1 Corinthians 1:26

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1 Corinthians 1:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.

King James Version KJV

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

American Standard Version ASV

For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

Bible in Basic English BBE

For you see God's design for you, my brothers, that he has not taken a great number of the wise after the flesh, not the strong, not the noble:

Free Bible Version FBV

Brothers and sisters, remember your calling—and that this did not include many who are wise, humanly speaking; not many who are powerful; not many who are important.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For brethren, you see your calling, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for see your calling, brethren, that not many [are] wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;

World English Bible WEB

For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For ye see your calling, brethren, that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called :

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble:

Translation for Translators T4T

My fellow believers, remember what kind of people you were when God chose you. Not many of you whom he chose are people whom unbelievers considered to be wise. Very few of you were considered to be important. Very few of you came from families with a high social standing.

Plain English Version PEV

My Christian friends, remember what you were like before God picked you. Most of you were not the smart sort of people. Most of you were not powerful people. Most of you didn’t belong to important families.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 1:26

BAB

Word Study

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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 1:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK βλεπετε γαρ την κλησιν υμων αδελφοι οτι ου πολλοι σοφοι κατα σαρκα ου πολλοι δυνατοι ου πολλοι ευγενεις

βλεπετε blepō G991 to see Verb-PAI-2P

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

κλησιν klēsis G2821 calling Noun-ASF

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

αδελφοι adelphos G80 brother Noun-VPM

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

πολλοι polus G4183 much Adj-NPM

σοφοι sophos G4680 wise Adj-NPM

κατα kata G2596 according to Prep

σαρκα sarx G4561 flesh Noun-ASF

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

πολλοι polus G4183 much Adj-NPM

δυνατοι dunatos G1415 able Adj-NPM

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

πολλοι polus G4183 much Adj-NPM

ευγενεις eugenēs G2104 of noble birth Adj-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 1:26

βλεπετε blepō G991 "to see" Verb-PAI-2P

To see means to look at or perceive something, whether physically or mentally, as described in Matthew 12:22 and John 9:7. It involves using one's senses to understand or become aware of something, often with the intention of gaining insight or knowledge.

Definition: βλέπω, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for פּנה, etc. ;] __1. of bodily sight; __(a) to see, have sight (opposite to τυφλὸς): Mat.12:22, Jhn.9:7, Act.9:9, Rom.11:8, Rev.3:18, al.; __(b) to perceive, look (at), see: absol., Act.1:9; with accusative, Mat.7:3, Mrk.5:31, Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:29, al.; ὅραμα, Act.12:9; γυναῖκα, Mat.5:28; βιβλίον, Rev.5:3, 4; τ. βλεπόμενα, 2Co.4:18. __2. Metaphorical, of mental vision; __(a) to see, perceive, discern: absol., Mat.13:13, Luk.8:10; δι ̓ ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; with accusative, Heb.2:9 10:25; before ὅτι, Heb.3:19, Jas.2:22; __(b) to consider, look to, take heed: absol., Mrk.13:23, 33; with accusative, 1Co.1:26, al.; before πῶς, with indic., Luk.8:18, 1Co.3:10, Eph.5:15; before τί, with indic., Mrk.4:24; before εἰς πρόσωπον, of partiality, Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14. Colloq. (for ex. from π., V. Deiss., LAE, 122; M, Pr., 107; MM, Exp., x; Milligan, NTD, 50), β. ἑαυτόν: Mrk.13:9; before ἵνα μή, II Jo 8; β. ἀπό, Mrk.8:15 12:38; before μή (cl. ὁρᾶν), with fut. indic., Col.2:8, Heb.3:12; id. with aor. subj., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5. __3. Of situation and direction (Lat. specto), to look, face (towards), places, etc. (before πρός, Xen, Hell., vii, 1, 17; Eze.40:23, 24): before κατά, with accusative, Act.27:12 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, ἐμ-, ἐπι-, περ-, προ-βλέπω), see DCG, i, 446; ii, 596. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 116 NT verses. KJV: behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Luke 8:16; Hebrews 2:9.

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.

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.

κλησιν klēsis G2821 "calling" Noun-ASF

A calling is an invitation from God to receive salvation, like in Romans 11:29 and 1 Corinthians 1:26. It refers to God's plan for someone's life, like in Philippians 3:14.

