King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 2:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 2:13 in the King James Version says “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 Corinthians 2:13 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. judgeth: or, discerneth judged: or, discerned


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Paul describes apostolic communication method: lalōmen (λαλοῦμεν, "we speak") indicates ongoing proclamation. The negative contrast—not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth (ouk en didaktois anthrōpinēs sophias logois, οὐκ ἐν διδακτοῖς ἀνθρωπίνης σοφίας λόγοις)—rejects both philosophical jargon and rhetorical artifice. Positively: which the Holy Ghost teacheth (en didaktois pneumatos, ἐν διδακτοῖς πνεύματος) claims Spirit-taught vocabulary.

The phrase pneumatikois pneumatika synkrinontes (πνευματικοῖς πνευματικὰ συγκρίνοντες, "comparing spiritual things with spiritual") is notoriously difficult. Options include: (1) "interpreting spiritual truths to spiritual people" (taking first term as masculine); (2) "explaining spiritual realities in Spirit-given words" (both neuter); (3) "comparing Scripture with Scripture" (OT with NT). Option (2) fits context best—Paul emphasizes Spirit-inspired content requires Spirit-inspired expression. This undergirds verbal plenary inspiration: not just concepts but words themselves are Spirit-chosen (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek rhetoric distinguished logos (content) from lexis (style). Sophists mastered both to manipulate audiences. Paul insists Spirit controls both message and medium. Jewish scribal method emphasized precise wording—every letter sacred (Matthew 5:18). Paul applies this reverence to apostolic teaching: the very words matter. Later Gnostics would claim Spirit-revelation while denying apostolic authority; Paul preempts this by binding Spirit-teaching to apostolic proclamation. Inspiration extends to vocabulary, not just ideas.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's choice of biblical vocabulary guard against redefining Christian terms to fit cultural preferences?
  2. What happens when preachers prioritize contemporary relevance or eloquence over faithfulness to Scripture's own language and categories?
  3. How can you grow in letting Scripture's words shape your thinking rather than translating Scripture into more comfortable terminology?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17

Which things

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 17

also

G2532

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

λαλοῦμεν3 of 17

we speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

οὐκ4 of 17

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐν5 of 17

in

G1722

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

διδακτοῖς6 of 17

teacheth

G1318

(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching

ἀνθρωπίνης7 of 17

which man's

G442

human

σοφίας8 of 17

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

λόγοις9 of 17

the words

G3056

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

ἀλλ'10 of 17

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν11 of 17

in

G1722

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

διδακτοῖς12 of 17

teacheth

G1318

(subjectively) instructed, or (objectively) communicated by teaching

πνεύματος13 of 17

Ghost

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

ἁγίου,14 of 17

which the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πνευματικὰ15 of 17

spiritual things

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

πνευματικὰ16 of 17

spiritual things

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

συγκρίνοντες17 of 17

comparing

G4793

to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e., combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by


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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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