1 Corinthians 1:27
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Study Note
Study Note
The triple paradox — God has chosen 'the foolish things... the weak things... the base things and things which are despised' — inverts every cultural hierarchy to prevent human boasting and demonstrate divine sovereign freedom. The social specificity of Paul's language (the low-born, the non-existent, 1:28) suggests he had in mind the actual social composition of the Corinthian congregation, many of whom belonged to artisan and slave classes. Wayne Meeks' sociological analysis ('The First Urban Christians') and subsequent scholars have examined how Paul here transforms social disadvantage into a theological statement about divine election. The verse became a touchstone for medieval mendicant spirituality, Reformation arguments about grace over merit, and liberation theology's preference for the poor.
Other Translations
but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
but the foolish things of the world did God choose, that the wise He may put to shame; and the weak things of the world did God choose that He may put to shame the strong;
But God made selection of the foolish things of this world so that he might put the wise to shame; and the feeble things that he might put to shame the strong;
Cross References
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still …
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, …
The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: …
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy …
I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the …
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a …
And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and …
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast …