King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:23 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:23 in the King James Version says “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness;” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

1 Corinthians 1:23 · KJV

Context

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:

23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Read 1 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness (hēmeis de kēryssomen Christon estaurōmenon, Ioudaiois men skandalon, ethnesin de mōrian, ἡμεῖς δὲ κηρύσσομεν Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, Ἰουδαίοις μὲν σκάνδαλον, ἔθνεσιν δὲ μωρίαν)—Despite Jewish and Greek objections, Paul refuses to alter the message. Christ crucified (Christon estaurōmenon, Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, perfect passive participle: "Christ having been crucified") is the unchanging content of Christian preaching. A stumblingblock (skandalon, σκάνδαλον) is a trap or snare—something that causes one to trip and fall. For Jews, a crucified Messiah was blasphemous contradiction (Deut 21:23).

Unto the Greeks foolishness (ethnesin mōrian, ἔθνεσιν μωρίαν)—The Greek mind found the cross intellectually absurd: a deity who dies? Salvation through execution? No philosophical system, no ethical program, just substitutionary death? Preposterous. Yet Paul does not repackage the message for cultural palatability. The offense of the cross must remain; removing it removes the power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion was Rome's most shameful penalty—public, torturous, degrading, designed to humiliate. Claiming a crucified man as Lord and Savior invited mockery from both Jews (who saw it as proof of divine curse) and Greeks (who saw it as barbaric superstition). Early Christian apologists struggled to explain the crucifixion to pagan audiences. Paul refuses to apologize or soften the message: the cross is central, non-negotiable, scandalous—and that's precisely where God's power lies.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must the offense of the cross be preserved rather than softened or explained away?
  2. How do modern presentations of the gospel sometimes try to make it less scandalous or intellectually offensive?
  3. In what ways is the cross still a "stumblingblock" and "foolishness" to contemporary culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἡμεῖς1 of 11

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ2 of 11

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

κηρύσσομεν3 of 11

“preach”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

Χριστὸν4 of 11

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἐσταυρωμένον5 of 11

“crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

Ἰουδαίοις6 of 11

“unto the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

μὲν7 of 11

“a stumblingblock”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

σκάνδαλον8 of 11
G4625

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

Ἕλλησιν9 of 11

“unto the Greeks”

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

δὲ10 of 11

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

μωρίαν11 of 11

“foolishness”

G3472

silliness, i.e., absurdity

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 1:23 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 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:141 Corinthians 2:21 Peter 2:8Isaiah 8:14-15Galatians 5:111 Corinthians 1:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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