1 Corinthians 2:7

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 2:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but we speak God`s wisdom in a mystery, [even] the [wisdom] that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but we speak God`s wisdom in a mystery, [even] the [wisdom] that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:
1 Corinthians 2:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7but we speak God`s wisdom in a mystery, [even] the [wisdom] that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But we speak the wisdom of God, etc.] Not of men, not of the wise politicians, the learned philosophers and Rabbins; that which human wisdom has no hand in forming, nor in revealing, nor in propagating, and which is disliked and disapproved of by it: the Gospel is the sole produce of divine wisdom, and in which there is a glorious display of it; even in those doctrines which are the most charged with folly, as salvation by a crucified Christ, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, satisfaction by his sacrifice, etc. in a mystery; it is mysterious wisdom. The Gospel is full of mysteries; there is the mystery of God, of a trinity of persons in the divine essence; the mystery…”
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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
“wisdom of God--emphatically contrasted with the wisdom of men and of this world (Co1 2:5-6). in a mystery--connected in construction with "we speak": We speak as dealing with a mystery; that is not something to be kept hidden, but what heretofore was so, but is now revealed. Whereas the pagan mysteries were revealed only to a chosen few, the Gospel mysteries were made known to all who would obey the truth. "If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost" (Co2 4:3), "whom the God of this world hath blinded." Ordinarily we use "mystery" in reference to those from whom the knowledge is withheld; the apostles, in reference to those to whom it is revealed [WHATELY]. It is hidden before it…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But we speak - We who have preached the gospel. The wisdom of God - We teach or proclaim the wise plan of God for the salvation of people; we make known the divine wisdom in regard to the scheme of human redemption. This plan was of God, in opposition to other plans which were of human beings. In a mystery, even the hidden wisdom - ἐν μυστηρίῳ τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην en mustēriō tēn apokekrummenēn. The words “even” and “wisdom” in this translation have been supplied by our translators; and the sense would be more perspicuous if they were omitted, and the translation should be literally made, “We proclaim the divine wisdom hidden in a mystery.” The apostle does not say that their…”
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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
“But we speak the mysterious wisdom of God, which was hidden for many ages from all the world, and is still hidden even from "babes in Christ;" much more from all unbelievers. Which God ordained before the world - So far is this from coming to nought, like worldly wisdom. For our glory - Arising from the glory of our Lord, and then to be revealed when all worldly glory vanishes. 1 Corinthians 2:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:7 In Paul’s writings, mystery often refers to a truth previously hidden but now revealed in the Good News of Christ and his saving work (see Rom 11:25-27; 1 Tim 3:9, 16). • before the world began: From the very beginning, it has been God’s desire to save his chosen people through Christ (see Rom 16:25-26; Eph 1:9-12; 3:3-12; Col 1:25-27) and to bring them to ultimate glory in the coming age (see Rom 5:2; 8:18-21, 29-30; 1 Thes 2:12).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“even: Psa 78:2; Isa 48:6, Isa 48:7; Mat 11:25, Mat 13:35; Rom 16:25, Rom 16:26; Eph 1:4, Eph 3:4-9; Col 1:26, Col 1:27; Ti2 1:9; Pe1 1:11; Rev 13:8 unto: Pe1 5:1, Pe1 5:10; Pe2 1:3 1 Corinthians 2:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification