1 Corinthians 2:7
New International Version
No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

New Living Translation
No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

English Standard Version
But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.

Berean Standard Bible
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

Berean Literal Bible
But we speak in a mystery, the wisdom of God having been hidden, which God foreordained before the ages for our glory,

King James Bible
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

New King James Version
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

New American Standard Bible
but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

NASB 1995
but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

NASB 1977
but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

Legacy Standard Bible
But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom which has been hidden, which God predestined before the ages to our glory,

Amplified Bible
but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom once hidden [from man, but now revealed to us by God, that wisdom] which God predestined before the ages to our glory [to lift us into the glory of His presence].

Christian Standard Bible
On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.

American Standard Version
but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

Contemporary English Version
We speak of God's hidden and mysterious wisdom that God decided to use for our glory long before the world began.

English Revised Version
but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We speak about the mystery of God's wisdom. It is a wisdom that has been hidden, which God had planned for our glory before the world began.

Good News Translation
The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom, which is hidden from human beings, but which he had already chosen for our glory even before the world was made.

International Standard Version
Instead, we speak about God's wisdom in a hidden secret, which God destined before the world began for our glory.

Majority Standard Bible
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

NET Bible
Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory.

New Heart English Bible
But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God determined in advance before the ages for our glory,

Webster's Bible Translation
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world to our glory:

Weymouth New Testament
But in dealing with truths hitherto kept secret we speak of God's wisdom--that hidden wisdom which, before the world began, God pre-destined, so that it should result in glory to us;

World English Bible
But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds for our glory,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but we speak the hidden wisdom of God in a secret, that God foreordained before the ages to our glory,

Berean Literal Bible
But we speak in a mystery, the wisdom of God having been hidden, which God foreordained before the ages for our glory,

Young's Literal Translation
but we speak the hidden wisdom of God in a secret, that God foreordained before the ages to our glory,

Smith's Literal Translation
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, hidden, which God determined beforehand, before the times to our glory:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, a wisdom which is hidden, which God ordained before the world, unto our glory :

Catholic Public Domain Version
Instead, we speak of the wisdom of God in a mystery which has been hidden, which God predestined before this age for our glory,

New American Bible
Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,

New Revised Standard Version
But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But we discuss the wisdom of God shown in a mysterious way, and it is hidden, but which God ordained before the world for our glory:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, that which was kept secret and God had consecrated before the world for our glory.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even that which had been hidden, which God predestined before the ages, for our glory,

Godbey New Testament
but we speak the wisdom of God having been hidden in a mystery, which God predestinated before the ages unto our glory:

Haweis New Testament
but we speak the wisdom of God, which had been hid in mystery, which God predestined before the worlds were, for our glory:

Mace New Testament
but we explain that mysterious plan of divine wisdom, which God had contriv'd before the ages, for our glory:

Weymouth New Testament
But in dealing with truths hitherto kept secret we speak of God's wisdom--that hidden wisdom which, before the world began, God pre-destined, so that it should result in glory to us;

Worrell New Testament
but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery—the hidden wisdom—which God predestined before the ages for our glory;

Worsley New Testament
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, that hidden wisdom which God ordained before the worlds for our glory:
Audio Bible



Context
Spiritual Wisdom
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. 8None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.…

Cross References
Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

Ephesians 3:9-11
and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. / His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, / according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Colossians 1:26-27
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

2 Timothy 1:9-10
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. / And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,

Matthew 13:35
So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Ephesians 1:9-10
And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ / as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

1 Peter 1:20
He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.

Acts 2:23
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Romans 8:29-30
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

Isaiah 48:6-7
You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you. / They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot claim, ‘I already knew them!’

Daniel 2:22
He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Proverbs 8:23
From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.

Isaiah 64:4
From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’


Treasury of Scripture

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world to our glory:

even.

Psalm 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Isaiah 48:6,7
Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them…

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

unto.

1 Peter 5:1,10
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: …

2 Peter 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Jump to Previous
Ages Dealing Decreed Existence Foreordained Glory God's Hidden Hitherto Impart Kept Mystery Ordained Predestined Pre-Destined Predetermined Result Secret Speak Store Time Truths Wisdom World Worlds
Jump to Next
Ages Dealing Decreed Existence Foreordained Glory God's Hidden Hitherto Impart Kept Mystery Ordained Predestined Pre-Destined Predetermined Result Secret Speak Store Time Truths Wisdom World Worlds
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.














