1 Corinthians 1:21 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

²¹ For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of the proclamation, to save those who believe.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

²¹ For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

²¹ For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him).

American Standard Version (1901)

²¹ For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.

Common English Bible

²¹ In God’s wisdom, he determined that the world wouldn’t come to know him through its wisdom. Instead, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching.

Catholic Public Domain Version

²¹ For the world did not know God through wisdom, and so, in the wisdom of God, it pleased God to accomplish the salvation of believers, through the foolishness of our preaching.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

²¹ For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 1:21 Cross References

Daniel 2:20

Daniel said: “Blessed be the name of God from age to age, for wisdom and power are his.

Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;

Luke 10:21

At that very hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Luke 12:32

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.

Romans 1:28

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to an unfit mind and to do things that should not be done.

Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:23

but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles,

1 Corinthians 1:24

but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:25

For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

1 Corinthians 2:14

Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are sensible people in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

1 Corinthians 6:2

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

Galatians 1:15

But when the one who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace was pleased

Galatians 4:8

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods.

Ephesians 1:9

he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,

Ephesians 3:10

so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Colossians 1:19

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

Hebrews 1:14

Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Hebrews 2:3

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was confirmed for us by those who heard him,

Hebrews 7:25

Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

James 4:4

Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

James 5:15

The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.

James 5:20

you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.