“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
King James Version (KJV)
2:13 Which also we speak - As well as know. In words taught by the Holy Spirit - Such are all the words of scripture. How high a regard ought we, then, to retain for them! Explaining spiritual things by spiritual words; or, adapting spiritual words to spiritual things - Being taught of the Spirit to express the things of the Spirit.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak. The grand truths, "the hidden wisdom" (1Co 2:7), "the mystery of God" (Col 2:2), revealed to them through the Spirit, they spoke to others. These things they spoke, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, not in the garb of philosophy, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. In the words given by the Holy Spirit. Comparing spiritual things with spiritual. This difficult clause has received many explanations. Canon Cook explains it: "Matching spiritual things with spiritual words". Conybeare and Howson say: "Explaining spiritual things to spiritual men". This last view, which Canon Cook says does no violence to the Greek, harmonizes best with 1Co 2:6,14. I think that the next verse shows that this is the true meaning.
Which things also we speake, not in the words which mans wisedome teacheth, but which the holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spirituall.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan
which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual {thoughts} with spiritual {words.}
- New American Standard Version (1995)
Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual `words'.
- American Standard Version (1901)
And these are the things which we say, not in the language of man's wisdom, but in words given to us by the Spirit, judging the things of the spirit by the help of the Spirit.
- Basic English Bible
which also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual [things] by spiritual [means].
- Darby Bible
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
- Webster's Bible
Of these we speak--not in language which man's wisdom teaches us, but in that which the Spirit teaches--adapting, as we do, spiritual words to spiritual truths.
- Weymouth Bible
Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.
- World English Bible
Whiche thingis we speken also, not in wise wordis of mannus wisdom, but in the doctryn of the spirit, and maken a liknesse of spiritual thingis to goostli men.
- Wycliffe Bible
which things also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Holy Spirit, with spiritual things spiritual things comparing,
- Youngs Literal Bible