King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:20 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:20 in the King James Version says “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of thi...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

1 Corinthians 1:20 · King James Version

Wisdom

Context

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.

22

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? (pou sophos, pou grammateus, pou syzētētēs tou aiōnos toutou, ποῦ σοφός, ποῦ γραμματεύς, ποῦ συζητητὴς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου)—Paul issues a triumphant taunt, echoing Isaiah 33:18. The wise (sophos, σοφός) represents Greek philosophers. The scribe (grammateus, γραμματεύς) represents Jewish Torah experts. The disputer (syzētētēs, συζητητής, "debater, skillful arguer") represents sophists and rhetoricians. Where are they now? Silent, confounded, unable to produce salvation.

Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (ouchi emōranen ho theos tēn sophian tou kosmou, οὐχὶ ἐμώρανεν ὁ θεὸς τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου)—The verb mōrainō (μωραίνω, "to make foolish") is related to mōria ("foolishness"). God turned the tables: the world calls the cross foolish, but God reveals worldly wisdom as the true foolishness. The wisdom of this world (sophia tou kosmou, σοφία τοῦ κόσμου) is human wisdom operating in rebellion against God, cut off from divine revelation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul confronts the three major intellectual traditions of his world: Greek philosophy (Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, Epicureans), Jewish Torah scholarship (Pharisees, scribes), and Roman rhetoric (sophists, orators). All three claimed to offer wisdom and truth. Yet none produced salvation. The cross confounded all three: Greeks found it foolish, Jews found it scandalous (v. 23), and rhetoricians couldn't package it attractively. God's wisdom bypassed them all.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the gospel confound not just one intellectual tradition but all human attempts to reach God by wisdom?
  2. What are the modern equivalents of "the wise, the scribe, the disputer"—and how does the cross silence them?
  3. In what ways do we rely on worldly wisdom (credentials, sophistication, intellectual achievement) rather than the gospel?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ποῦ1 of 18

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

σοφός2 of 18

“is the wise”

G4680

wise (in a most general application)

ποῦ3 of 18

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

γραμματεύς4 of 18

“is the scribe”

G1122

a professional writer

ποῦ5 of 18

“Where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

συζητητὴς6 of 18

“is the disputer”

G4804

a disputant, i.e., sophist

τοῦ7 of 18
G3588

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

αἰῶνος8 of 18

“world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου9 of 18

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

οὐχὶ10 of 18

“not”

G3780

not indeed

ἐμώρανεν11 of 18

“hath”

G3471

to become insipid; figuratively, to make (passively, act) as a simpleton

ὁ12 of 18
G3588

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

θεὸς13 of 18

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὴν14 of 18
G3588

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

σοφίαν15 of 18

“the wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

τοῦ16 of 18
G3588

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

κόσμου17 of 18

“world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τούτου18 of 18

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:22Job 12:171 Corinthians 1:191 Corinthians 3:19Job 12:24Isaiah 44:25

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