1 Corinthians study section
1 Corinthians word studies
A handful of Greek words carry the theology of 1 Corinthians. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
σοφία (sophia) — “Wisdom”
Usage: 1 Corinthians 1:17-24; 2:6-7; 3:19
Meaning: Wisdom, insight, skill. Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.
Theological Significance: The cross is “folly” to worldly wisdom but is in fact “the wisdom of God.” Christ crucified is God’s wisdom, which shames the wise and saves believers, so that we boast only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:23-24; Colossians 2:3).
σῶμα (sōma) — “Body”
Usage: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 12:12-27; 15:44
Meaning: Body — the physical body, the church as Christ’s body, and the resurrection body.
Theological Significance: The believer’s sōma is a temple of the Spirit, bought by Christ and meant to glorify God; the church is one sōma with many members; and the sōma will be raised imperishable. God cares about the body and will redeem it (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 15:42-44).
ἀγάπη (agapē) — “Love”
Usage: 1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:1-13; 16:14
Meaning: Self-giving love that seeks the good of others, patient and enduring.
Theological Significance: Agapē is “the more excellent way,” greater than knowledge or any gift, without which even the most spectacular ministry is nothing. It builds up, never ends, and abides forever, reflecting the love of God in Christ (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:8).
χάρισμα (charisma) — “Gift of Grace”
Usage: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 12:4, 9, 28, 31
Meaning: A gift of grace, a spiritual endowment given by the Spirit. Related to charis, “grace.”
Theological Significance: The Spirit distributes charismata to the church “for the common good,” each member gifted to serve the body. Gifts are given by grace, not earned, and are to be exercised in love and order (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6).
ἀνάστασις (anastasis) — “Resurrection”
Usage: 1 Corinthians 15:12-13, 21, 42
Meaning: A rising up, resurrection — the raising of the dead to life.
Theological Significance: The anastasis of Christ is the firstfruits and guarantee of the resurrection of all who are His. It is the foundation of the faith and the church’s great hope, ensuring that death is defeated and our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:20-22; John 11:25).
My notes
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