Definition: κλῆσις, -εως, ἡ (καλέω) [in LXX: Jer.31:6 (קָרָא), Jdth.12:10 A, 3Ma.5:14 * ;] a calling, call; in NT, always of the Divine call to salvation: Rom.11:29, 1Co.1:26 7:20, Eph.1:18 4:1, 4, Php.3:14, 2Th.1:11, 2Ti.1:9, Heb.3:1, 2Pe.1:10 (Cremer, 332).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: calling See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 3:1.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

αδελφοι adelphos G80 "brother" Noun-VPM

The Greek word for brother refers to a male sibling or a fellow Christian, as seen in Matthew 1:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:1. It implies a close relationship.

Definition: ἀδελφός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀ- copul., δελφύς, womb), in cl., a brother, born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja., 102f.), for אָח ;] __1. lit. of a brother (Gen.4:2, al.). __2. Of a neighbour (Lev.19:17). __3. Of a member of the same nation (Exo.2:14, Deu.15:3). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mat.1:2, al.; 2. Mat.7:3; 3. Rom.9:3) and also, __4. of a fellow-Christian: 1Co.1:1, Act.9:30. This usage finds illustration in π., where ἀ. is used of members of a pagan religious community (M, Th., I, 1:4; MM, VGT, see word). The ἀδελφοὶ τ. Κυρίου (Mat.12:46-49 13:55 28:10, Mrk.3:31-34, Luk.8:19-21, Jhn.2:12 7:3, 5 10 20:17, Act.1:14, 1Co.9:5) may have been sons of Joseph and Mary (Mayor, Ja., Intr. viff.; DB, i, 320ff.) or of Joseph by a former marriage (Lft., Gal., 252ff.; DCG, i, 232ff.), but the view of Jerome, which makes ἀ. equivalent to ἀνεψιός, is inconsistent with Greek usage. (Cremer, 66.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 318 NT verses. KJV: brother See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:37; 1 Peter 5:12.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

πολλοι polus G4183 "much" Adj-NPM

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

Definition: πολύς, πολλή, πολύ, [in LXX chiefly for רַב and cognate forms ;] __1. as adj., much, many, great, of number, space, degree, value, time, etc.: ἀριθμός, Act.11:21; ὄχλος, Mrk.5:24; θερισμός, Mat.9:37; χόρτος, Jhn.6:10; χρόνος, Mat.25:19; γογγυσμός, Jhn.7:12; πόνος, Col.4:13; δόξα, Mat.24:30; σιγή, Act.21:40; pl., προφῆται, Mat.13:17; ὄχλοι, Mat.4:25; δαιμόνια, Mrk.1:34; δυνάμεις, Mat.7:22, __2. As subst., pl. masc, πολλοί, many (persons): Mat.7:22, Mrk.2:2, al.; with genitive partit., Mat.3:7, Luk.1:16, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.7:31, Act.17:12; with art., οἱ π., the many, Mat.24:12, Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:17, 33 2Co.2:17; opposite to ὁ εἶς (Lft., Notes, 291), Rom.5:15, 19; neut. pl., πολλά: Mat.13:3, Mrk.5:26, al.; accusative with adverbial force, Mrk.1:45, Rom.16:6 (Deiss., LAE, 317), 1Co.16:12, Jas.3:2, al.; neut. sing., πολύ: Luk.12:48; adverbially, Mrk.12:27, al.; πολλοῦ (genitive pret.), Mat.26:9; with compar. (Bl., §44, 5), π. σπουδαιότερον, 2Co.8:22; πολλῷ πλείους, Jhn.4:41. Compar., πλείων, neut., πλεῖον and πλέον (see WH, App., 151), pl., πλείονες, -ας, -α, contr., πλείους, -ω (cf. Mayser, 69), more, greater; __1. as adj.: Jhn.15:2, Act.18:2o, Heb.3:3; before παρά, Heb.11:4 (cf. Westc, in l. Was ΠΛΙΟΝΑ here a primitive error for ΗΔΙΟΝΑ ?); pi., Act.13:31, al.; with genitive compar., Mat.21:36; with num. (ἤ of comp. omitted), Act.4:22 24:11, al. __2. As subst., οἱ π., the greater number: Act.10:32 27:12, 1Co.10:5 15:6; also (Bl., §44, 3) others, more, the more: 2Co.2:6 4:15, Php.1:14; πλείονα, Luk.11:53; πλειον, πλέον, Mat.20:10, 2Ti.3:9; with genitive comp., Mk 12:43, Luk.21:3; π. Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε, Mat.12:41; adverbially, Act.4:17 20:9 24:4. __3. As adv., πλεῖον: before ἤ, Luk.9:13; with genitive comp., Mat.5:20; πλείω: with num., Mat.26:53. Superl., πλεῖστος, -η, -ον, __(a) prop., most: Mat.11:20 21:8; adverbially, τὸ π., 1Co.14:27; __(b) elative (M, Pr., 79), very great: ὄχλος π., Mrk.4:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 386 NT verses. KJV: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 23:21; 1 Peter 1:3.

