New International Version God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, New Living Translation God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. English Standard Version God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, Berean Standard Bible He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, Berean Literal Bible and the lowborn of the world, and the things being despised, God also chose—the things not being—that He might nullify the things being, King James Bible And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: New King James Version and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, New American Standard Bible and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, NASB 1995 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, NASB 1977 and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, Legacy Standard Bible and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may abolish the things that are, Amplified Bible God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, Berean Annotated Bible He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, Christian Standard Bible God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world —what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, Holman Christian Standard Bible God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, American Standard Version and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: Contemporary English Version What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. English Revised Version and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: GOD'S WORD® Translation God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises-what it considers to be nothing-in order to destroy what it considers to be something. Good News Translation He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. International Standard Version And God chose what is insignificant in the world, what is despised, what is nothing, in order to destroy what is something, NET Bible God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, New Heart English Bible And God chose the lowly of the world, and the despised, what is considered to be nothing, to bring to nothing what is considered to be something, Webster's Bible Translation And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: Weymouth New Testament and the things which the world regards as base, and those which it sets utterly at nought--things that have no existence--God has chosen in order to reduce to nothing things that do exist; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, World English Bible God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that don’t exist, that he might bring to nothing the things that exist, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand God chose the base things of the world, and the things despised, and the things that are not, that He may make useless the things that are— Berean Literal Bible and the lowborn of the world, and the things being despised, God also chose—the things not being—that He might nullify the things being, Young's Literal Translation and the base things of the world, and the things despised did God choose, and the things that are not, that the things that are He may make useless -- Smith's Literal Translation And the ignoble things of the world, and the despised things, has God chosen, and things not being, that the things being he might leave unemployed: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the base things of the world, and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are: Catholic Public Domain Version And God has chosen the ignoble and contemptible of the world, those who are nothing, so that he may reduce to nothing those who are something. New American Bible and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, New Revised Standard Version God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he has chosen those of humble families in the world, and the lowly, and those who are insignificant, in order to belittle those who consider themselves important, Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he has chosen those of low descent in the world and the rejects and those who are nothing, to nullify those who are, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand the ignoble things of the world, and the things that are despised, has God chosen, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are; Godbey New Testament and God has chosen the base-born of the world, and those of no reputation, the things which are not, that He may set at nought the things which are, Haweis New Testament and the ignoble things of the world, and the despicable, hath God elected, and the things that are not, to bring to nought the things which are, Mace New Testament those who were looked upon by the world as vile, as despicable, as nothing, these has God chosen to reduce their sufficiency to nothing. Weymouth New Testament and the things which the world regards as base, and those which it sets utterly at nought--things that have no existence--God has chosen in order to reduce to nothing things that do exist; Worrell New Testament and the base things of the world, and things despised, did God choose, and the things that are not, that He might bring to nought the things that are; Worsley New Testament and things in the opinion of the world ignoble, and despicable, and accounted as nothing, hath God chosen, to abolish things that are in esteem among men; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Wisdom from God…27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast in His presence.… Cross References He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? Psalm 113:7-8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. and the things that are not, Romans 4:17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Psalm 33:9 For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. to nullify the things that are, 1 Corinthians 2:6 Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. Psalm 33:10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. Psalm 146:4 When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Romans 9:25-26 As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” / and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” 1 Samuel 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. Isaiah 29:19 The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Zephaniah 3:12 But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD. Treasury of Scripture And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: things which. Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. to bring. 