1 Corinthians 1:19

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1 Corinthians 1:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

King James Version KJV

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

American Standard Version ASV

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.

Bible in Basic English BBE

As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.

Free Bible Version FBV

As Scripture says, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will wipe out the cleverness of the clever.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For it is written, I will destroy the wisedome of the wise, and will cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for it hath been written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought;'

World English Bible WEB

For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the prudence of the prudent I will reject.

Translation for Translators T4T

It is like what God said that a prophet wrote long ago, By the things that I will do, I will show that the ideas of those who think [IRO] they are wise are completely useless. I will ignore the ideas that they think are [IRO] so smart.

Plain English Version PEV

It is like God says in his book, “People might think they are smart, and they might reckon they know everything, but God shows them that they are not wise, and he will stop them from doing what they are thinking about.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 1:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 1:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK γεγραπται γαρ απολω την σοφιαν των σοφων και την συνεσιν των συνετων αθετησω

γεγραπται graphō G1125 to write Verb-RPI-3S

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

απολω apolluō G622 to destroy Verb-FAI-1S

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

σοφιαν sophia G4678 wisdom Noun-ASF

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

σοφων sophos G4680 wise Adj-GPM

και kai G2532 and Conj

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

συνεσιν sunesis G4907 understanding Noun-ASF

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

συνετων sunetos G4908 intelligent Adj-GPM

αθετησω atheteō G114 to reject Verb-FAI-1S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 1:19

γεγραπται graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-RPI-3S

This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.

Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

απολω apolluō G622 "to destroy" Verb-FAI-1S

This Greek word means to destroy or lose something completely, and is used in the Bible to describe physical or spiritual destruction, such as in Matthew 10:28 and John 6:39. It can also mean to perish or die. Jesus uses it to warn against causing others to stumble.

Definition: ἀπ-όλλυμι and ἀπολλύω [in LXX for אָבַד, etc. (38 words in all)]. __1. Act., __1 to destroy utterly, destroy, kill: Mk 124, 922, al.; τ. ψνχήν, Mat.10:28, al.; __2 to lose utterly: Mat.10:42, al.; metaphorically, of failing to save, Jhn.6:39 18:9. __2. Mid., __1 to perish; __(a) of things: Mat.5:29, Jhn.6:12, Heb.1:11 (LXX, al.; __(b) of persons: Mat.8:26, al. Metaphorical, of loss of eternal life, Jhn.3:15-16 10:28 17:12, Rom.2:12, 1Co.8:11 15:18, 2Pe.3:9. In οἱ ἀπολλὺμενοι, the perishing, contrasted in 1Co.1:18, al., with οἱ σωζόμενοι, the "perfective" force of the verb, WH. " implies the completion of the process of destruction," is illustrated (see M, Pr., 114 f.; M, Th., ii, 2:10); __2 to be lost: Luk.15:4 21:18. Metaphorical, on the basis of the relation between shepherd and flock, of spiritual destitution and alienation from God: Mat.10:6 15:24, Luk.19:10 (MM, see word; DCG, i, 191 f., ii, 76, 554; Cremer, 451) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 85 NT verses. KJV: destroy, die, lose, mar, perish See also: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 15:4; 1 Peter 1:7.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σοφιαν sophia G4678 "wisdom" Noun-ASF

Wisdom refers to higher or spiritual understanding, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:1 and James 3:15.

Definition: σοφία, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for חׇכְמָה ;] skill, intelligence, wisdom, ranging from knowledge of the arts and matters of daily life to mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense; __(a) of human wisdom: 1Co.2:1 2:4-5, Jas.3:15, Rev.13:18 17:9; σ. Σολομῶνος, Mat.12:42, Luk.11:31; Αἰγυπτίων, Act.7:22; Ἕλληνες σ. ζητοῦσιν, 1Co.1:22; σ. λόγου, 1Co.1:17; τ. σοφῶν, 1Co.1:19 (LXX); τ. κόσμου, 1Co.1:20-21 3:19; ἀνθρωπίνη, 1Co.2:13; σαρκική, 2Co.1:12; of wisdom in spiritual things: Luk.21:15, Act.6:3, 10 7:10, 1Co.2:6, Col.1:28 2:23 3:16 4:5, Jas.1:5 3:13, 17, 2Pe.3:15; λόγος σοφίας, 1Co.12:8; πνεῦμα σοφίας, Eph.1:17; σ. καὶ φρόνησις, Eph.1:8; σ. καὶ σύνεσις, Col.1:9; __(b) of divine wisdom: of God, Rom.11:33, 1Co.1:21 1:24 2:7, Rev.7:12; πολυποίκιλος, Eph.3:10 of Christ, Mat.13:54, Mrk.6:2, Luk.2:40, 52, 1Co.1:30 Col.2:3, Rev.5:12; of wisdom personified, Mat.11:19, Luk.7:35 11:49.† SYN.: σύνεσις, intelligence; φρόνησις, prudence, which with σ. make up (Arist., N. Eth., i, 13) the three intellectual ἀρεταί. σ. is wisdom primary and absolute; in distinction from which φ. is practical, σύνεσις critical, both being applications of σ. in detail (cf. Lft., and ICC on Col.1:9; Lft., Notes, 317 f.; Tr., Syn., § LXXv; Cremer, 870 ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 49 NT verses. KJV: wisdom See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; Colossians 2:23; James 1:5.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σοφων sophos G4680 "wise" Adj-GPM

