1-corinthians 2:12
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But we have not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes from God, so that we may have knowledge of the things which are freely given to us by God.
Webster's Revision
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.
World English Bible
But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.
English Revised Version (ERV)
But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God.
Clarke's 1-corinthians 2:12 Bible Commentary
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world - We, who are the genuine apostles of Christ, have received this Spirit of God, by which we know the deep things of God; and, through the teaching of that Spirit, we preach Christ crucified. We have not therefore received the spirit of the world - of the Jewish teachers, who are all looking for a worldly kingdom and a worldly Messiah, and interpret all the scriptures of the Old Testament which relate to Him in a carnal and worldly sense.
That we might know the things - We receive this teaching that we may know what those supereminently excellent things are which God has purposed freely to give to mankind. It is evident that, as the apostle means by princes of the world the rulers of the Jews, 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, so by spirit of the world he here means Jewish wisdom, or their carnal mode of interpreting the sacred oracles, and their carnal expectation of a worldly kingdom under the Messiah.
Barnes's 1-corinthians 2:12 Bible Commentary
Now we have received - We who are Christians; and especially we, the apostles. The following verse shows that he had himself and the other apostles chiefly in view; though it is true of all Christians that they have received, not the spirit of this world, but the spirit which is of God.
Not the spirit of this world - Not the wisdom and knowledge which this world can give - not the learning and philosophy which were so much valued in Greece. The views of truth which we have, are not such as this world gives, but are such as are communicated by the Spirit of God.
But the Spirit which is of God - We are under the teaching's and influence of the Holy Spirit.
That we might know - That we might fully understand and appreciate. The Spirit is given to us in order that we might fully understand the favors which God has conferred on us in the gospel. It was not only necessary that God should grant the blessings of redemption by the gift of His Son, but, such was the hardness and blindness of the human heart, it was needful that he should grant His Holy Spirit also, so that people might be brought fully to see and appreciate the value of those favors. For people do not see them by nature; neither does anyone see them who is not enlightened by the Holy Spirit of God.
The things that are freely given us - That are conferred on us as a matter of grace or favor. He here refers to the blessings of redemption - the pardon of sin, justification, sanctification, the divine favor and protection, and the hope of eternal life - These things we Know; they are not matters of conjecture; but are surely and certainly confirmed to us by the Holy Spirit. It is possible for all Christians to know and be fully assured of the truth of those things, and of their interest in them.
Wesley's 1-corinthians 2:12 Bible Commentary
2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world - This spirit is not properly received; for the men of theworld always had it. But Christians receive the Spirit of God, which before they had not.