Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:13KJV
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1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 2:13 mean?

1 Corinthians 2:13 says that Paul and his companions are not using human ideas or clever words to explain spiritual truths, but are instead speaking what the Holy Spirit teaches, expressing spiritual realities in spiritual terms. The verse emphasizes that their teaching comes from God’s Spirit, not from human wisdom.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining how he and others share the message about Jesus. He wants the Corinthians to understand that the wisdom he shares does not come from human reasoning or philosophy, but from the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the difference between human wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God, showing that true understanding of spiritual things requires the Spirit’s guidance.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 2:13

  • λόγοις (logois, “words”): This word refers to the actual words or expressions used. Paul points out that the words he uses are not just clever or persuasive language, but are shaped by what the Holy Spirit gives.
  • σοφίας (sophias, “wisdom”): This is the Greek word for wisdom, often understood as human skill or cleverness. Paul contrasts this with the wisdom that comes from God’s Spirit, showing that spiritual truth is not based on human intelligence.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, “Spirit” or “Ghost”): Here, this refers to the Holy Spirit, the one who teaches and reveals spiritual truths to believers. Paul credits the Holy Spirit as the true source of his message.
  • συγκρίνοντες (synkrinontes, “comparing” or “interpreting”): This word can mean comparing, joining, or interpreting. Paul is describing how spiritual truths are explained in spiritual terms, not mixed with human ideas.

Why 1 Corinthians 2:13 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Christian teaching is just another form of human philosophy or clever argument; Paul insists it is rooted in what the Holy Spirit reveals.
  • It emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to truly understand spiritual matters, setting a clear difference between human wisdom and God’s wisdom.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the message about Jesus cannot be fully grasped or communicated apart from the Spirit’s work, which is a major theme in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

Where else these words appear

“teacheth” Greek G1318 · used in 2 verses

  • John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

“comparing” Greek G4793 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

“man's” Greek G442 · used in 7 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 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
  • James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

“things” Greek G4152 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 1 Corinthians 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
  • Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.