1 Corinthians 2:6 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: Deuteronomy 28:63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it. Job 34:19,20,24 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands… Jump to Previous Annul Base Choose Chose Chosen Despised Exist Existence God Honour Ignoble Lowly Naught Nought Nullify Order Reduce Regards Selection Sets Useless Utterly WorldJump to Next Annul Base Choose Chose Chosen Despised Exist Existence God Honour Ignoble Lowly Naught Nought Nullify Order Reduce Regards Selection Sets Useless Utterly World1 Corinthians 1 1. After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,10. Paul exhorts them to unity, 12. and reproves their dissensions. 18. God destroys the wisdom of the wise, 21. by the foolishness of preaching; 26. and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble, 28. but the foolish, weak, and men of no account. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, In status-conscious Corinth, God’s choice of people without wealth, influence, education, or honor confronted the values of the surrounding culture. Many believers came from ordinary and marginalized backgrounds, yet God used them to display His power. Jas 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor… and the things that are not, Those regarded as insignificant or of no account by society became instruments of God’s work, demonstrating His ability to create ex nihilo, or out of nothing. Their standing before God did not depend on the recognition or approval of the world. Rom 4:17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations”… to nullify the things that are, God overturns human claims to wisdom, power, and importance. What the world exalts cannot stand as a source of confidence before Him, because His purposes are accomplished by His power rather than human strength. 1Co 2:6 Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges. 2. The Church in Corinth A Christian community in a cosmopolitan city, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and spiritual pride. 3. God's Choice The divine action of choosing what is considered insignificant by worldly standards to accomplish His purposes. 4. The World Refers to the prevailing cultural and societal norms that often value power, status, and wealth. 5. The Lowly and Despised Those whom society overlooks or devalues, yet whom God chooses to demonstrate His power and wisdom. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod often chooses what the world deems insignificant to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and wisdom. Value in Humility Believers are called to embrace humility, recognizing that God values the heart over external status or achievements. Redefining Success Success in God's kingdom is not measured by worldly standards but by faithfulness and obedience to His calling. Encouragement for the Overlooked Those who feel overlooked or undervalued can find encouragement in knowing that God sees and chooses them for His purposes. Challenge to Worldly Values Christians are challenged to reject societal norms that prioritize power and prestige, instead embracing God's upside-down kingdom values. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:28?2. How does 1 Corinthians 1:28 challenge our view of worldly status? 3. What does "lowly and despised" reveal about God's selection criteria? 4. How can we apply 1 Corinthians 1:28 in our daily interactions? 5. Which other scriptures emphasize God choosing the humble over the mighty? 6. How does this verse encourage us to value humility in our communities? 7. How does 1 Corinthians 1:28 challenge societal views on power and status? 8. Why does God choose the lowly and despised according to 1 Corinthians 1:28? 9. What historical context influenced Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 1:28? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1? (28) And things which are not.--This climax loses somewhat of its force by the insertion of the word "and," which is not in some of the best MSS., and "yea," which is not in any MS. Omitting the word "and," the sentence is not an addition to the things already mentioned, but a general and emphatic summary of all the things which have been already contrasted with their opposites. After the words "hath God chosen" there is a slight pause, and then the Apostle describes all those things which he has declared to be God's choice, as things which "are not"--i.e., do not in men's estimation even exist (Romans 4:17; Romans 9:25; see also Job 34:19; Job 34:24).Verse 28. - And the base things; literally, low-born, unborn; "those who are sprung kern no one in particular" - nullo patre, nullis majoribus. Nothing could be more ignoble in the eyes of the world than a cross of wood upheld by feeble hands, and yet before it "kings and their armies did flee and were discomfited, and they of the household divided the spoil." And the things that are not. The not is the Greek subjective negative (μὴ); things of which men conceived as not existing - "nonentities." It is like the expression of Clement of Rome, "Things accounted as nothing." Christianity was "the little stone, cut without hands," which God called into existence. We find the same thought in St. John the Baptist's sermon (Matthew 3:9). 1 Corinthians 1:28 reveals a consistent, comforting pattern: God purposefully selects the humble, the overlooked, and even the “non-existent” to topple the presumed powers of this age. In doing so He magnifies His grace, silences human pride, and reassures every believer that no circumstance or status can hinder His plan. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [He]Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. chose ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1586: To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. lowly ἀγενῆ (agenē) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 36: Lit: without family, hence: ignoble, base. Properly, without kin, i.e. ignoble. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. despised ἐξουθενημένα (exouthenēmena) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 1848: To set at naught, ignore, despise. A variation of exoudenoo and meaning the same. things τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world, κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. the things that τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. are ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not, μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. nullify καταργήσῃ (katargēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2673: From kata and argeo; to be entirely idle, literally or figuratively. the things that τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. are, ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Additonal Resources 1 Corinthians 1:28 Blue Letter Bible1 Corinthians 1:28 Bible Gateway 1 Corinthians 1:28 Bible.com 1 Corinthians 1:28 NIV |
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