What Does 1 Corinthians 1:31 Mean?

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (hina, kathōs gegraptai, Ho kauchōmenos en kyriō kauchasthō, ἵνα, καθὼς γέγραπται, Ὁ καυχώμενος ἐν κυρίῳ καυχάσθω)—Paul concludes with a quotation from Jeremiah 9:23-24 (paraphrased): God alone deserves glory. He that glorieth (ho kauchōmenos, ὁ καυχώμενος, present middle participle: "the one boasting") must boast in the Lord (en kyriō, ἐν κυρίῳ)—not in human wisdom, status, or leaders. All legitimate joy, confidence, and celebration must center on God's character and work, not human achievement.

This is the antidote to Corinthian factionalism: if all boasting is in the Lord, there is no room for "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos." Paul has systematically demolished every ground for human pride—the means of salvation (cross), the message (foolishness), the method (preaching), the recipients (weak and despised)—so that only God receives glory. This verse encapsulates the entire chapter and will echo throughout the letter (3:21, 4:7).