1 Corinthians 1:18
New International Version
For 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.

New Living Translation
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

English Standard Version
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Berean Standard Bible
For 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.

Berean Literal Bible
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those indeed perishing, but to us being saved it is the power of God.

King James Bible
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

New King James Version
For 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.

New American Standard Bible
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

NASB 1995
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

NASB 1977
For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

Amplified Bible
For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.

Christian Standard Bible
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.

American Standard Version
For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

Contemporary English Version
The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work.

English Revised Version
For the word of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness; but unto us which are being saved it is the power of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God's power to us who are being saved.

Good News Translation
For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power.

International Standard Version
For the message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God's power to us who are being saved.

Majority Standard Bible
For 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.

NET Bible
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

New Heart English Bible
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but to us who are saved, it is the power of God.

Weymouth New Testament
For the Message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are on the way to perdition, but it is the power of God to those whom He is saving.

World English Bible
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the word of the Cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us—those being saved—it is the power of God,

Berean Literal Bible
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those indeed perishing, but to us being saved it is the power of God.

Young's Literal Translation
for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us -- those being saved -- it is the power of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
For truly the word of the cross to them perishing is foolishness; but to us saved it is the power of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the Word of the Cross is certainly foolishness to those who are perishing. But to those who have been saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the preaching of the cross to those who have gone astray is foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The message of the crucifixion is insanity to the lost, but to those of us who have life it is the power of God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For the preaching of the cross is to those who perish, foolishness; but to us who are saved, it is the power of God.

Godbey New Testament
For the word of the cross is foolishness indeed to those who are lost; but to those who are saved it is the power of God.

Haweis New Testament
For the discourse, the subject of which is the cross, is indeed to those who perish, folly; but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

Mace New Testament
For tho' the doctrine of the cross seems folly to those that perish: yet we that are to be saved, do feel its energy is divine.

Weymouth New Testament
For the Message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are on the way to perdition, but it is the power of God to those whom He is saving.

Worrell New Testament
For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing, foolishness; but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.

Worsley New Testament
For the doctrine of the cross is to them, that perish, foolishness: but to us, who are saved, it is the power of God.
Audio Bible



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.”…

Cross References
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

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 Corinthians 2:15-16
For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. / To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?

Isaiah 53:1
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Galatians 6:14
But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

John 3:18-21
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. / And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. ...

1 Peter 2:7-8
To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.

Acts 17:32
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Philippians 3:18-19
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

Matthew 11:25
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.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Isaiah 44:24-25
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth, / who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,

Colossians 2:14-15
having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! / And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

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?


Treasury of Scripture

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God.

the preaching.

1 Corinthians 1:23,24
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; …

1 Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Galatians 6:12-14
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ…

to.

Acts 13:41
Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

2 Corinthians 2:15,16
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: …

2 Corinthians 4:3
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

foolishness.

1 Corinthians 1:21,23,25
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe…

1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

unto.

1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Psalm 110:2,3
The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies…

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Cross Destruction Dying Folly Foolish Foolishness God's Indeed Message Perdition Perish Perishing Power Preaching Salvation Saved Saving Seems Way Word
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Cross Destruction Dying Folly Foolish Foolishness God's Indeed Message Perdition Perish Perishing Power Preaching Salvation Saved Saving Seems Way Word
1 Corinthians 1
1. After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,
10. Paul exhorts them to unity,
12. and reproves their dissensions.
18. God destroys the wisdom of the wise,
21. by the foolishness of preaching;
26. and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,
28. but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.














