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1 Corinthians 1:19

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
1 Corinthians 1:19 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.
18For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God`s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
22Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“As it is written, etc.] The passage referred to is in (<232914>Isaiah 29:14) where it is read, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish; and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid”; and is rendered by the Septuagint, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will hide the understanding of the prudent”: which is much the same with the apostle’s version of it: and the sense of the prophecy is, that in the times of the Messiah, under the Gospel dispensation, the mysteries of grace should be hid from the wise rabbins among the Jews, the Scribes and Pharisees, who, with all their sagacity, parts, and learning, would not be able to comprehend the doctrines of the Gospel; by these…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will destroy--slightly altered from the Septuagint, Isa 29:14. The Hebrew is, "The wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." Paul by inspiration gives the sense of the Spirit, by making GOD the cause of their wisdom perishing, &c., "I will destroy," &c. understanding of the prudent--literally, "of the understanding ones."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For it is written - This passage is quoted from Isaiah 29:14. The Hebrew of the passage, as rendered in the English version is, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” The version of the Septuagint is, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the understanding of the prudent I will hide” κρύψω krupsō, corresponding substantially with the quotation by Paul. The sense in the Hebrew is not materially different. The meaning of the passage as used by Isaiah is, that such was the iniquity and stupidity of “Ariel” Isaiah 29:1, that is, Jerusalem, that God would so execute his judgments as to confound their wise men, and overwhelm…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For it is written - And the words are remarkably applicable to this great event. Isa 29:14 1 Corinthians 1:20”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:19 This quotation from Isa 29:14 shows God’s estimation of mere human wisdom.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co1 3:19; Job 5:12, Job 5:13; Isa 19:3, Isa 19:11, Isa 29:14; Jer 8:9 1 Corinthians 1:20”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification