King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 2:16 Mean?

1 Corinthians 2:16 in the King James Version says “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. may: Gr. shall” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 2:16 · KJV

Context

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 rhetorically: tis egnō noun kyriou (τίς ἔγνω νοῦν κυρίου, "who has known the mind of the Lord"). Expected answer: no one. The question emphasizes divine incomprehensibility and human incapacity to advise God—highlighting the absurdity of critiquing divine wisdom. Hos symbibasei auton (ὃς συμβιβάσει αὐτὸν, "who will instruct Him") reinforces the point: God needs no counsel (Romans 11:34).

The stunning contrast: But we have the mind of Christ (hēmeis de noun Christou echomen, ἡμεῖς δὲ νοῦν Χριστοῦ ἔχομεν). Nous (νοῦς) means understanding, perspective, thought-pattern. Through Spirit-indwelling, believers share Christ's mindset (Philippians 2:5)—not omniscience but alignment with His values, priorities, and truth-perception. This climaxes chapter 2: what was impossible for natural humanity (knowing God's mind) becomes reality for Spirit-regenerated believers. The "mind of Christ" is accessed through Scripture (Spirit-inspired revelation) and ongoing sanctification (Spirit-transformation).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish interpretation of Isaiah 40:13 emphasized God's transcendent wisdom, contrasting Creator with creature. Paul radicalizes the text: through union with Christ by Spirit, believers actually participate in divine perspective. This builds on earlier contrast—natural vs. spiritual person. The "mind of Christ" isn't mystical intuition but Scripture-saturated thinking formed by apostolic teaching. Later patristic writers would connect this to theosis (participation in divine nature), but Paul's focus is epistemological: Christians can discern God's revealed will because they possess Christ's interpretive framework through the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does having "the mind of Christ" practically mean for your daily decision-making and worldview formation?
  2. How do you cultivate Christ's mindset through Scripture rather than assuming every thought you have reflects His perspective?
  3. How should this promise of sharing Christ's mind shape your confidence when biblical truth conflicts with cultural consensus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τίς1 of 13

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

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

ἔγνω3 of 13

“hath known”

G1097

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

νοῦν4 of 13

“the mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

κυρίου5 of 13

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὃς6 of 13

“that”

G3739

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

συμβιβάσει7 of 13

“he may instruct”

G4822

causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach

αὐτόν8 of 13

“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

ἡμεῖς9 of 13

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ10 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

νοῦν11 of 13

“the mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

Χριστοῦ12 of 13

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἔχομεν13 of 13

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:13-14Romans 11:34John 16:13-16John 15:15Job 15:8Jeremiah 23:18

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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