King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 2:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 2:6 in the King James Version says “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world,...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:”

1 Corinthians 2:6 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

4

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: enticing: or, persuasible

5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. stand: Gr. be

6

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought. Paul paradoxically affirms Christian wisdom after denouncing worldly wisdom. He speaks sophia (σοφία, "wisdom") to the teleioi (τέλειοι, "mature/perfect")—not esoteric knowledge for spiritual elites, but gospel truth for those regenerated by the Spirit (v. 14-15). This isn't sophia tou aiōnos toutou (σοφία τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου, "wisdom of this age") which is temporal and passing.

The princes of this world (archontes tou aiōnos toutou, ἄρχοντες τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου) likely refers to both human rulers (Pilate, Herod, Jewish leaders) and spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:15). The phrase katargoumenōn (καταργουμένων, "coming to nought/being rendered powerless") indicates ongoing process—these powers are already being nullified through Christ's victory, though not yet fully abolished. Their wisdom proved bankrupt when they crucified the Lord of glory (v. 8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism and Greek philosophy both claimed "wisdom" traditions. Rabbinic schools debated Torah interpretation; Greek philosophical schools (Stoics, Epicureans, Cynics) competed for adherents. Paul positions Christian wisdom as categorically different—revealed by God, not discovered by human reason. The "rulers of this age" includes both Roman authority (represented by Pilate) and Jewish leadership (represented by the Sanhedrin) who collaborated in Christ's crucifixion, inadvertently fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

Reflection Questions

  1. What worldly wisdom systems (political ideologies, psychological theories, philosophical movements) do Christians sometimes confuse with biblical wisdom?
  2. How does the "coming to nought" of worldly powers provide hope when facing opposition to gospel truth?
  3. What distinguishes mature Christian wisdom from immature understanding—and how do you grow from one to the other?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
σοφίαν1 of 20

“the wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

δὲ2 of 20

“Howbeit”

G1161

but, and, etc

λαλοῦμεν3 of 20

“we speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἐν4 of 20

“among”

G1722

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

τοῖς5 of 20
G3588

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

τελείοις6 of 20

“them that are perfect”

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

σοφίαν7 of 20

“the wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

δὲ8 of 20

“Howbeit”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐ9 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

τοῦ10 of 20
G3588

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

αἰῶνος11 of 20

“world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου12 of 20

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

οὐδὲ13 of 20

“nor”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

τῶν14 of 20
G3588

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

ἀρχόντων15 of 20

“of the princes”

G758

a first (in rank or power)

τοῦ16 of 20
G3588

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

αἰῶνος17 of 20

“world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου18 of 20

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

τῶν19 of 20
G3588

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

καταργουμένων·20 of 20

“that come to nought”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:14James 3:152 Corinthians 4:41 Corinthians 1:18-201 Corinthians 1:281 Corinthians 2:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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