σοφοι sophos G4680 "wise" Adj-NPM

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.

κατα kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

σαρκα sarx G4561 "flesh" Noun-ASF

Flesh refers to the physical body, like the meat of an animal or the human body, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:39 and Luke 24:39.

Definition: σάρξ, σαρκός, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for בָּשָׂר ;] flesh; __1. as in cl. generally, __(a) prop., of the soft substance of the animal body: 1Co.15:39, 2Co.12:7, Gal.6:13, al.; σ. καὶ αἷμα, 1Co.5:50; σ. καὶ ὀστέα, Luk.24:39; pl., of the flesh of many or parts of the flesh of one (cl.), Rev.17:16 19:18; φαγεῖν, Re, ll. with (cf. κατεσθίειν, 4Ki.9:36, al., and βιβρώσκειν, frequently in l.); metaphorically, Jas.5:3; mystically, φ. (τρώγειν) τὴν σ. τοῦ υἱοῦ τ. ἀνθρώπου, Jhn.6:52-56; __(b) Of the whole substance of the body, = σῶμα: Act.2:26 (LXX), 31, 2Co.12:7, Gal.4:14, Eph.5:29; μία σ., Mrk.10:8; εἰς σ. μίαν (Gen.2:24), Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, 1Co.6:16, Eph.5:31; hence, of the material as opposite to the immaterial part of man (cf. Lft., Notes, 88): opposite to πνεῦμα, 1Co.5:5, 2Co.7:1, Col.2:5, 1Pe.3:18, 4:6; to ψύχη, Act.2:31, Rec.; of the present life, ἐν (τῇ) σ., Rom.7:5, Gal.2:20, Php.1:22, 24 1Pe.4:2; of Christ's life on earth, αἱ ἡμέραι τ. σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ, Heb.5:7; of things pertaining to the body, ἐν (τῇ) σ., Gal.6:12, 13 Php.3:3, 4. __2. As in Heb. idiom, __(a) of a living creature: πᾶσα σ. (Heb. כָּל־בָּשָׂר; cf. Bl., §47, 9), Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, 1Pe.1:24; esp. of man and his mortality (Psa.55 (56):5, Sir.28:5, al.), Jhn.1:14; πᾶσα σ. (see supr.), Luk.3:6, Jhn.17:2, Act.2:17, ἐν σ., 1Jo.4:2, 1Ti.3:16; __(b) of natural origin and relationship (Gen.2:24, Isa.58:7, al.): τέκνα τῆς σ., Rom.9:8; κατὰ σάρκα, ib. 3, 5, 1Co.10:18, Gal.4:23, 29; ἡ σ. μου, Rom.11:14 (cf. Jdg.9:2, 2Ki.5:1, al.). __3. Of the physical nature as subject to sensation and desire (Plut.), __(a) without any ethical disparagement: Rom.7:18 13:14; opposite to πνεῦμα, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38; τ. θέλημα τῆς σ., Jhn.1:13; ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σ., 1Jn.2:16; pl., 2Pe.2:18; παθεῖν σαρκί, 1Pe.4:1; __(b) in ethical sense, esp. in Pauline Epp., of the flesh as the seat and vehicle of sinful desires: opposite to νοῦς, Rom.7:25; to πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4-9, 12, 13, Gal.5:16, 17 19 6:8 (cf. DB, ii, 14f.; iv, 165f.; Cremer, 844ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 130 NT verses. KJV: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Galatians 6:12; 1 Peter 1:24.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

πολλοι polus G4183 "much" Adj-NPM

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

δυνατοι dunatos G1415 "able" Adj-NPM

Able or powerful refers to someone or something with great strength or capability, as seen in Luke 1:49 and Romans 15:1. This term can describe physical or spiritual power, and is often used to express ability or possibility.

Definition: δυνατός, -ή, -όν (δύναμαι), [in LXX for גִּבּוֹר, חַיִל, etc. ;] __1. strong, mighty, powerful: absol., Luk.1:49, 1 Col.1:26; οἱ δ., the chief men, Act.25:5 ; of spiritual strength, Rom.15:1, 2Co.12:10 13:9; before ἐν, Luk.24:19, Act.7:22 18:24; πρός, 2Co.10:4. __2. C. inf., able to do; Luk.14:31, Act.11:17, Rom.4:21 11:23, 2Ti.1:12, Tit.1:9, Heb.11:19, Jas.3:2. __3. Neut., δυνατόν, possible: Mat.19:26, Mrk.9:23 10:27 14:36, Luk.18:27, Act.2:24 20:16; εἰ δ. (ἐστι), Mat.24:24 26:30, Mrk.13:22 14:35, Rom.12:18, Gal.4:15; τὸ δ. (= ἡ δύναμις) αὐτοῦ, Rom.9:22.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Luke 18:27; Hebrews 11:19.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

πολλοι polus G4183 "much" Adj-NPM

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

ευγενεις eugenēs G2104 "of noble birth" Adj-NPM

Being of noble birth means being born into a high-ranking family, like the nobleman in Luke 19:12, or being generous and noble-minded like the people in Acts 17:11.

