1 Corinthians 2:12
New International Version
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

New Living Translation
And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

English Standard Version
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

Berean Standard Bible
We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

Berean Literal Bible
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, that we may know the things having been granted to us by God,

King James Bible
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

New King James Version
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

New American Standard Bible
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.

NASB 1995
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,

NASB 1977
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the depths graciously given to us by God,

Amplified Bible
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God.

Christian Standard Bible
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.

American Standard Version
But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.

Contemporary English Version
But God has given us his Spirit. This is why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think. This is also why we can recognize the blessings God has given us.

English Revised Version
But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, we didn't receive the spirit that belongs to the world. Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we could know the things which God has freely given us.

Good News Translation
We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.

International Standard Version
Now, we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we can understand the things that were freely given to us by God.

Majority Standard Bible
We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

NET Bible
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.

New Heart English Bible
But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.

Weymouth New Testament
But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes forth from God, that we may know the blessings that have been so freely given to us by God.

World English Bible
But we received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that [is] of God, that we may know the things conferred by God on us,

Berean Literal Bible
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, that we may know the things having been granted to us by God,

Young's Literal Translation
And we the spirit of the world did not receive, but the Spirit that is of God, that we may know the things conferred by God on us,

Smith's Literal Translation
And we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit from God; that we might know things bestowed upon us as a gift by God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But we have not received the spirit of this world, but the Spirit who is of God, so that we may understand the things that have been given to us by God.

New American Bible
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.

New Revised Standard Version
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit that is from God, that we may understand the gifts that are given to us by God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we have not received The Spirit of the world, but The Spirit that is from God, that we may know the gift that has been given to us from God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God:

Godbey New Testament
But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God; in order that we may know the things which have been graciously given unto us from God.

Haweis New Testament
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Mace New Testament
now the spirit which we have received, is not the spirit of this world, but that which comes from God; that we might know what he has graciously bestowed upon us.

Weymouth New Testament
But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes forth from God, that we may know the blessings that have been so freely given to us by God.

Worrell New Testament
And we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is of God; that we may know the things freely given us by God.

Worsley New Testament
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit of God; that we might know the things that are graciously bestowed upon us by God:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Wisdom
11For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13And 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.…

Cross References
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

1 John 2:20
You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

1 John 4:13
By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.

Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

2 Corinthians 5:5
And it is God who has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.

Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:27
And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.

Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.


Treasury of Scripture

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

not.

1 Corinthians 2:6
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

Romans 8:1,5,6
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit…

2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

but.

Romans 8:15,16
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…

that.

1 Corinthians 3:22
Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

John 16:14,15
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you…

Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Jump to Previous
Bestowed Blessings Conferred Forth Freely Gifts Receive Received Spirit Understand World
Jump to Next
Bestowed Blessings Conferred Forth Freely Gifts Receive Received Spirit Understand World
1 Corinthians 2
1. Paul declares that his preaching,
4. though it bring not excellence of speech, or of human wisdom,
5. yet consists in the power of God;
6. and so far excels the wisdom of this world, that the natural man cannot understand it.














We have not received the spirit of the world
This phrase contrasts the values and influences of the secular world with those of the divine. In biblical context, "the spirit of the world" refers to the prevailing attitudes, philosophies, and values that are contrary to God's truth. The Apostle Paul often warns against conforming to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2). The "spirit of the world" can be seen as the influence of human wisdom and secular ideologies that are often at odds with the teachings of Christ. Historically, Corinth was a city known for its wealth and moral laxity, which may have influenced the church there. This phrase serves as a reminder to the believers in Corinth to reject these worldly influences.

but the Spirit who is from God
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the Holy Spirit, who is given to believers. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, promised by Jesus to His followers (John 14:16-17). The Spirit's role is to guide, teach, and empower believers, enabling them to live according to God's will. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Joel 2:28-29, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. The Holy Spirit's indwelling is a mark of the New Covenant, distinguishing believers from the world.

that we may understand what God has freely given us
This phrase highlights the purpose of receiving the Holy Spirit: to comprehend the gifts and blessings God has bestowed upon believers. These gifts include salvation, grace, and spiritual wisdom. The term "freely given" underscores the grace of God, as these gifts are not earned by human effort but are given out of God's love and mercy (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Holy Spirit illuminates the truths of Scripture, helping believers to grasp the depth of God's love and the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:17-18). This understanding is not attainable through human wisdom but is revealed through the Spirit, aligning with Paul's message that spiritual truths are discerned spiritually (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges.

2. The Church in Corinth
A Christian community in a cosmopolitan city, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and spiritual immaturity.

3. The Holy Spirit
Referred to as "the Spirit who is from God," given to believers to understand divine truths.

4. The World
Represents secular and humanistic values, contrasting with the divine wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit.

5. God's Gifts
The spiritual blessings and insights freely given to believers through the Holy Spirit.
Teaching Points
The Source of True Understanding
Believers receive understanding not from worldly wisdom but from the Holy Spirit, who reveals God's truths.

The Contrast Between Worldly and Divine Wisdom
The spirit of the world promotes values contrary to God's kingdom, while the Holy Spirit aligns believers with God's will.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Believer's Life
The Holy Spirit is essential for comprehending and applying the spiritual gifts and truths God has given us.

Living in the Spirit
Christians are called to live by the Spirit, rejecting worldly influences and embracing the wisdom and guidance of God.

Gratitude for God's Freely Given Gifts
Recognizing and appreciating the spiritual blessings and insights provided by God through the Holy Spirit.(12) We.--This must not be confined to the Apostles exclusively. Though referring primarily to them, it includes all the members of the Christian Church as one with its teachers and rulers. The "things freely given us of God" mean all spiritual things.

Verse 12. - The spirit of the world. The heathen world in its heathen aspect is regarded as under the power of the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:11, 12). Freely given to us by God. The word "freely" is here involved in the verb (χαρισθέντα) "graciously bestowed." It is different from the phrase used in "Freely ye have received," which is gratuitously (δωρεὰν, Matthew 10:8). All God's gifts are "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1), and not "to be bought with money" (Acts 18:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have not received
ἐλάβομεν (elabomen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

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

spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

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).

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

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

Spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

who [is]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

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

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

we may understand
εἰδῶμεν (eidōmen)
Verb - Perfect Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

what
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.

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

has freely given
χαρισθέντα (charisthenta)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5483: (a) To show favor to, (b) To pardon, forgive, (c) To show kindness.

us.
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.


Links
1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV
1 Corinthians 2:12 NLT
1 Corinthians 2:12 ESV
1 Corinthians 2:12 NASB
1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV

1 Corinthians 2:12 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 2:12 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 2:12 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 2:12 French Bible
1 Corinthians 2:12 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:12 But we received not the spirit (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 2:11
Top of Page
Top of Page