King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:28 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:28 in the King James Version says “And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

1 Corinthians 1:28 · KJV


Context

26

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

27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29

That no flesh should glory in his presence .

30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are (kai ta agene tou kosmou kai ta exouthenēmena exelexato ho theos, ta me onta, hina ta onta katargēse, καὶ τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ἐξελέξατο ὁ θεός, τὰ μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ)—Paul intensifies the paradox. God chose base things (agene, ἀγενῆ, "lowborn, ignoble") and things despised (exouthenēmena, ἐξουθενημένα, perfect passive participle: "things having been despised, treated as nothing"). Things which are not (ta me onta, τὰ μὴ ὄντα) means nobodies, non-entities by social reckoning—those who don't count.

God uses these to bring to nought things that are (hina ta onta katargēse, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω, "to nullify, abolish, render powerless") means to reduce to zero. God nullifies worldly status, power, and pride by accomplishing His purposes through the despised. The pattern continues: the cross (ultimate shame) defeats sin and Satan (ultimate powers); resurrection (from death/non-being) conquers the grave. God creates ex nihilo (from nothing) and saves through the same principle.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Greco-Roman society, honor and shame were paramount. Public reputation, social status, and patronage determined one's worth. Christianity turned this upside down: God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted (Luke 1:52). The church's inclusion of slaves, women, and outcasts was scandalous—yet this radical equality testified to the gospel's transforming power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are "things which are not"—who are the nobodies and non-entities in today's world?
  2. How does God use the despised and marginalized to "bring to nought" worldly power structures?
  3. In what ways does the gospel invert social hierarchies and challenge status-seeking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 19

things which

G3588

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

ἀγενῆ3 of 19

base things

G36

properly, without kin, i.e., (of unknown descent, and by implication) ignoble

τὰ4 of 19

things which

G3588

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

κόσμου5 of 19

of the world

G2889

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

καὶ6 of 19

And

G2532

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

τὰ7 of 19

things which

G3588

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

ἐξουθενημένα8 of 19

things which are despised

G1848

to despise

ἐξελέξατο9 of 19

chosen

G1586

to select

τὰ10 of 19

things which

G3588

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

θεός11 of 19

God

G2316

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

καὶ12 of 19

And

G2532

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

τὰ13 of 19

things which

G3588

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

μὴ14 of 19

not

G3361

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

ὄντα15 of 19

are

G5607

being

ἵνα16 of 19

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τὰ17 of 19

things which

G3588

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

ὄντα18 of 19

are

G5607

being

καταργήσῃ19 of 19

bring to nought

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively


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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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