1 Corinthians 1:29
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Study Note
Study Note
'That no flesh should glory in his presence' — this summary of God's election logic (choosing the foolish, weak, base, and despised things of the world) arrives at its telos: the complete elimination of human self-congratulation before the divine throne. The word 'flesh' (sarx) carries its full Pauline weight — not merely human physicality but the entire domain of human self-reliance, social status, and religious achievement that Paul catalogs in Philippians 3:4–6 as his own pre-conversion capital. The verse crystallizes 1 Corinthians 1:18–31's theology of the cross as a reversal of all human value-systems, making the church a community where the only proper boast is in God alone (verse 31).
Other Translations
that no flesh should glory before God.
that no flesh may glory before Him;
So that no flesh might have glory before God.
Cross References
They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh …
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in …
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that …
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou …
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?