King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:5 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:5 in the King James Version says “That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

1 Corinthians 1:5 · KJV


Context

3

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

4

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

5

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

6

Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: coming: Gr. revelation


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge (en panti eploutisthete, ἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε)—The verb ploutizo (πλουτίζω, "to make rich") is in the passive voice, emphasizing that God enriched them; they did not enrich themselves. In all utterance (panti logo, παντὶ λόγῳ) and in all knowledge (pase gnosei, πάσῃ γνώσει) refer to the Corinthians' abundance of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, teaching, and revelation.

Ironically, Paul will spend much of this letter correcting their misuse of these very gifts. Their logos (speech) has become factional rhetoric rather than gospel proclamation, and their gnosis (knowledge) has puffed them up rather than built them up (8:1). True enrichment is by Christ, not by eloquent philosophy or esoteric wisdom—a theme Paul develops in 1:17-2:16.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth prided itself on rhetoric and philosophy. The city hosted famous schools of sophistry where orators competed for students and patrons. Many Corinthians brought this competitive, wisdom-obsessed culture into the church, treating the gospel as another philosophy to be mastered and eloquently defended. Paul will systematically dismantle this worldview by proclaiming the cross as God's foolish-yet-wise counter-wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can spiritual gifts (eloquence, knowledge, insight) become sources of pride rather than instruments of service?
  2. In what ways might modern Christian culture mirror Corinth's obsession with eloquence and sophisticated theology?
  3. How does recognizing that we are "enriched by Him" change our attitude toward our abilities and insights?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὅτι1 of 12

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν2 of 12

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ3 of 12

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐπλουτίσθητε4 of 12

ye are enriched

G4148

to make wealthy (figuratively)

ἐν5 of 12

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ6 of 12

him

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

ἐν7 of 12

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ8 of 12

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

λόγῳ9 of 12

utterance

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ10 of 12

and

G2532

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

πάσῃ11 of 12

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γνώσει12 of 12

knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge


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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study