1 Corinthians 2:6
New International Version
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

New Living Translation
Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten.

English Standard Version
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.

Berean Standard Bible
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Berean Literal Bible
But we speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to naught.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

New American Standard Bible
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away;

NASB 1995
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away;

NASB 1977
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away;

Legacy Standard Bible
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature, a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are being abolished.

Amplified Bible
Yet we do speak wisdom among those spiritually mature [believers who have teachable hearts and a greater understanding]; but [it is a higher] wisdom not [the wisdom] of this present age nor of the rulers and leaders of this age, who are passing away;

Christian Standard Bible
We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

American Standard Version
We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

Contemporary English Version
We do use wisdom when speaking to people who are mature in their faith. But it isn't the wisdom of this world or of its rulers, who will soon disappear.

English Revised Version
Howbeit we speak wisdom among the perfect: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, which are coming to nought:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, we do use wisdom to speak to those who are mature. It is a wisdom that doesn't belong to this world or to the rulers of this world who are in power today and gone tomorrow.

Good News Translation
Yet I do proclaim a message of wisdom to those who are spiritually mature. But it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world--powers that are losing their power.

International Standard Version
However, when we are among mature people, we do speak a message of wisdom, but not the wisdom of this world or of the rulers of this world, who are passing off the scene.

Majority Standard Bible
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

NET Bible
Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing.

New Heart English Bible
We speak wisdom, however, among those who are mature, but a wisdom not of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are passing away.

Webster's Bible Translation
However, 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 naught:

Weymouth New Testament
Yet when we are among mature believers we do speak words of wisdom; a wisdom not belonging, however, to the present age nor to the leaders of the present age who are soon to pass away.

World English Bible
We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown, yet a wisdom not of this world nor of the rulers of this world who are coming to nothing.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And wisdom we speak among the perfect, and wisdom not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age—of those becoming useless,

Berean Literal Bible
But we speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to naught.

Young's Literal Translation
And wisdom we speak among the perfect, and wisdom not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age -- of those becoming useless,

Smith's Literal Translation
But we speak wisdom among the perfected: and the wisdom not of this life, nor of the rulers of this life, they being left unemployed:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Howbeit we speak wisdom among the perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, neither of the princes of this world that come to nought;

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now, we do speak wisdom among the perfect, yet truly, this is not the wisdom of this age, nor that of the leaders of this age, which shall be reduced to nothing.

New American Bible
Yet we do speak a wisdom to those who are mature, but not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.

New Revised Standard Version
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Howbeit we do discuss wisdom with those who have comprehension, yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the rulers of this world who pass away:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we speak wisdom with the perfect; wisdom, not of this world, neither of the authorities of this world, who are brought to nothing.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Yet we speak wisdom among the perfect; but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are brought to nought:

Godbey New Testament
But we speak wisdom among the perfect: not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nought:

Haweis New Testament
But we speak wisdom among the perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are destroying themselves:

Mace New Testament
However, what we preach is wisdom, to those who are thoroughly instructed: yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who will soon come to nothing.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet when we are among mature believers we do speak words of wisdom; a wisdom not belonging, however, to the present age nor to the leaders of the present age who are soon to pass away.

Worrell New Testament
But we speak wisdom among the perfect; yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought;

Worsley New Testament
Yet we speak true wisdom among the perfect: though not the wisdom of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who come to nought.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Wisdom
5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 6Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom— but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.…

Cross References
James 3:13-17
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...

Colossians 1:9-10
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, / so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Ephesians 1:17-18
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. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

Romans 11:33-34
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
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. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / 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? ...

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.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Philippians 3:15
All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.

Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

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.

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.”

Proverbs 2:6-7
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. / He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,

Daniel 2:20-22
and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Job 12:13
Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!


Treasury of Scripture

However, 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 nothing:

them.

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Psalm 37:37
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

not.

1 Corinthians 2:1,13
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God…

1 Corinthians 1:18,19
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God…

Luke 16:8
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

of the.

1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Job 12:19,21
He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty…

Psalm 2:1-6
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? …

come.

1 Corinthians 1:28
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

Psalm 33:10
The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Jump to Previous
Age Although Believers Belonging Complete Doomed Full Grown Howbeit However Impart Leaders Mature Message Naught Nought Passing Perfect Present Princes Rulers Soon Speak Wisdom Words World
Jump to Next
Age Although Believers Belonging Complete Doomed Full Grown Howbeit However Impart Leaders Mature Message Naught Nought Passing Perfect Present Princes Rulers Soon Speak Wisdom Words 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.














