1 Corinthians 1:27
New International Version
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

New Living Translation
Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

English Standard Version
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

Berean Standard Bible
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Berean Literal Bible
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world that He might shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world that He might shame the strong;

King James Bible
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

New King James Version
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

New American Standard Bible
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

NASB 1995
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

NASB 1977
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

Legacy Standard Bible
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

Amplified Bible
But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty].

Christian Standard Bible
Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.

American Standard Version
but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

Contemporary English Version
But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame.

English Revised Version
but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame.

Good News Translation
God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful.

International Standard Version
But God chose what is nonsense in the world to make the wise feel ashamed. God chose what is weak in the world to make the strong feel ashamed.

Majority Standard Bible
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

NET Bible
But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.

New Heart English Bible
But God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise. And God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong.

Webster's Bible Translation
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Weymouth New Testament
But God has chosen the things which the world regards as foolish, in order to put its wise men to shame; and God has chosen the things which the world regards as destitute of influence, in order to put its powerful things to shame;

World English Bible
but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but God chose the foolish things of the world that He may put the wise to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world that He may put the strong to shame;

Berean Literal Bible
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world that He might shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world that He might shame the strong;

Young's Literal Translation
but the foolish things of the world did God choose, that the wise He may put to shame; and the weak things of the world did God choose that He may put to shame the strong;

Smith's Literal Translation
But the foolish things of the world, has God chosen that he might shame the wise; and the weak things of the world has God chosen that he might shame things strong;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But God has chosen the foolish of the world, so that he may confound the wise. And God has chosen the weak of the world, so that he may confound the strong.

New American Bible
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,

New Revised Standard Version
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But God has chosen the foolish ones of the world to put the wise to shame; and God has chosen the weak ones of the world to embarrass the mighty;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For God has chosen the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and he has chosen the weak of the world to shame the mighty.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world, that he may bring to shame the wise; and the weak things of the world has God chosen, that he may put to shame the strong;

Godbey New Testament
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world, that he may confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world, that he may confound the strong;

Haweis New Testament
but the foolish things of this world hath God elected, that he might confound the wise; and the feeble things of the world hath God elected, that he might confound the mighty;

Mace New Testament
but God hath chosen those who are foolish in the opinion of the world, to confound the wise; and the weak men of the world to confound the mighty:

Weymouth New Testament
But God has chosen the things which the world regards as foolish, in order to put its wise men to shame; and God has chosen the things which the world regards as destitute of influence, in order to put its powerful things to shame;

Worrell New Testament
but God chose the foolish things of the world, that He might put to shame the wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that He might put to shame the things that are strong;

Worsley New Testament
but God hath chosen things that are foolish in the eye of the world to put it's wise men to confusion; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Wisdom from God
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
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?

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.

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.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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.”

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.

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.

Psalm 8:2
From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

Psalm 118:22
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Zephaniah 3:12
But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD.

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.


Treasury of Scripture

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Isaiah 26:5,6
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust…

Isaiah 29:14,19
Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid…

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Choose Chose Chosen Confound Destitute Feeble Foolish Influence Mighty Order Powerful Regards Selection Shame Strong Weak Wise World
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Choose Chose Chosen Confound Destitute Feeble Foolish Influence Mighty Order Powerful Regards Selection Shame Strong Weak Wise World
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.














But God chose
The phrase "But God chose" emphasizes divine sovereignty and intentionality. The Greek word for "chose" is "ἐξελέξατο" (exelexato), which implies a deliberate selection. This choice is not random but purposeful, highlighting God's active role in the unfolding of His divine plan. In a historical context, this reflects God's pattern throughout Scripture of choosing unlikely individuals or groups to fulfill His purposes, such as David, a shepherd boy, becoming king, or Israel, a small nation, being chosen as God's people.

the foolish things of the world
The term "foolish" comes from the Greek "μωρά" (mōra), which can mean dull or lacking wisdom. In the cultural context of Corinth, wisdom was highly prized, and Greek philosophers were esteemed. However, God's choice of what the world considers "foolish" serves to overturn human expectations and values. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God's wisdom is contrasted with human wisdom, as seen in the lives of prophets and apostles who were often dismissed by worldly standards.

to shame the wise
The word "shame" is translated from the Greek "καταισχύνῃ" (kataischynē), meaning to disgrace or confound. This action is not merely to embarrass but to reveal the limitations and inadequacies of human wisdom when compared to divine wisdom. Historically, this can be seen in the spread of Christianity, where the message of the cross, considered foolishness by many, transformed lives and societies, challenging the prevailing intellectual and cultural norms.

God chose the weak things of the world
Here, "weak" is from the Greek "ἀσθενῆ" (asthenē), indicating those lacking strength or influence. In a society that valued power and status, God's choice of the "weak" underscores His preference for humility and dependence on Him. This is evident in biblical narratives where God uses the seemingly powerless, like Gideon or the disciples, to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that true strength comes from reliance on God.

to shame the strong
The "strong" refers to those with power, authority, or influence, derived from the Greek "ἰσχυρά" (ischyra). By choosing the weak to shame the strong, God subverts societal norms and expectations. This serves as a reminder that human strength is ultimately insufficient without God. Throughout history, the church has often thrived under persecution and weakness, illustrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness, as Paul later writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9.

(27) Foolish things.--The neuter is used probably for the purpose of generalising, and it expresses the qualities of the men whom God has chosen--"the wise" is masculine in the Greek, showing that it is still of "persons" the Apostle is speaking.

Verse 27. - God chose; not, hath chosen out. We may remark, once for all, that there was no reason why the translators of 1611 should thus have turned the Greek aorists of the New Testament into perfects. In this and in many instances the change of tense is unimportant, but sometimes it materially and injuriously affects the sense. The foolish things... the weak things. So, too, the psalmist, "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength" (Psalm 8:2); and St. James, "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

God
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

chose
ἐξελέξατο (exelexato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1586: To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

foolish things
μωρὰ (mōra)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3474: Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.

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.

world
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

shame
καταισχύνῃ (kataischynē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2617: From kata and aischunomai; to shame down, i.e. Disgrace or put to the blush.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative 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.

wise;
σοφούς (sophous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4680: Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.

God
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

chose
ἐξελέξατο (exelexato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1586: To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

weak things
ἀσθενῆ (asthenē)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 772: (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.

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.

world
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

shame
καταισχύνῃ (kataischynē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2617: From kata and aischunomai; to shame down, i.e. Disgrace or put to the blush.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

strong.
ἰσχυρά (ischyra)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 1:26
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