G2821 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

“men” 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.

“mighty” Greek G1415 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.