No, we speak
The phrase "No, we speak" indicates a contrast to the previous verse where Paul mentions the wisdom of this age. The Greek word for "speak" here is "laleō," which implies a proclamation or declaration. This is not mere conversation but a deliberate and authoritative communication of divine truth. Paul emphasizes that the message he and the apostles deliver is not rooted in human wisdom but in divine revelation.

of the mysterious
The term "mysterious" comes from the Greek word "mystērion," which refers to something that was once hidden but is now revealed. In the biblical context, a mystery is a divine truth that is beyond human understanding until God chooses to disclose it. This highlights the supernatural nature of the wisdom Paul is discussing, which is not accessible through human intellect alone but requires divine revelation.

and hidden wisdom
The "hidden wisdom" refers to God's eternal plan and purpose, which was not fully understood until the coming of Christ. The Greek word for "hidden" is "apokryphos," meaning concealed or kept secret. This wisdom is not hidden to keep it from people but was reserved for a specific time and purpose. It underscores the idea that God's wisdom is vastly different from human wisdom and is part of His sovereign plan.

of God
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the wisdom being discussed. It is not of human origin but comes directly from God. The wisdom of God is perfect, eternal, and unchanging, contrasting with the transient and often flawed wisdom of the world. It is a reminder that true wisdom is found in God alone and is revealed through His Spirit.

which He destined
The word "destined" comes from the Greek "proorizō," meaning to predetermine or foreordain. This indicates that God's wisdom and plan were established before the foundation of the world. It reflects the sovereignty of God in orchestrating His divine plan for humanity, which includes the redemption and glorification of believers.

for our glory
The phrase "for our glory" suggests that the ultimate purpose of God's wisdom is the glorification of believers. This glory is not of our own making but is a gift from God, resulting from our union with Christ. It points to the future hope and inheritance that believers have in Christ, which is part of God's eternal plan.

before time began
This phrase underscores the eternal nature of God's wisdom and plan. The Greek phrase "pro tōn aiōnōn" can be translated as "before the ages," indicating that God's plan was established in eternity past. It reassures believers of the certainty and security of God's promises, as they are rooted in His eternal purpose and not subject to the changes of time or circumstance.

(7) In a mystery.--The writer explains in these words the plan on which his speaking of God's wisdom proceeded, that he dealt with it as the ancient mysteries were dealt with, explaining certain truths only to the initiated, and not to all (1Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 1:26).

Hidden.--Heretofore unrevealed, but now made manifest in Christ and by His teachers (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:10). And this has been in accordance with what God ordained "before the beginning of time," to our glory, as distinct from the humiliation of the world's teaching, which is coming to nought.

Verse 7. - In a mystery; that is, "in a truth, once hidden, now revealed." The word is now used for what is dark and incomprehensible, but it has no such meaning in the New Testament, where it means "what was once secret, but has now been made manifest" (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:4, 9; Colossians 1:26; 1 Timothy 3:16). It implies the very reverse of any esoteric teaching. Hidden. It was "hidden from the wise and prudent, but revealed to babes" (Matthew 11:25). Before the worlds; literally, before the ages; before time began. Unto our glory. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews clearly states that "the future age" is in God's counsels subjected, not to the angels, but to man. But "our glory" is that we are "called to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (1 Peter 5:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
No,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

we speak of
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.

[the] mysterious
μυστηρίῳ (mystēriō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.

[and] hidden
ἀποκεκρυμμένην (apokekrymmenēn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 613: To hide away, conceal, keep secret. From apo and krupto; to conceal away; figuratively, to keep secret.

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

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

which
ἣν (hēn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

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

destined
προώρισεν (proōrisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4309: To foreordain, predetermine, mark out beforehand. From pro and horizo; to limit in advance, i.e. predetermine.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

glory
δόξαν (doxan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

before
πρὸ (pro)
Preposition
Strong's 4253: A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to.

time [began].
αἰώνων (aiōnōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.


Links
1 Corinthians 2:7 NIV
1 Corinthians 2:7 NLT
1 Corinthians 2:7 ESV
1 Corinthians 2:7 NASB
1 Corinthians 2:7 KJV

1 Corinthians 2:7 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 2:7 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 2:7 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 2:7 French Bible
1 Corinthians 2:7 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak God's wisdom (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 2:6
Top of Page
Top of Page