1 Corinthians 2:14 “The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit o…”

1 Corinthians 2:14

The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

World English Bible

Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him; and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

American Standard Version

Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

Geneva Bible 1599

But the naturall man perceiueth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishnesse vnto him: neither can hee knowe them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Darby Translation

But [the] natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him; and he cannot know [them] because they are spiritually discerned;

Young's Literal Translation

and the natural man doth not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for to him they are foolishness, and he is not able to know [them], because spiritually they are discerned;

Bible in Basic English

For the natural man is not able to take in the things of the Spirit of God: for they seem foolish to him, and he is not able to have knowledge of them, because such knowledge comes only through the Spirit.

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Cross references

“the natural man”

1 Corinthians 15:46 Jude 1:19 James 3:15 1 Corinthians 15:44

1 Corinthians 15:46 · BSB

The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.

Jude 1:19 · BSB

These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

James 3:15 · BSB

Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

1 Corinthians 15:44 · BSB

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

“receiveth”

Romans 8:5–8 Matthew 13:11–17 John 12:37 Matthew 16:23 John 3:3–6 John 8:43

Romans 8:5–8 · BSB

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Matthew 13:11–17 · BSB

He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

John 12:37 · BSB

Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him.

Matthew 16:23 · BSB

But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

John 3:3–6 · BSB

Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. ”

John 8:43 · BSB

Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.

“the things”

1 Corinthians 2:12 John 14:26 John 16:8–15 John 15:26

1 Corinthians 2:12 · BSB

We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

John 14:26 · BSB

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 16:8–15 · BSB

And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:

John 15:26 · BSB

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me.

“they”

1 Corinthians 1:18 1 Corinthians 1:23 Acts 25:19 John 10:20 Acts 17:32 Acts 18:15

1 Corinthians 1:18 · BSB

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:23 · BSB

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

Acts 25:19 · BSB

They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

John 10:20 · BSB

Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?”

Acts 17:32 · BSB

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

Acts 18:15 · BSB

But since it is a dispute about words and names and your own law, settle it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of such things.”

“neither”

2 Corinthians 4:4–6 1 John 2:27 1 John 2:20 Proverbs 14:6 John 5:44 Acts 16:14

2 Corinthians 4:4–6 · BSB

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

1 John 2:27 · BSB

And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taug…

1 John 2:20 · BSB

You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

Proverbs 14:6 · BSB

A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

John 5:44 · BSB

How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

Acts 16:14 · BSB

Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.

Read 1 Corinthians 2