1 Corinthians 2:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The person who lives only by natural understanding cannot grasp the things of God, for they are discerned only through the Spirit.
What Does 1 Corinthians 2:14 Mean?
Paul draws a contrast between two ways of perceiving. The natural man, relying on human faculties alone, does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; to him they seem foolish. He cannot know them, because such things are discerned only in a spiritual way.
This is not a verdict of contempt but an honest account of how spiritual truth is grasped. Just as a beautiful melody means little to one who cannot hear it, so the things of God remain closed to a heart untouched by his Spirit. The good news is that no one is locked out forever: the Spirit who alone gives understanding is freely offered. For the reader, this stirs both humility and prayer. We do not master the things of God by intellect, but receive them as the Spirit opens our eyes to see.
1 Corinthians 2:14 in the Original Language
psychikos (ψυχικός), 'natural' -- belonging to the soul's ordinary life, describing one who lives by human capacity apart from the Spirit's illumination.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 2:14
What does 1 Corinthians 2:14 mean?
The person who lives only by natural understanding cannot grasp the things of God, for they are discerned only through the Spirit.