King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:19 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:19 in the King James Version says “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 1:19 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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.

20

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent (gegrapta gar, Apolō tēn sophian tōn sophōn kai tēn synesin tōn synetōn athetēsō, γέγραπται γάρ, Ἀπολῶ τὴν σοφίαν τῶν σοφῶν καὶ τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω)—Paul quotes Isaiah 29:14 (LXX) to show that God's subversion of human wisdom is not a New Testament novelty but an Old Testament pattern. The verbs apollymi (ἀπόλλυμι, "destroy") and atheteō (ἀθετέω, "set aside, nullify, reject") are strong: God does not merely supplement or correct human wisdom—He obliterates it, renders it useless, exposes it as bankrupt.

Isaiah's context was Judah's reliance on political alliances and human strategies rather than trust in YHWH. God promised to act so unexpectedly that the wise would be confounded. Paul applies this to the cross: God's wisdom (salvation through a crucified Messiah) so thoroughly contradicts human wisdom that it exposes philosophy and eloquence as futile for knowing God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah prophesied during a time when Judah's leaders trusted in Egyptian military alliances and diplomatic cunning rather than God. God responded by promising deliverance so surprising that human wisdom would be shown bankrupt. Paul sees the cross as the ultimate fulfillment: God saves through what humans consider weakness and folly, utterly bypassing and humiliating all worldly wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cross expose the bankruptcy of human wisdom, philosophy, and self-reliant intellect?
  2. In what areas of life do we trust our own understanding rather than God's revealed wisdom in the gospel?
  3. What does it mean practically that God "destroys the wisdom of the wise"—does this make intellectual pursuits worthless?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
γέγραπται1 of 13

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γάρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

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

Ἀπολῶ3 of 13

“I will destroy”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

τὴν4 of 13
G3588

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

σοφίαν5 of 13

“the wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

τῶν6 of 13
G3588

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

σοφῶν7 of 13

“of the wise”

G4680

wise (in a most general application)

καὶ8 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν9 of 13
G3588

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

σύνεσιν10 of 13

“the understanding”

G4907

a mental putting together, i.e., intelligence or (concretely) the intellect

τῶν11 of 13
G3588

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

συνετῶν12 of 13

“of the prudent”

G4908

mentally put (or putting) together, i.e., sagacious

ἀθετήσω13 of 13

“will bring to nothing”

G114

to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate

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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 29:14Jeremiah 8:91 Corinthians 3:19Job 5:12-13Isaiah 19:11Isaiah 19:3

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 1 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes