1 Corinthians 2:15
1 Corinthians 2:15 in Multiple Translations
The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.
But he who has the Spirit, though judging all things, is himself judged by no one.
People who are spiritual investigate everything, but are not placed under investigation themselves.
But hee that is spirituall, discerneth all things: yet he himselfe is iudged of no man.
and he who is spiritual, doth discern indeed all things, and he himself is by no one discerned;
But he who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is to be judged by no one.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged by no man.
But the spiritual man judgeth all things; and he himself is judged of no man.
We who have God’s Spirit can judge correctly the value of all truths that the Spirit reveals, but unbelievers cannot evaluate us correctly.
People that have God’s spirit can think about all these things and understand them. But people that haven’t got God’s spirit can never understand the people that have got his spirit.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 2:15
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1 Corinthians 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 2:15
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 2:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Context — Spiritual Wisdom
15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.
16“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:5 | Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. |
| 3 | Hebrews 5:14 | But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. |
| 4 | 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 14:37 | If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. |
| 6 | Galatians 6:1 | Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. |
| 7 | Ephesians 4:13–14 | until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. |
| 8 | Philippians 1:10 | so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, |
| 9 | 1 Kings 3:9–11 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 3:1 | Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. |
1 Corinthians 2:15 Summary
This verse means that when we are led by God's Spirit, we can understand and evaluate all things according to God's perspective. It's not that we become perfect or above others, but we have the ability to discern what is true and right. As it says in 1 Corinthians 1:30, we are in Christ Jesus, who is our wisdom, and through Him, we can have spiritual understanding. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can make decisions and live our lives in a way that honors God, as seen in Galatians 5:16-25 where it talks about walking in the Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the spiritual man to judge all things?
This means that a person who is led by the Spirit of God has the ability to discern and evaluate all things according to God's standards, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:14 where it says the natural man cannot understand spiritual things, but the spiritual man can.
Does this verse mean that spiritual people are above criticism or accountability?
No, it doesn't mean that, for as 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, we are to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, and as Romans 14:10-12 reminds us, we will all stand before God's judgment seat, but in the context of 1 Corinthians 2:15, it means the spiritual man is not subject to human judgment in terms of his spiritual discernment.
How does a person become a spiritual man who can judge all things?
A person becomes spiritual by allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and guide them, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:13, where it says we speak not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words, and also in John 14:26 where Jesus says the Holy Spirit will teach us all things.
Is this verse talking about the kind of judgment that condemns people?
No, this verse is not talking about condemnation, but rather about discernment and evaluation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 where the Apostle Paul says he doesn't even judge himself, but it's the Lord who judges him, and our role is to discern and understand spiritual truths, not to condemn others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to judge and discern spiritual things?
- How can I distinguish between human wisdom and the Spirit's teaching in my decision-making?
- In what ways can I apply the spiritual discernment I have to my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some spiritual truths that I have struggled to understand or accept, and how can I seek the Spirit's help to grasp them?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:15
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 2:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Hidden Things of God - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of focusing on the hidden things of God rather than the visible aspects of Christianity. He shares his astonishment at the emp |
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Satan's Final War Plan Exposed by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant against the devil's schemes. It highlights the strategy of the enemy to target |
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The Spiritual Christian by Jessie Penn-Lewis | Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the significance of being a 'spiritual' Christian, highlighting the tripartite nature of man as spirit, soul, and body. She explains that true spiritua |
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The Marks of a True Church by Francis Turretin | Francis Turretin discusses the importance of identifying the true visible church by examining its marks, particularly focusing on the truth of doctrine and its conformity with the |
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Looking for the Wrong Things by Joseph Parker | Joseph Parker emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual discernment rather than being preoccupied with intellectual arguments or seeking elaborate proofs. He urges believers t |
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Who Are You to Judge Others? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the common misrepresentation of the Bible verse 'Judge not, that you be not judged' by highlighting the importance of understanding the true context and mea |
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Job’s Three Friends - Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the story of Job and his three friends - Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - who pretended to comfort Job but instead criticized and accused him out of jealousy. H |