Definition: εὐγενής, -ές (εὖ, γένος), [in LXX: Job.1:3 (גָּדוֹל), 2Ma.10:13 R, 4Ma.6:5 4Mac 9:13 4Mac 9:23 4Mac 9:27 4Mac 10:3 4Mac 10:15 * ;] __1. well born, of noble race: Luk.19:12, 1Co.1:26. __2. noble-minded: compar., -έστερος, Act.17:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: more noble, nobleman See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 17:11; Luke 19:12.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 1:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:26

Context — Wisdom from God

24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

26Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.

27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	James 2:5	Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
2	1 Corinthians 3:18–20	Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
3	James 1:9–11	The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
4	Matthew 11:25–26	At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
5	Luke 18:24–25	Seeing the man’s sadness, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
6	1 Corinthians 2:8	None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
7	Luke 10:21	At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
8	1 Corinthians 1:20	Where 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?
9	Luke 1:3	Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
10	1 Corinthians 2:13	And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

1 Corinthians 1:26 Summary

This verse reminds us that when God called us to follow Him, many of us were not considered wise, powerful, or important by the world's standards. But God's ways are not our ways, and He often chooses the unlikely and the weak to accomplish great things, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27. This means that our worth and identity as believers are not based on our earthly achievements or status, but on our position in Christ, as children of God, as stated in John 1:12. By recognizing and embracing our weaknesses, we can trust in God's power and wisdom to work through us, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to consider the time of our calling?

This means to reflect on the circumstances of when we first became believers in Jesus Christ, recognizing that God's call on our lives is not based on our human achievements or status, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26, but rather on His sovereign choice and grace, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-9.

Why did God choose to call people who were not wise or powerful by human standards?

God chose the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong, demonstrating that His power and wisdom are far greater than humanity's, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27, and that our salvation is not based on our own merits, but on His mercy and love, as seen in Romans 5:8.

How does this verse relate to our self-identity as believers?

This verse reminds us that our identity and worth as believers are not based on our earthly accomplishments or social status, but on our position in Christ, as children of God, as stated in John 1:12, and that we should humble ourselves and recognize our dependence on God's power and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What is the significance of noble birth in this context?

In the ancient world, noble birth was often associated with wealth, power, and prestige, but in 1 Corinthians 1:26, Paul emphasizes that God did not choose many from this group, indicating that our spiritual heritage and position in Christ are not determined by our earthly lineage or social standing, but by God's gracious choice, as seen in Galatians 3:28.

Reflection Questions

What were the circumstances of my own calling to faith in Jesus Christ, and how has God used my weaknesses and limitations to demonstrate His power and wisdom?
In what ways do I still try to rely on my own human strength and wisdom, rather than trusting in God's power and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
How can I apply the truth of 1 Corinthians 1:26 to my relationships with others, recognizing that God's choices and callings often defy human expectations and conventions?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my own ambitions and desires, and trust in God's sovereign plan and purpose, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11?
How can I use my own story of being called by God to encourage and inspire others, who may feel weak or insignificant by human standards, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren,.... That is, those that were called by the grace of God among them; for as circumcision and uncircumcision stand for circumcised and uncircumcised persons, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: Ye see - rather, from the prominence of the verb in the Greek, "see" (imperative) (Vulgate).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26

