King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:24 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:24 in the King James Version says “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 1:24 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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.

26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

Read 1 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (autois de tois klētois, Ioudaiois te kai Hellēsin, Christon theou dynamin kai theou sophian, αὐτοῖς δὲ τοῖς κλητοῖς, Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησιν, Χριστὸν θεοῦ δύναμιν καὶ θεοῦ σοφίαν)—Paul returns to the language of calling (klētois, κλητοῖς, "called ones")—the same term from verse 1. Them which are called are those whom God sovereignly summons to faith. For these, the cross is no longer scandalous or foolish but reveals Christ the power of God (Christon theou dynamin, Χριστὸν θεοῦ δύναμιν) and the wisdom of God (theou sophian, θεοῦ σοφίαν).

What Jews sought in signs and Greeks sought in philosophy is found in Christ crucified: true power (victory over sin, death, Satan) and true wisdom (the solution to humanity's greatest problem). The called—whether Jew or Greek—see this by divine revelation, not human insight. Calling breaks through the blindness; the Spirit opens eyes to see glory where the world sees shame.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church was radically inclusive: both Jews and Greeks, once divided by culture, law, and worldview, were united in the body of Christ. This was itself a demonstration of the gospel's power—reconciling the irreconcilable. Yet this unity was not achieved by compromise or diluting the gospel but by preaching the offensive cross, which God used to call both groups to saving faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does divine calling enable believers to see the cross as power and wisdom when the world sees weakness and folly?
  2. What does it mean practically that Christ Himself is "the power of God" and "the wisdom of God"?
  3. How does the gospel unite groups (Jew/Greek, slave/free, male/female) that would otherwise remain divided?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
αὐτοῖς1 of 14

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ2 of 14

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῖς3 of 14

“which”

G3588

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

κλητοῖς4 of 14

“are called”

G2822

invited, i.e., appointed, or (specially), a saint

Ἰουδαίοις5 of 14

“Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τε6 of 14

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

Ἕλλησιν8 of 14

“Greeks”

G1672

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

Χριστὸν9 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

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

θεοῦ10 of 14

“of God”

G2316

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

δύναμιν11 of 14

“the power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ12 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

θεοῦ13 of 14

“of God”

G2316

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

σοφίαν·14 of 14

“the wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:30Colossians 2:31 Corinthians 1:18Romans 1:161 Corinthians 1:9Romans 8:28-30

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