Wise means having good judgment or being skilled, as seen in Romans 16:19 and 1 Corinthians 3:10, and can apply to people or God.

Definition: σοφός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for חָכָם ;] skilled, clever, wise, whether in handicraft, the affairs of life, the sciences or learning: Rom.16:19, 1Co.3:10; of the learned, Rom.1:14, 22, 1Co.1:19-20 1:26-27 3:18-20; of Jewish teachers, Mat.11:25, Luk.10:21; Christian, Mat.23:34; of those endowed with practical wisdom, 1Co.6:5, Eph.5:15, Jas.3:13; of God, Rom.16:27; compar., τ. μωρὸν τ. θεοῦ σοφώτερον, 1Co.1:25.† SYN.: συνετός, φρόνιμος (see: σοφία, SYN.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: wise See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Timothy 1:17; James 3:13.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

συνεσιν sunesis G4907 "understanding" Noun-ASF

Understanding or intelligence, like the wisdom shown by Jesus at age 12 in Luke 2:47.

Definition: σύνεσις, -εως, ἡ (συνίημι), [in LXX for בִּינָה and cogn. forms, מַשְׂכִּית, דַּעַת, חׇכְמָה, etc. ;] __1. a running or flowing together (Hom.). __2. (a) understanding: Luk.2:47, 1Co.1:19" (LXX), Eph.3:4, Col.1:9 2:2, 2Ti.2:7 __(b) the understanding, the mind or intelligence: Mrk.12:33.† SYN.: see: σοφία (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: knowledge, understanding See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Colossians 2:2; Mark 12:33.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

συνετων sunetos G4908 "intelligent" Adj-GPM

Being intelligent or wise, like the people who understood Jesus' teachings in Matthew 11:25.

Definition: συνετός, ή, -όν (συνίημι), [in LXX for בִּין, חָכָם, etc. ;] intelligent, sagacious, understanding: Mat.11:25, Luk.10:21, Act.13:7, 1Co.1:19" (LXX) .† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: prudent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 10:21; Matthew 11:25.

αθετησω atheteō G114 "to reject" Verb-FAI-1S

To reject means to set aside or disregard something, like a law or command. In Galatians 3:16, it refers to setting aside a covenant, and in Mark 7:9, it refers to rejecting a command. It can also mean to nullify or make something void.

Definition: ἀθετέω, -ῶ (τίθημι), [in LXX for seventeen different words, פּשׁע, מרד, בּגד, מעל, etc., often meaning, as 1Ki.13:3 (Heb., al.), to revolt; properly, to make ἄθετον , or do away with what has been laid down (see DCG, i, 453 f.)]. __1. to set aside, disregard (in Gramm., to reject as spurious): διαθήκην , Gal.3:16; ἐντολήν , Mrk.7:9; νόμον . Heb.10:28; πίστιν , 1Ti.5:12. __2. to nullify, make void: Luk.7:30 (see Field, Notes, 59), 1Co.1:19, Gal.2:21. __3. to reject: Mrk.6:26 (Field, op. cit., 30), Lk 10:16, Jhn.12:48, I Th 48, Ju 8 (for exx. in π., see MM, VGT, see word). † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: cast off, despise, disannul, frustrate, bring to nought, reject See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; John 12:48; Hebrews 10:28.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 1:19

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Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:19

Context — The Message of the Cross

17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 29:14	Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden. ”
2	Jeremiah 8:9	The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?
3	1 Corinthians 3:19	For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
4	Job 5:12–13	He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.
5	Isaiah 19:11	The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?
6	Isaiah 19:3	Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists.

1 Corinthians 1:19 Summary

This verse means that God is going to show that the smartest people in the world are not as smart as they think they are, and that He will use unexpected ways to accomplish His plans, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:20. It's not that God is against being smart or wise, but rather that He wants us to trust in Him rather than our own abilities, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse is reminding us that God's ways are not our ways, and that He can use even the simplest or most unlikely things to achieve great things, like the message of the cross in 1 Corinthians 1:18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to destroy the wisdom of the wise?

