1 Corinthians 2:4 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁴ And I did not use persuasive words of [human] wisdom in my message and preaching, but they were [accompanied by] a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power [from God]. [Note: This “demonstration” could have included the evidence of miraculous spiritual gifts which Paul utilized while there in Corinth. See 14:18].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁴ And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁴ And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them],

American Standard Version (1901)

⁴ And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Common English Bible

⁴ My message and my preaching weren’t presented with convincing wise words but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁴ And my words and preaching were not the persuasive words of human wisdom, but were a manifestation of the Spirit and of virtue,

1 Corinthians 2:4 Cross References

Acts 20:27

For I held nothing back in declaring to you the entire message of God.

Acts 26:28

Agrippa said to Paul, “You expect to persuade me to be a Christian with such little effort [or, in such a short time]?”

Romans 15:13

May God, [the source] of hope, fill you with complete joy and peace as you believe [in Christ], so that you may have an abundance of hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:19

in the power demonstrated by [miraculous] signs and wonders, [produced] by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, I have completed preaching the good news about Christ from Jerusalem, all the way around [the area] to Illyricum [Note: This country was located northwest of Greece and in present-day Croatia].

Romans 16:18

For such men are not serving our Lord Christ but their own [unspiritual] appetites. They are deceiving the minds of innocent people by their smooth talk and flattering words.

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

1 Corinthians 2:1

And when I came to you, brothers, it was not with eloquent words or[superior] wisdom that I proclaimed to you the testimony [or, mystery] about God.

1 Corinthians 2:13

These also are the things we [apostles] speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but [in words] taught by the Holy Spirit. We use [or, combine] Spirit-taught words to express [or, with] Spirit-given truth.

1 Corinthians 4:20

For God’s kingdom is not a matter of [impressive] words, but of [spiritual] power.

2 Corinthians 6:6

[We have ministered] with purity, knowledge, patience and kindness. [We have done this] by [the power of] the Holy Spirit; out of genuine love;

Galatians 1:10

For am I seeking [to gain] the favor of men or of God? Or, am I striving to please people [by what I do]? If I were still [trying] to please people, I would not be a [true] servant of Christ.

Colossians 2:4

I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

for our Gospel came to you, not merely in words, but also in power, in [a demonstration of] the Holy Spirit [See I Cor. 2:4] and with [“our” or “your”] deep conviction [of its truth]. You people know what kind of men we were while living among you for your benefit.

1 Peter 1:12

It was revealed to these prophets that you people, not they, were the ones being ministered to in the matters now being announced to you by those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven. [This message contained] things which angels would like to look into.

2 Peter 1:16

For we did not use cleverly conceived stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, because we were eyewitnesses of His Majesty [i.e., the apostles had personally seen the miraculous power of Jesus].

2 Peter 2:18

[Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world.