King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:17 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:17 in the King James Version says “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should b...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. words: or, speech”

1 Corinthians 1:17 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

15

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

16

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

17

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. words: or, speech

18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Read 1 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (ou gar apesteilen me Christos baptizein alla euangelizesthai, οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν ἀλλὰ εὐαγγελίζεσθαι)—Paul clarifies his primary mission: gospel proclamation, not administering ordinances. This does not diminish baptism—Jesus commanded it (Matt 28:19)—but establishes a hierarchy of priorities. The gospel message is foundational; baptism follows as response and public identification. Paul's calling was specifically evangelistic and church-planting; others could handle baptisms.

Not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect (ouk en sophia logou, hina me kenōthē ho stauros tou Christou, οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ λόγου, ἵνα μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—This introduces the central theme of chapters 1-2: the contrast between worldly wisdom and the cross. Sophia logou (σοφία λόγου, "wisdom of speech") refers to the sophisticated rhetoric prized in Corinth. The verb kenoō (κενόω, "to empty, make void, nullify") warns that eloquent philosophy can gut the gospel of its power. The cross is inherently offensive; dressing it up in impressive rhetoric domesticates it, making it palatable but powerless.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth was a center of sophistry—professional orators who dazzled audiences with rhetorical skill. Sophists charged high fees and competed for students, fame, and patronage. Some Corinthians wanted their preachers to match this eloquence. Paul refuses: the gospel's power lies in its scandalous content (a crucified Messiah), not in clever presentation. Polished rhetoric might attract crowds but would obscure the gospel's offense and glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the proper relationship between gospel proclamation and the administration of ordinances like baptism?
  2. How can "wisdom of words" (eloquent preaching, sophisticated theology) inadvertently empty the cross of its power?
  3. In what ways do modern preachers sometimes prioritize rhetorical skill, entertainment, or intellectual sophistication over the simple gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐκ1 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 19

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀπέστειλέν3 of 19

“sent”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

με4 of 19

“me”

G3165

me

Χριστοῦ5 of 19

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

βαπτίζειν6 of 19

“to baptize”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἀλλ'7 of 19

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εὐαγγελίζεσθαι8 of 19

“to preach the gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

οὐκ9 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐν10 of 19

“with”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοφίᾳ11 of 19

“wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

λόγου12 of 19

“of words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἵνα13 of 19
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ14 of 19
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κενωθῇ15 of 19

“should be made of none effect”

G2758

to make empty, i.e., (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify

ὁ16 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σταυρὸς17 of 19

“the cross”

G4716

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ19 of 19

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:11 Corinthians 2:132 Peter 1:161 Corinthians 2:4-52 Corinthians 10:102 Corinthians 4:2

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