1 Corinthians 1:21 bbe — For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure…

Bible in Basic English

"For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him."

— 1 Corinthians 1:21, Bible in Basic English

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1 Corinthians 1:21 in Other Translations

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1 Corinthians 1 — Context

18

For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.

19

As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.

20

Where is the wise? where is he who has knowledge of the law? where is the man of this world who has a love of discussion? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21

For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him.

22

Seeing that the Jews make request for signs, and the Greeks are looking for knowledge:

23

But we give the good news of Christ on the cross, a hard thing to the Jews, and a foolish thing to the Gentiles;

24

But to those of God's selection, Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 1:21 say?
1 Corinthians 1:21 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 1:21 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 1:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 21.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 1:21.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 1:21 in?
1 Corinthians 1:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 1:21?
1 Corinthians 1:21 reads (BBE): “For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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