For the message of the cross
The phrase "the message of the cross" refers to the core of the Christian gospel, which is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Greek, the word for "message" is "logos," which can also mean "word" or "reason." This highlights the centrality of the cross in Christian theology as the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom and love. Historically, the cross was a symbol of shame and execution in Roman times, yet for Christians, it became the symbol of salvation and victory over sin and death.

is foolishness
The Greek word for "foolishness" is "moria," from which we derive the English word "moron." To the Greek and Roman world, which valued wisdom and philosophical reasoning, the idea of a crucified savior was absurd. This reflects the counter-cultural nature of the gospel, which often defies human logic and wisdom. The cross challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, calling for humility and faith.

to those who are perishing
"Perishing" in Greek is "apollymenois," indicating a state of destruction or ruin. This refers to those who reject the gospel and are on a path leading away from eternal life. The Bible consistently contrasts the fate of the saved and the unsaved, emphasizing the urgency of accepting the gospel message. Historically, this division was evident in the early church's experience of persecution and rejection by the broader society.

but to us who are being saved
The phrase "being saved" uses the Greek "sozomenois," which is in the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing process. Salvation in the Christian context is both a completed act through Christ's sacrifice and an ongoing journey of sanctification. This reflects the transformative power of the gospel in the believer's life, continually shaping and renewing them.

it is the power of God
The "power of God" in Greek is "dunamis," from which we get the word "dynamite." This signifies the explosive and transformative power inherent in the gospel. Unlike human power, which is often coercive and limited, God's power is redemptive and limitless. The cross, though a symbol of weakness to the world, is the ultimate demonstration of God's power to save, heal, and restore. This power is not just theoretical but is experienced in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live out their faith.

(18) For the preaching.--In the original the contrast comes out more strongly between this and the previous statement, the same phrase being repeated, thus, "For the word of the cross," in contrast to "the wisdom of more words" above. This is the word of real power.

Them that perish.--Better, those that are perishing, and us who are being saved, the former referring to those who have not received the gospel, and the latter to those who have (2Corinthians 2:15; 2Corinthians 4:3).

The power of God.--The cross and all that it represents is the greatest display of the power of God (Acts 8:10).

Verses 18-25. - The nature of true Christian preaching. Verse 18. - For the preaching of the cross; rather, the word of the cross. To them that are perishing; rather, to the perishing; to all those who are now walking in the paths that lead to destruction (2 Corinthians 2:15). To them it was foolishness, because it requires spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14); and, on the other hand, human wisdom is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19). Foolishness. It shows the heroic character of the faith of St. Paul that he deliberately preached the doctrine of the cross because he felt that therein lay the conversion and salvation of the world, although he was well aware that he could preach no truth so certain at first to revolt the unregenerate hearts of his hearers. To the Jews "the cross" was the tree of shame and horror; and a crucified person was "accursed of God" (Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13). To the Greeks the cross was the gibbet of a slave's infamy and a murderer's punishment. There was not a single association connected with it except those of shame and agony. The thought of "a crucified Messiah" seemed to the Jews a revolting folly; the worship of a crucified malefactor seemed to the Greeks "an execrable superstition" (Tacitus, 'Ann.,' 15:44; Pliny, 'Epp.' 10:97); yet so little did St. Paul seek for popularity or immediate success, that this was the very doctrine which he put in the forefront, even at a city so refined and so voluptuous as Corinth. And the result proved his inspired wisdom. That very cross became the recognized badge of Christianity, and when three centuries had elapsed it was woven in gold upon the banners and set in jewels on the diadems of the Roman empire. For had not Christ prophesied, And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me"? Unto us which are being saved; who are on the way of salvation. The same present participle is used in Luke 13:23; Acts 2:47; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Revelation 21:24. It is the power of God. Because the cross is at the heart of that gospel which is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16; Romans 8:3), though many were tempted to be ashamed of it. It could never be a carnal weapon of warfare, and yet was mighty for every purpose (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

message
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cross
σταυροῦ (staurou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716: A cross.

is
ἐστίν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

foolishness
μωρία (mōria)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3472: Folly, absurdity, foolishness. From moros; silliness, i.e. Absurdity.

to those who
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

are perishing,
ἀπολλυμένοις (apollymenois)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to us who
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

are being saved
σῳζομένοις (sōzomenois)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

it is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[the] power
δύναμις (dynamis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

of God.
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 1:17
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