This means that God will render useless the plans and ideas of those who think they are wise in their own strength, as seen in Isaiah 29:14, which is the source of this quote in 1 Corinthians 1:19.

Is this verse saying that God is against intelligence or wisdom?

No, God is not against wisdom or intelligence, but rather against the pride and self-reliance that often comes with them, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are told to trust in God rather than our own understanding.

How does this verse relate to the gospel message?

This verse highlights the idea that the gospel message is not based on human wisdom or intelligence, but rather on the power of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:18, where the message of the cross is described as foolishness to those who are perishing.

What is the source of the quote in this verse?

The quote in 1 Corinthians 1:19 is from Isaiah 29:14, which speaks of God's judgment on the proud and self-reliant.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I have tried to rely on my own wisdom or intelligence rather than trusting in God?
How can I balance the need for knowledge and understanding with the recognition that true wisdom comes from God?
In what ways can I see the 'foolishness' of the gospel message being used by God to save those who believe, as described in 1 Corinthians 1:21?
What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender my own wisdom and plans to God's power and wisdom?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:19

As it is written,.... The passage referred to is in Isaiah 29:14 where it is read, "the wisdom of their wise men shall perish; and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid"; and is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. I will destroy - slightly altered from the Septuagint, Isaiah 29:14.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19

What Isaiah said of the wise men among the Jews in his time, is applicable to the wise men among the heathen, God will destroy their wisdom, and make their understanding appear to be no better than foolishness. So as it is not at all to be admired, if the philosophers of this world count the gospel, and the preaching of it, foolishness; the taking away the wisdom and understanding of men worldly wise, is but an ordinary dispensation of God’ s providence, no more than God threatened to do in Isaiah’ s time to the men of that generation.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Ver. 19. For it is written] Thus the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New, while the world’ s wizards are dazzled, dulled, and disannulled, αθετησω.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19

(19) For it is written.—This is a further explanation of why the word of the gospel, and not the word of merely human wisdom, is “the power of God.” The quotation which follows consists of two passages in Isaiah, and is taken from the LXX., one word being altered. We have here “bring to nothing,” instead of “I will conceal.” “Words which originally applied to those who assumed to be the guides of the Jewish race (Isaiah 29:14), apply with greater force to those who would presume to be Christian leaders.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19

Verse 19. For it is written] The place referred to is Isaiah 29:14. I will destroy the wisdom of the wise] τωνσοφων, Of wise men-of the philosophers who in their investigations seek nothing less than God, and whose highest discoveries amount to nothing in comparison of the grand truths relative to God, the invisible world, and the true end of man, which the Gospel has brought to light. Let me add, that the very discoveries which are really useful have been made by men who feared God, and conscientiously credited Divine revelation: witness Newton, Boyle, Pascal, and many others. But all the skeptics and deists, by their schemes of natural religion and morality, have not been able to save one soul! No sinner has ever been converted from the error of his ways by their preaching or writings.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 1:19

19. For it is written] In Isaiah 29:14.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:19

For it is written - This passage is quoted from Isaiah 29:14.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:19

19. Written—Quotation of Isa 24:14, essentially after the Septuagint. Wisdom of the wise—The sophia of the sophoi; the philosophy of the philosophs; the sagas of the sages.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:19

	Sermon	Description
	Getting Back to Basics: Survival of the Revival by Robert Wurtz II	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and how many people experience temporary awakenings but eventually fall back into their old spiritual condition. He emp
	Spiritual Times and Seasons by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the vanity of all creature enjoyments and the importance of experiencing the killing and healing work of grace in the soul. Through the examples of King So
	The Course of This Age by Lewis Sperry Chafer	Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth, warning against a critical attitude that may lead to unbelief and reliance on worldly wisdom. U
	So You Want a "Sign" From God? by Ray Comfort	Ray Comfort preaches about a man named Tony who grapples with the truth of the Bible and the need for a Savior as he faces a life-threatening situation. Through Tony's journey of d
	Discipline and Blessing Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate times we are living in and the need for people to turn to God. He highlights the serious social and moral problems we are faci
	Adam's Irretrievable Loss by G.W. North	G.W. North discusses the profound consequences of Adam's choice to disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit, which led to the loss of wisdom and the introduction of folly into hum
	1 Corinthians 1 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby explores the first epistle to the Corinthians, emphasizing the distinction between being 'sanctified in Christ Jesus' and merely calling on the name of the Lord.