What does 1 Corinthians 2:15 mean?

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 1 Corinthians 2:15

Explanation

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” (1 Corinthians 2:15 KJV) This verse emphasizes discernment and judgment from a spiritual perspective. The term “spiritual” refers to those who have received the Holy Spirit and are guided by it. The verse suggests that such individuals have the ability to evaluate or discern “all things” – implying not just material or superficial matters, but also deeper spiritual truths. The latter part of the verse points to the idea that someone who is spiritual is not fully understood or correctly judged by those not guided by the Spirit, reflecting a separation between spiritual and non-spiritual understanding.

Historical Context

This verse is from 1 Corinthians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around A.D. 53-54. The church in Corinth was in a city known for its cultural diversity and moral laxity. Paul’s letter is a response to reports of division and immorality within the Corinthian church and questions that the Corinthian Christians had raised. The section from which this verse comes speaks to the deep wisdom of God that is revealed through the Spirit, which is contrasted with the wisdom of the world.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underlines the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit in imparting wisdom that is not accessible by human intellect alone. The spiritual person operates with guidance from the Spirit, enabling them to make sound judgments according to God’s will. Theologically, this can be viewed from a Reformed perspective highlighting the doctrine of total depravity where apart from the Spirit, true wisdom cannot be acquired; or from a Pentecostal viewpoint, emphasizing the active role of the Spirit in believers’ daily discernment.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, 1 Corinthians 2:15 can inspire individuals to seek divine guidance in decision-making processes and discernment. It encourages believers to depend on spiritual wisdom rather than solely on their intelligence or opinions. This can apply to various aspects of life including moral choices, understanding Scripture, and interactions with others.

Cross-References

Here are a few related verses:

• “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.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
• “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” (John 14:16)
• “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)

Language Study

A key word in the original Greek manuscript is “anakrino” which is translated as “judgeth” or “discerns.” It implies not only judging but also questioning, examining, and discerning. The term “pneumatikos” translated as “he that is spiritual” refers to one who is influenced by the Spirit of God, possessing spiritual qualities or gifts.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be contrasted with religious conceptions that understand wisdom or enlightenment as being attainable through self-discipline and meditative practices, such as those found in Buddhism or Hinduism. In these traditions, wisdom can be pursued by any individual through the right practices, whereas 1 Corinthians posits that divine wisdom comes exclusively through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse touches the spiritual realm beyond empirical measurement, modern psychology might engage with this text by exploring the transformative effects of spiritual experiences on the human mind. For example, studies on the impact of religious belief and practice on human behavior might find correlations between spiritual guidance and moral decision-making.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse reflect a variety of interpretations. Some commentators suggest that this refers to the spirit-filled believer’s ability to understand and interpret scripture and spiritual matters. Others emphasize Paul’s point about misjudgment from nonbelievers, suggesting that the true motives and actions of spiritual individuals can be misunderstood or misrepresented by those without the Spirit. Overall, experts agree that this verse differentiates between the wisdom available to believers through the Spirit and the limited understanding of those without.