King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 2:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 2:14 in the King James Version says “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he kno... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 2:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. may: Gr. shall


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The psychikos anthrōpos (ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος, "natural/soulish man")—unregenerate humanity operating on purely natural faculties—ou dechetai (οὐ δέχεται, "does not receive/welcome") Spirit-truth. This isn't mere ignorance but active rejection: mōria autō estin (μωρία αὐτῷ ἐστιν, "it is foolishness to him"). Fallen reason considers gospel absurd (1:18, 23).

The explanation intensifies: neither can he know them (ou dynatai gnōnai, οὐ δύναται γνῶναι)—absolute inability, not difficulty. Pneumatikōs anakrinetai (πνευματικῶς ἀνακρίνεται, "they are spiritually discerned") indicates requirement: regeneration by Spirit precedes comprehension. This demolishes Pelagian confidence in human moral/intellectual capacity to seek God apart from grace (Romans 3:10-11). Apologetics cannot argue unbelievers into faith; only Spirit-regeneration opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Yet preaching remains necessary means—Spirit works through gospel proclamation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy prized human reason's autonomy. Socratic method assumed humans could discover truth through dialectic. Paul's anthropology is grimmer: sin has corrupted reason itself, making divine truth unacceptable. This echoes Genesis 3—fallen humanity suppresses God-knowledge (Romans 1:18-21). Jewish thought also recognized human limitation but emphasized Torah-obedience; Paul emphasizes radical need for Spirit-transformation. The "natural man" operates in Adam; only those "in Christ" by Spirit-union can comprehend spiritual realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the natural person's inability to understand spiritual truth shape your evangelistic expectations and methods?
  2. What spiritual truths did you once consider foolish before regeneration, and how does that inform your patience with unbelievers?
  3. How can you avoid both arrogance ("I figured it out") and despair ("they'll never believe") when recognizing only Spirit-work produces faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ψυχικὸς1 of 21

the natural

G5591

sensitive, i.e., animate (in distinction on the one hand from g4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from g5446, which is th

δὲ2 of 21

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄνθρωπος3 of 21

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οὐ4 of 21

not

G3756

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

δέχεται5 of 21

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ6 of 21

the things

G3588

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

τοῦ7 of 21

the things

G3588

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

πνεύματος8 of 21

of the 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

τοῦ9 of 21

the things

G3588

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

θεοῦ10 of 21

of God

G2316

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

μωρία11 of 21

foolishness

G3472

silliness, i.e., absurdity

γὰρ12 of 21

for

G1063

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

αὐτῷ13 of 21

unto 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

ἐστιν14 of 21

they are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ15 of 21

neither

G2532

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

οὐ16 of 21

not

G3756

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

δύναται17 of 21

can

G1410

to be able or possible

γνῶναι18 of 21

he know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι19 of 21

them because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πνευματικῶς20 of 21

they are spiritually

G4153

non-physically, i.e., divinely, figuratively

ἀνακρίνεται·21 of 21

discerned

G350

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine


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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study