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1 Corinthians 1:28

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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:
1 Corinthians 1:28 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:
27but 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;
28and 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:
29that no flesh should glory before God.
30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
31that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
← 1 Corinthians 1:271 Corinthians 1:29 →
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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
“And base things of the world, etc.] Who are reckoned the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things; men of mean birth, education, and business of life: and things that are despised; and set at nought, as poor persons generally are; yet God hath chosen them; even the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of a kingdom: yea, and things which are not; some think the Gentiles are here intended, who by the Jews are called “things that are not”: as in the apocryphal books: “O Lord, give not thy sceptre unto “them that be nothing”, and let them not laugh at our fall; but turn their device upon themselves, and make him an example, that hath begun this against us.” (Esther 14:11)…”
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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
“yea, and things which are not--Yea is not in the Greek. Also some of the oldest manuscripts omit "and." Thus the clause, "things which are not" (are regarded as naught), is in apposition with "foolish . . . weak . . . base (that is, lowborn) and despised things." God has chosen all four, though regarded as things that are not, to bring to naught things that are.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And base things of the world - Those things which by the world are esteemed ignoble. Literally, those which are not of noble, or illustrious birth τὰ ἀγειῆ ta ageiē. Things which are despised - Those which the world regards as objects of contempt; compare Mark 9:12; Luke 18:19; Acts 4:11. Yea - The introduction of this word by the translators does nothing to illustrate the sense, but rather enfeebles it. The language here is a striking instance of Paul’s manner of expressing himself with great strength. He desires to convey in the strongest terms, the fact, that God had illustrated his plan by choosing the objects of least esteem among people. He is willing to admit all that could be…”
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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
“Things that are not - The Jews frequently called the gentiles, "Them that are not," 2 Esdras vi. 56, 57. In so supreme contempt did they hold them. The things that are - In high esteem. 1 Corinthians 1:29”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“things which: Rom 4:17; Co2 12:11 to bring: Co1 2:6; Deu 28:63; Job 34:19, Job 34:20, Job 34:24; Psa 32:10, Psa 37:35, Psa 37:36; Isa 2:11, Isa 2:17; Isa 17:13, Isa 17:14, Isa 37:36, Isa 41:12; Dan 2:34, Dan 2:35, Dan 2:44, Dan 2:45; Rev 18:17 1 Corinthians 1:29”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 1 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification