1 Corinthians 1:25 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

²⁵ For the “foolish things” of God are wiser than men’s [wisdom], and the “weakness” of God is stronger than men’s [strength].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

²⁵ [This is] because the foolish thing [that has its source in] God is wiser than men, and the weak thing [that springs] from God is stronger than men.

American Standard Version (1901)

²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Common English Bible

²⁵ This is because the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Catholic Public Domain Version

²⁵ For what is foolishness to God is considered wise by men, and that which is weakness to God is considered strong by men.

1 Corinthians 1:25 Cross References

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of [Christ dying on] the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing [i.e., in a lost state], but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

1 Corinthians 2:14

Now the natural person [Note: Since this person is contrasted with the spiritual person of verse 15, it is taken here to mean the person without the Holy Spirit] does not receive the things [i.e., truths] revealed by the Holy Spirit of God, because they are [considered] foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them because they must be discerned by using spiritual judgment [i.e., judgment aided by the Holy Spirit].

1 Corinthians 4:10

We are “fools” for Christ’s sake, but you people [think you] are “wise” in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are “strong.” You are honored, but we are despised.

2 Corinthians 13:4

For He was weak when He was crucified [i.e., by assuming a human body capable of suffering and death], but [now] He lives by God’s power. For we too are weak, [along] with Him [i.e., each of us experiences the frailties of a human body], but by [this same] power from God, we will live with Him to serve you. [Note: The various translations differ widely on how to properly translate this difficult verse].