But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

1 CORINTHIANS 2:7KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 2:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 2:7 mean?

1 Corinthians 2:7 says that Paul and his companions are sharing a kind of wisdom that comes from God, not human ideas, and this wisdom was hidden and planned by God long before the world began, intended for the benefit and honor of believers. The verse highlights that God's wisdom is mysterious and not obvious to everyone.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining that the message he brings is not just clever thinking or philosophy, but something deeper that God kept secret until now. He wants the Corinthians to understand that what he teaches comes from God's eternal plan, not from human invention or tradition.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 2:7

  • μυστήριον (mystērion): This word, translated "mystery," refers to something hidden or secret that only God can reveal. In Paul's context, it means God's plan for salvation, which was not fully understood until Jesus.
  • ἀποκεκρυμμένην (apokekrymmenēn): Translated "hidden," this word emphasizes that God's wisdom was kept out of sight until the right time. It suggests that people could not discover it on their own.
  • προώρισεν (proōrisen): This word means "ordained" or "predestined." It shows that God's plan was set in place before creation, highlighting God's control and purpose.
  • δόξαν (doxan): Translated "glory," this word means honor or splendor. Here, it points to the future honor and benefit believers receive because of God's revealed wisdom.

Why 1 Corinthians 2:7 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian faith is just another human philosophy; Paul insists it is rooted in God's own wisdom, not human reasoning.
  • It shows that God's plan for salvation was not a last-minute solution but something established before the world existed, giving believers confidence in God's purpose.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by contrasting God's wisdom with the world's wisdom, helping the Corinthians see the value in what may seem mysterious or hidden to others.

Where else these words appear

“hidden” Greek G613 · used in 6 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.
  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

“ordained” Greek G4309 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
  • Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
  • Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
  • 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;

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.