1 Corinthians 2:9

“But as it is written, etc.] Not in an apocryphal book, called the Apocalypse of Elijah the prophet, as some have thought, but in (<236404>Isaiah 64:4) with some variation; and is brought to prove that the Gospel is mysterious and hidden wisdom, unknown to the princes of this world, and ordained before the world was, for the glory of the saints: for the following words are not to be understood of the glories and happiness of the future state; though they are indeed invisible, unheard of, and inconceivable as to the excellency and fulness of them, and are what God has prepared from all eternity, for all those on whom he bestows his grace here; but of the doctrines of grace, and mysteries of…”

“But--(it has happened) as it is written. Eye hath not seen, &c.--ALFORD translates, "The things which eye saw not . . . the things which God prepared . . . to us God revealed through His Spirit." Thus, however, the "but" of Co1 2:10 is ignored. Rather construe, as ESTIUS, "('We speak,' supplied from Co1 2:8), things which eye saw not (heretofore), . . . things which God prepared . . . But God revealed them to us," &c. The quotation is not a verbatim one, but an inspired exposition of the "wisdom" (Co1 2:6, from Isa 64:4). The exceptive words, "O God, beside (that is, except) Thee," are not quoted directly, but are virtually expressed in the exposition of them (Co1 2:10), "None but thou, O…”

“But as it is written - This passage is quoted from Isaiah 64:4. It is not quoted literally; but the sense only is given. The words are found in the apocryphal books of Elijah; and Origen and Jerome supposed that Paul quoted from those books. But it is evident that Paul had in his eye the passage in Isaiah; and intended to apply it to his present purpose. These words are often applied by commentators and others to the future life, and are supposed by them to be descriptive of the state of the blessed there. But against the supposition that they refer directly to the future state, there are insuperable objections: (1) The first is, that the passage in Isaiah has no such reference. In that…”

“But this ignorance of theirs fulfils what is written concerning the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom. No natural man hath either seen, heard, or known, the things which God hath prepared, saith the prophet, for them that love him. Isa 64:4 1 Corinthians 2:10”

“2:9 This quotation (cp. Isa 64:4) supports Paul’s point (1 Cor 2:8): Those with no spiritual sensitivity do not understand God’s work of redemption.”

“eye: This passage is not taken from the LXX, nor is an exact translation of the Hebrew; but it gives the general sense. Isa 64:4; Joh 3:16; Pe1 1:12 the things: Psa 31:19; Mat 20:23, Mat 25:34; Heb 11:16 them: Rom 8:28; Jam 1:12, Jam 2:5; Jo1 4:19 1 Corinthians 2:10”