Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

1 CORINTHIANS 2:6KJV
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1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 2:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 2:6 says that Paul and his companions do share wisdom, but only among those who are spiritually mature. This wisdom is not the kind valued by the world or its influential leaders, because their kind of wisdom ultimately fades away and amounts to nothing.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining that the message he brings is not based on the cleverness or status recognized by society. Instead, Paul contrasts true, lasting wisdom—understood by those who are "perfect" or mature in faith—with the temporary, ultimately empty wisdom of worldly leaders and thinkers.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 2:6

  • τέλειος (teleios, "perfect"): This word is often understood as "mature" or "fully grown," not flawless. Paul is saying he speaks deeper wisdom to those who are spiritually mature, not just anyone.
  • σοφία (sophia, "wisdom"): The Greek here carries the sense of practical and spiritual insight, not just intelligence or cleverness. Paul distinguishes God's wisdom from the kind of wisdom admired in society.
  • ἄρχων (archōn, "princes"): This word refers to rulers or people of authority. Paul is pointing out that even the wisdom of society's most powerful figures is temporary and will come to nothing.
  • καταργέω (katargeō, "come to nought"): This verb means to be made powerless or to lose its effect. Paul emphasizes that the wisdom of the world and its leaders will ultimately be set aside and shown to be empty.

Why 1 Corinthians 2:6 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christianity is anti-wisdom or anti-thinking; Paul is not against wisdom itself, but against a kind of wisdom that is shallow or temporary.
  • It shows that spiritual maturity is needed to grasp the deeper truths of God, and that not everyone is ready for these insights.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in 1 Corinthians that God's ways often look foolish to the world, but are actually wiser and more lasting than anything human leaders can offer.

Where else these words appear

“perfect” Greek G5046 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

“nought” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

“princes” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
  • Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

“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,