But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1 CORINTHIANS 1:30KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:30 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:30 says that believers are united with Christ Jesus because of God, and that Christ has become for them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. This means that everything believers need for a right relationship with God is found in Jesus, not in their own efforts or achievements.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group of Christians struggling with pride and divisions. He reminds them that their standing with God is not based on their own wisdom or status, but entirely on what God has done for them in Christ. Paul lists "wisdom," "righteousness," "sanctification," and "redemption" to show that Jesus is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of their faith.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:30

  • σοφία (sophia, "wisdom"): This word often means practical skill or insight, but here it points to Jesus himself as the ultimate wisdom from God, not just good advice or clever thinking.
  • δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, "righteousness"): This term refers to being declared right or just before God. Paul is saying that Jesus is the reason believers are accepted by God, not their own moral record.
  • ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos, "sanctification"): This word means being set apart or made holy. Paul emphasizes that it is Jesus who makes believers holy, not their own religious efforts.
  • ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis, "redemption"): This word means being set free, often used for freeing slaves. Paul uses it to show that Jesus has freed believers from sin and its consequences.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:30 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30 clarifies that all spiritual benefits come from being "in Christ," not from human wisdom, status, or performance, which was a major issue in the Corinthian church.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus is not just a teacher or example, but the very source of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for believers.
  • This verse connects to Paul's larger argument in 1 Corinthians 1, where he contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God found in Christ, urging believers to rely on God’s work rather than their own.

Where else these words appear

“sanctification” Greek G38 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
  • 1 Timothy 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

“redemption” Greek G629 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
  • Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
  • Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

“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,

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;