1 Corinthians 3:1 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹ And I could not speak to you, brothers, as I would to spiritual people, but [I have to speak to you] as I would to worldly people, for you are immature children in [the fellowship of] Christ.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹ HOWEVER, BRETHREN, I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men], but as to nonspiritual [men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates], as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ [unable to talk yet!]

American Standard Version (1901)

¹ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.

Common English Bible

¹ Brothers and sisters, I couldn’t talk to you like spiritual people but like unspiritual people, like babies in Christ.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹ And so, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as if to those who are spiritual, but rather as if to those who are carnal. For you are like infants in Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:1 Cross References

Matthew 16:23

But Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan; you are causing a hindrance to me because you are not thinking about God’s things but about men’s.”

Romans 7:14

For we know that the Law of Moses is spiritual [i.e., from the Holy Spirit in origin and character], but I am fleshly, sold as a slave to sin. [Note: “Flesh” throughout this section refers to a person’s natural inclinations to sin].

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brothers, do not be children in the way you think, but be babies in wrongdoing; yet be mature in your thinking.

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man thinks he is a prophet or has a spiritual gift, he should realize that the things I am writing to you are the Lord’s commandment.

1 Corinthians 2:6

However, we speak [divine] wisdom among people who are [spiritually] mature, yet it is not the wisdom of this current age, nor of [its] current rulers, who are coming to nothing.

Galatians 6:1

Brothers, if any one of you is overwhelmed by a [particular] sin, those of you who are spiritually minded should [attempt to] restore such a person [to faithfulness]. But do it in a gentle way, being very careful that you yourself do not become tempted [to get involved in any sin].

Hebrews 5:13

For everyone who has to drink “milk” is inexperienced in the teaching about righteousness, for he is [still] a [spiritual] baby.

1 John 2:12

I am writing to you, little children [i.e., dear ones], because you have been forgiven of your sins for [the sake of] Christ’s name.