1 Corinthians 1:28-29
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It’s easy to skim over the phrase "even things that are not," but Paul is highlighting God's radical choice. He's not just picking the least important people, but those who are considered non-existent or utterly without value in the world's eyes. This shows God's power isn't about building on existing human strength, but about creating something from absolutely nothing.
God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, a community deeply divided by pride and a tendency to follow human leaders over Christ. He's challenging their obsession with worldly wisdom and status by pointing out that God's plan of salvation through a crucified Messiah seems foolish to outsiders. This verse directly follows his argument that God intentionally chooses the weak and seemingly insignificant, not the powerful and wise by human standards, to show His strength.
The world's definition of success often involves power, status, and intellect. But God's plan turns this upside down.
Paul highlights a radical principle in 1 Corinthians: God deliberately chooses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. He selects the 'low and despised' – those overlooked, undervalued, or even considered non-existent by worldly standards. Why? So that no human can boast in their own achievements. When God uses the weak, the humble, and the obscure, it's undeniable that the power belongs to Him, not to the vessel. This is a powerful reframe for how we see ourselves and others, and how we understand God's work in the world.
What happens when God takes what the world dismisses and uses it to dismantle what the world values?
The verse states God chooses 'even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.' This isn't about God literally creating something from absolute nothingness, but rather taking those who are considered 'nothing' by worldly standards – those without social standing, wealth, or influence – and using them to undermine and nullify the proud achievements and perceived strengths of the powerful and self-sufficient. God’s strategy is to expose the futility of human pride and reliance on worldly systems. By using the 'have-nots,' He demonstrates that true strength and authority come from Him alone, rendering human boasting useless.
Understand the original words
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agenēs · Greek Adjective
Being of low status or common. It suggests things that are looked down upon or considered unimportant by the standards of the world.
exoutheneō · Greek Adjective/Participle
Regarded with contempt or as having no worth. It highlights the contrast between worldly evaluation and God’s sovereign valuation.
kauchaomai · Greek Verb
A strong expression of human pride or self-glorification. Scripture warns against boasting in one’s own works, insisting that all glory must be given to God.
This passage shows God using David, a humble shepherd boy, to defeat Goliath, the mighty warrior, highlighting God's pattern of choosing the seemingly weak to demonstrate His power.
Matthew 11:25Jesus gives thanks that God has hidden His truths from the wise and understanding but revealed them to little children, echoing the theme of God choosing the humble and simple.
2 Corinthians 12:9Paul testifies that God's power is made perfect in weakness, encouraging believers that their limitations are actually opportunities for God's strength to shine through.
Luke 1:52Mary's Magnificat declares that God has brought down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly, directly mirroring the principle of God overturning worldly status.
It’s easy to skim over the phrase "even things that are not," but Paul is highlighting God's radical choice. He's not just picking the least important people, but those who are considered non-existent or utterly without value in the world's eyes. This shows God's power isn't about building on existing human strength, but about creating something from absolutely nothing.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, a community deeply divided by pride and a tendency to follow human leaders over Christ. He's challenging their obsession with worldly wisdom and status by pointing out that God's plan of salvation through a crucified Messiah seems foolish to outsiders. This verse directly follows his argument that God intentionally chooses the weak and seemingly insignificant, not the powerful and wise by human standards, to show His strength.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, a community deeply divided by pride and a tendency to follow human leaders over Christ. He's challenging their obsession with worldly wisdom and status by pointing out that God's plan of salvation through a crucified Messiah seems foolish to outsiders. This verse directly follows his argument that God intentionally chooses the weak and seemingly insignificant, not the powerful and wise by human standards, to show His strength.
"God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." — It’s easy to skim over the phrase "even things that are not," but Paul is highlighting God's radical choice. He's not just picking the least important people, but those who are considered non-exist…
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Last reviewed October 2026