To prove that this is the method of Divine Providence, to make use of seemingly infirm and weak means to produce his great effects, you need not look further than yourselves; look upon the whole body of your church at Corinth, it is not made up of many that have a reputation for the wise men or the noble men of your city. Some indeed were such; Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, was converted, and Sosthenes; but the generality were men of very ordinary repute.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: Ver. 26. Not many mighty] The eagle and lion were not offered in sacrifice, as the lamb and the dove were. It is hard for great ones to deny themselves. Hence it grew to a proverb in times of Popery, that hell was paved with priests’ shaven crowns and great men’ s headpieces. Rasis sacrificulorum verticibus et magnatum galeis. (Jerome.) Indeed if men might pass de deliciis ad delicias, e coeno ad coelum, as Jerome hath it; if they could dance with the devil all day, and sup with Christ at night; if they might live all their lives long in Delilah’ s lap, and then go to Abraham’ s bosom when they die, they would have a fine time of it. But that cannot be, and hence so many mighties miscarry. Not many noble] Blessed be God that any; as Galeacius Caracciolus, an Italian marquis, and nephew to Pope Paul V, was converted by Peter Martyr reading upon this First Epistle to the Corinthians; George Prince of Anhalt, a pious preaching prince, converted by Melancthon; Ulysses Martinengus, earl of Baccha, another Italian convert, and some few more that might be instanced. But good nobles are black swans (saith one) and thinly scattered in the firmament of a state, even like stars of the first magnitude. We may say of such, as Luther (in Epist. ad John Agricol.) doth of Elizabeth Queen of Denmark, a pious princess, Scilicet Christus etiam aliquando voluit reginam in caelum vehere. Certainly even Christ ever wished to bear a queen into heaven.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26

(26) For ye see your calling.—Better, imperative (as in 1 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Corinthians 10:18; 1 Corinthians 16:10), For see your calling. The Apostle directs them to look at the facts regarding their own calling to Christianity, as an illustration of the truth of what he has just written, viz., that though there were, perhaps, a few of high birth and education who were called, and responded to that call, yet that these are “not many.” It has been well remarked, “the ancient Christians were, for the greater part, slaves and persons of humble rank; the whole history of the progress of the Church is in fact a gradual triumph of the unlearned over the learned, of the lowly over the great, until the emperor himself cast his crown at the foot of Christ’s cross” (Olshausen); or, as an English writer puts it, “Christianity with the irresistible might of its weakness shook the world.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26

Verse 26. Ye see your calling] τηνκλησιν. The state of grace and blessedness to which ye are invited. I think, βλεπετετηνκλησιν, c., should be read in the imperative: Take heed to, or consider your calling, brethren that (οτι) not many of you are wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble: men is not in the original, and Paul seems to allude to the Corinthian believers in particular. This seems to have been said in opposition to the high and worldly notions of the Jews, who assert that the Divine Spirit never rests upon any man, unless he be wise, powerful, and rich. Now this Divine Spirit did rest upon the Christians at Corinth, and yet these were, in the sense of the world, neither wise, rich, nor noble. We spoil, if not corrupt the apostle's meaning, by adding are called, as if God did not send his Gospel to the wise, the powerful, and the noble, or did not will their salvation. The truth is, the Gospel has an equal call to all classes of men; but the wise, the mighty, and the noble, are too busy, or too sensual, to pay any attention to an invitation so spiritual and so Divine; and therefore there are few of these in the Church of Christ in general.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 1:26

26. For ye see your calling, brethren] or perhaps, Behold your calling. So Vulgate, Wiclif and Tyndale. The Apostle adds an illustration of his paradox in 1 Corinthians 1:25. The truth is exemplified in the growth of the Christian Church. Its law of progress is the very opposite to that of all ordinary bodies. Not the powerful in rank, authority, and intellect, but the poor, the uneducated, the uninfluential, were first attracted to Christ, until by “a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, the emperor himself laid down his crown before the Cross of Christ.”—Olshausen. Thus the real weakness of man and his incapacity unaided to attain to God were demonstrated, and God’s object, the depriving humanity, as such, of all cause of self-satisfaction (1 Corinthians 1:29), attained. It is necessary to add here that the word translated ‘calling’ does not mean what we usually understand by the words vocation in life, but rather “the principle God has followed in calling you” (Beza); cf. Ephesians 4:1, where the same Greek word is translated vocation, and is followed by wherewith.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling - You know the general character and condition of those who are Christians among you, that they have not been generally taken from the wise, the rich, and the learned, but from humble life.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:26

26. Ye see—Rather, in the imperative, Behold, contemplate your calling.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1:26

	Sermon	Description
	A Stick and a One Line Sermon by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers
	A Frail but Honest Testimony by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. He highlights the simplicity of Christianity and the need for belie
	Holding on to Your Confidence by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing confidence in God. He reads from Hebrews 10:35, which encourages believers to have patience and trust in God's p
	Great Men by the Grace of God by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cultural significance of the film "What Dreams May Come" and how it portrays heaven. He emphasizes that even in our modern culture, ther
	The Ultimate Statistic by Ray Comfort	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the ca
	The Unpredictable Pathway of the Spirit by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again and receiving the life of the Spirit. He uses the analogy of the wind, explaining that just as we cannot s
	You Have the Authority for the Job by Theodore Epp	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the course that God has laid out for each individual. He mentions that when asked about future plans, he simply w