sophía

What it means

Wisdom, skill, or insight. In Greek culture it meant philosophy and clever speech, and in Jewish writings it often meant practical, God-given insight for living well. In this letter Paul sets "the wisdom of this age" against God's wisdom, which looks like foolishness because it is centered on a crucified Messiah (1:18-2:16).

Range of meaning

• SkillPractical know-how.
• InsightUnderstanding of what is true.
• God's wisdomHis purpose, shown in Christ.

In 1 Corinthians

• Chapter 1

  "Not in wisdom of words" and "the wisdom of God" (1:17-30).

• Chapter 2

  "Wisdom of this age" and "God's wisdom" (2:5-7, 2:13).