Among the mature
The Greek word for "mature" here is "teleios," which conveys the idea of being complete or perfect. In the context of Christian maturity, it refers to those who have grown in their faith and understanding of God's truths. This maturity is not merely intellectual but spiritual, reflecting a deep relationship with Christ. Historically, the early church faced challenges in distinguishing true spiritual maturity from mere worldly knowledge. Paul emphasizes that the wisdom he shares is accessible to those who have reached a level of spiritual discernment and growth.

we speak a message of wisdom
The "message of wisdom" is not just any wisdom but divine wisdom that comes from God. The Greek word "sophia" is used here, which often denotes a higher, spiritual wisdom as opposed to human wisdom. This wisdom is rooted in the revelation of Jesus Christ and the mysteries of God's plan for salvation. In the historical context of Corinth, a city known for its love of philosophy and rhetoric, Paul contrasts the divine wisdom he preaches with the secular wisdom that was highly esteemed by the Greeks.

but not the wisdom of this age
The phrase "wisdom of this age" refers to the prevailing philosophies and intellectual pursuits of the time, which were often at odds with the teachings of Christ. The Greek word "aion" for "age" suggests a temporal, worldly system that is transient and ultimately flawed. Paul is making a clear distinction between the eternal wisdom of God and the temporary, often misguided wisdom that society values. This serves as a reminder that true wisdom is not found in the trends or intellectual fads of any era but in the timeless truths of God.

or of the rulers of this age
The "rulers of this age" can be understood both as the political and religious leaders of the time and as spiritual forces opposed to God's kingdom. The Greek term "archon" is used, which can denote both earthly and spiritual authorities. Historically, these rulers often resisted the message of the Gospel, as it challenged their power and authority. Paul implies that their wisdom and authority are limited and ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan.

who are coming to nothing
This phrase underscores the transient nature of worldly wisdom and power. The Greek word "katargeo" means to abolish or render ineffective. Paul is asserting that the wisdom and authority of this world are ultimately futile and will be brought to nothing by God's eternal purposes. This serves as an encouragement to believers to place their trust in God's wisdom, which stands the test of time and leads to eternal life. Historically, this message would have been a powerful reminder to the Corinthian church to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal.

(6) Howbeit we speak wisdom.--Nevertheless, there is a wisdom in the gospel. The assertion is in the Greek a more striking contrast to 1Corinthians 2:4 than appears in the English. In the original (1Corinthians 2:4) the word is "wisdom," and not "man's wisdom," as in the English. Thus the statement here is a verbal contradiction of that in 1Corinthians 2:4. In using the plural "we," St. Paul implies that he did not stand alone among the Apostles in the method of his teaching.

Them that are perfect--i.e., those who are grown up, and not "babes" (1Corinthians 3:1; see also 1Corinthians 14:20). The "wisdom" of the gospel is that deep spiritual truth which only those whose spiritual natures have been trained and cultivated were capable of understanding. This "wisdom," however, the Apostle had not taught the Corinthians; he had only taught them the alphabet of Christianity, for they were still but "babes"--they were still only "fleshly" (1Corinthians 3:3). That the Apostle himself not only grasped the higher truths which he designates the "wisdom" of the gospel, but taught them gladly when there were hearers capable of appreciating them, is evident from many passages in the Epistles to the Romans, Colossians, and Ephesians, where he unfolds the "mysteries" of the gospel. (See Romans 11:25; Romans 16:25.) . . .

Verses 6-16. - The apparent foolishness is the only wisdom. Verse 6. - Howbeit. In this passage he shows that in reality a crushing irony lay in his description of the gospel as being, in the world's judgment, "weak" and "foolish." It was the highest wisdom, but it could only be understood by the perfect. Its apparent folly to the Corinthians was a proof of their blindness and incapacity. Among the perfect. The word either means

(1) the mature, the full grown, as opposed to babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1); or

(2) the fully initiated into the mysteries of godliness (ἐποπται 2 Peter 1:16). A wisdom not of this world; literally, of this seen. The word kosmos means the world in its material aspect; aeon is read for the world in its moral and intellectual aspect. "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3:19). Nor of the rulers of this world. Some have taken these "rulers" to be the same as "the world rulers of this darkness," i.e. the evil spirits, in Ephesians 6:12 (John 13:27; Luke 22:53). Ignatius (?) seems to have understood it thus; for he adopted the strange notion that "the prince of this aeon" (i.e. Satan) had been deceived and frustrated by the incarnation from a virgin, and the death on the cross (Ignat., 'Ad. Ephesians,' 19). It means more probably "wisdom," as understood by Roman governors and Jewish Sanhedrists, who treated the Divine wisdom of the gospel with sovereign contempt (Acts 4:27). That [who] come to nought; literally, who are being done away with. Amid all the feebleness of the infant Church, St. Paul saw empires vanishing before it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
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.

mature,
τελείοις (teleiois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5046: From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

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

we speak a message
λαλοῦμεν (laloumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

of wisdom—
Σοφίαν (Sophian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.

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

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

[the] wisdom
σοφίαν (sophian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.

of this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

age
αἰῶνος (aiōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

[or]
οὐδὲ (oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive 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.

rulers
ἀρχόντων (archontōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 758: Present participle of archo; a first.

of this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

age,
αἰῶνος (aiōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive 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 coming to nothing.
καταργουμένων (katargoumenōn)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2673: From kata and argeo; to be entirely idle, literally or figuratively.


Links
1 Corinthians 2:6 NIV
1 Corinthians 2:6 NLT
1 Corinthians 2:6 ESV
1 Corinthians 2:6 NASB
1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV

1 Corinthians 2:6 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 2:6 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 2:6 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 2:6 French Bible
1 Corinthians 2:6 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:6 We speak wisdom however among those who (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 2:5
Top of Page
Top of Page