King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 2:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 2:10 in the King James Version says “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. The adversative de (δέ, "but") pivots from human incapacity (v. 9) to divine disclosure. Apekalypsen (ἀπεκάλυψεν, "revealed") is aorist—definite historical action, likely referring to apostolic revelation recorded in Scripture. Dia tou pneumatos (διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, "through the Spirit") identifies the Holy Spirit as revelation's agent, authenticating both Scripture's divine origin (2 Peter 1:21) and believers' illumination (John 16:13).

The explanation—the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (to pneuma panta ereunaⁱ, kai ta bathē tou theou, τὸ πνεῦμα πάντα ἐραυνᾷ, καὶ τὰ βάθη τοῦ θεοῦ)—grounds revelation in Spirit's comprehensive knowledge. Ereunaō (ἐραυνάω) means "search thoroughly," not implying the Spirit lacks knowledge but that nothing escapes His complete understanding. Ta bathē (τὰ βάθη, "the depths") includes God's eternal decrees, redemptive purposes, and Trinitarian relationships. Only Spirit can reveal God because only Spirit fully knows God (v. 11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Against Greek philosophy's confidence in human reason to discover truth, Paul insists revelation is necessary. The Stoics believed divine logos permeated cosmos, accessible through contemplation. Plato taught philosophers could ascend to knowledge of Forms. Paul rejects autonomous rationalism: God's "deep things" remain hidden unless God sovereignly discloses them. The Jewish concept of ruach Yahweh (Spirit of the LORD) inspiring prophets underlies Paul's pneumatology. Christian revelation is both external (Scripture) and internal (illumination).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's role in revelation shape your approach to Bible study—what can you expect Him to do, and what remains your responsibility?
  2. What "deep things of God" has the Spirit revealed to you personally through Scripture that you couldn't have discovered through reason alone?
  3. How should Spirit-dependence for understanding Scripture affect your confidence when interpretations conflict among believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἡμῖν1 of 19

them unto us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

δὲ2 of 19

But

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 19
G3588

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

θεοῦ4 of 19

God

G2316

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

ἀπεκάλυψεν5 of 19

hath revealed

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

διὰ6 of 19

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ7 of 19
G3588

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

πνεῦμα8 of 19

Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

αὐτοῦ·9 of 19
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

τὸ10 of 19
G3588

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

γὰρ11 of 19

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πνεῦμα12 of 19

Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

πάντα13 of 19

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐρευνᾷ,14 of 19

searcheth

G2045

to seek, i.e., (figuratively) to investigate

καὶ15 of 19

yea

G2532

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

τὰ16 of 19
G3588

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

βάθη17 of 19

the deep things

G899

profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

θεοῦ19 of 19

God

G2316

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


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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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