What does 1 Corinthians 1:31 mean?

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:31

Explanation

The verse “That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31) encapsulates the idea that any boasting or pride a person may have should not be in themselves or their achievements but rather in the Lord. It emphasizes humility and the acknowledgment that all good things, including any cause for boasting, ultimately come from God. The deeper meaning here is to redirect human pride away from self-centeredness, toward God who deserves the glory for every accomplishment.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, intellectualism, and moral corruption. The Corinthian believers came from a variety of backgrounds, including both Jews and Greeks. At the time, cultural norms often encouraged self-promotion and competition. The rhetorical style of the Corinthians centered around wisdom and eloquence, which could lead to a sense of superiority. Paul addresses this by reminding them that any reason they may have to boast should be centered on God, not on worldly wisdom or personal status.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse teaches about the doctrine of sola Dei gloria—glory to God alone—as one of the five solae of Protestant Reformation theology. It implies that all accomplishments and wisdom ultimately come from God. Catholic theology would agree on the principle that glory is due to God, supporting a life of humility. Eastern Orthodox views would similarly see this as a call to theosis or union with God, through which glory is properly understood as belonging to God alone.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse advises believers to credit God for successes rather than taking personal credit. It can affect how individuals approach achievements and honors, promoting a culture of gratitude and humility. This perspective can help counteract issues of pride and ego, fostering a community where people support one another and recognize a higher source for their talents and opportunities.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 9:24: “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:17: “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for “glorieth” or “boast” is καυχάομαι (kauchaomai), meaning to take pride in something, often openly. The term for “Lord” is Κύριον (Kyrion), a title of respect acknowledging authority, which in Christian contexts refers to Christ or God. The encouragement to glory in the “Lord” rather than in oneself deepens the understanding of God’s sovereign role.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other religions, the theme of humility before deities is common. For example, in Islam, all praise is due to Allah alone, and in Buddhism, there is an emphasis on egolessness. Ancient myths also often taught lessons against hubris, such as the Greek tale of Icarus who fell from the sky due to his pride. The recognition of a power greater than oneself is a common thread throughout human religious experience.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions of pride and glory might touch upon psychology and sociology. Research on humility and prosocial behavior underscores the positive social and personal effects of directing attention away from oneself. However, the concept of giving glory to God is outside the scope of empirical science and instead falls within the realms of philosophy and theology.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse in various ways. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for example, emphasizes the appropriateness of giving God all the glory since everything comes from Him. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible points out the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the centrality of God’s role in all human achievements. Many modern commentaries echo the theme of the importance of humility in believers’ lives and the recognition of God’s ultimate sovereignty over human affairs.