1 Corinthians 2:14-15
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not just that the natural person disagrees with God's truth; the verse says these truths are foolishness to them, like trying to explain color to someone born blind. Furthermore, the inability to understand isn't a lack of intelligence, but a fundamental lack of the spiritual equipment needed to even begin to perceive what God reveals.
Paul is explaining why the message of the cross, which seems like foolishness to many outsiders, is actually the power of God to those who are called. He's contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom God reveals, showing that only through the Spirit can we grasp these deeper truths. This verse sets up his explanation of how believers receive this spiritual understanding through the Spirit of God.
Ever feel like you're speaking a different language than someone who doesn't share your faith? This verse explains why.
Paul uses the term 'natural person' here to describe someone who is living solely by their own human reason and senses, apart from God's Spirit. For this person, the truths of God's kingdom – things like love, forgiveness, redemption, and the very nature of God – don't just seem odd, they appear utterly foolish. It's not a matter of intelligence; it's a matter of perspective. Their understanding is limited by what is visible and logical to them, making spiritual realities inaccessible.
If our natural minds can't grasp spiritual truths, how do we ever come to know God?
The key here is 'spiritually discerned.' Paul isn't saying people are incapable of understanding anything spiritual in an intellectual way, but that true comprehension and acceptance of God's ways comes only through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit opens our eyes, illuminating the Scriptures and God's character. It’s like being given special glasses to see a world that was always there but invisible to our natural sight. This discernment isn't earned; it's a gift from God.
Understand the original words
psychikos · Greek Adjective
The unregenerate human being who relies solely on natural faculties, senses, and worldly understanding. This person lacks the indwelling Spirit and is therefore unable to perceive or appreciate divine realities.
mōria · Greek Noun
That which is considered absurd, irrational, or nonsensical to the natural mind. In biblical terms, it refers to the gospel message which appears foolish to the worldly because it reverses the values of human pride.
pneumatikōs anakrinetai · Greek Verb
The process of examining, distinguishing, or evaluating through the lens of the Holy Spirit. It implies a capability given by God to discern what is of Him versus what is of the flesh or the world.
pneumatikos · Greek Adjective
This passage echoes the idea that the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing, highlighting the contrast between human wisdom and God's power revealed in Christ.
Romans 8:5-8It directly contrasts those who live according to the flesh (the 'natural person') with those who live according to the Spirit, showing the fundamental difference in their focus and their inability to please God.
John 14:16-17Jesus speaks of the Helper (the Spirit of truth) who will be with believers and whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him, showing the world's inability to grasp spiritual realities.
2 Corinthians 4:18This verse calls believers to fix their eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, implying that spiritual understanding transcends the visible and the natural.
It's not just that the natural person disagrees with God's truth; the verse says these truths are foolishness to them, like trying to explain color to someone born blind. Furthermore, the inability to understand isn't a lack of intelligence, but a fundamental lack of the spiritual equipment needed to even begin to perceive what God reveals.
Paul is explaining why the message of the cross, which seems like foolishness to many outsiders, is actually the power of God to those who are called. He's contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom God reveals, showing that only through the Spirit can we grasp these deeper truths. This verse sets up his explanation of how believers receive this spiritual understanding through the Spirit of God.
Paul is explaining why the message of the cross, which seems like foolishness to many outsiders, is actually the power of God to those who are called. He's contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom God reveals, showing that only through the Spirit can we grasp these deeper truths. This verse sets up his explanation of how believers receive this spiritual understanding through the Spirit of God.
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A person who is indwelt, guided, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This individual possesses a new capacity to understand, evaluate, and align their life with the will of God.
anakrinei · Greek Verb
The act of evaluating, assessing, or investigating. In this context, it refers to the capacity of the believer to rightly weigh and discern the nature of spiritual and worldly affairs.
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judge…" — It's not just that the natural person disagrees with God's truth; the verse says these truths are foolishness to them, like trying to explain color to someone born blind. Furthermore, the inabili…
