For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:16KJV
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1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 2:16 mean?

1 Corinthians 2:16 says that no one can fully understand or advise the Lord, but believers have been given the mind of Christ. This means Christians are able to share in Christ’s way of thinking and understanding because of their relationship with Him.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about wisdom and spiritual understanding. He quotes from the Old Testament to show that God’s thoughts are beyond human grasp, but then explains that, through Christ, believers are given a new way of seeing and understanding spiritual things. This verse highlights the difference between human wisdom and the spiritual insight that comes from being united with Christ.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 2:16

  • νοῦς (nous, G3563): This word is translated as "mind" and refers to understanding, thought, or reasoning. Paul uses it to contrast ordinary human thinking with the special insight believers receive through Christ.
  • κυρίου (kyriou, G2962): This is the Greek word for "Lord," referring to God. The verse asks who can know or instruct the Lord, emphasizing God’s supreme wisdom.
  • συμβιβάσει (symbibasei, G4822): Translated as "instruct," this word can also mean to teach, advise, or put together understanding. Paul’s use here underlines that humans are not in a position to teach or correct God.
  • Χριστοῦ (Christou, G5547): This is "Christ" in Greek. Having "the mind of Christ" means sharing in the perspective and understanding that comes from Jesus Himself.

Why 1 Corinthians 2:16 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 2:16 clears up the idea that spiritual understanding is only for a select few; Paul says all believers, through Christ, have access to true spiritual insight.
  • This verse emphasizes that human wisdom alone is not enough to grasp God’s ways, but that God graciously shares His perspective with those who belong to Christ.
  • In the wider context, Paul is addressing divisions and pride in the Corinthian church, reminding them that true wisdom comes from God, not from human leaders or philosophies.

Where else these words appear

“instruct” Greek G4822 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“mind” Greek G3563 · used in 22 verses

  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
  • 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
  • Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.