1 Corinthians 2:16 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓]
1 Corinthians 2:16, NIV: "for, 'Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ."1 Corinthians 2:16, ESV: "“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:16, KJV: "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:16, NASB: "For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:16, NLT: "For, 'Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?' But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:16, CSB: "For who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."
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The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.
What does 1 Corinthians 2:16 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]
Paul now quotes from Isaiah 40:13 to sum up his teaching in this section. Paul uses the quote to ask a self-answering question: who understands the Lord's mind? Who teaches the Lord anything?Of course, no human person teaches God anything. He knows all (Isaiah 55:8–9). Paul's answer to the question confirms and adds a layer to what he has already written. We have the mind of Christ. By that, he seems to mean that, aided by the Holy Spirit, believers have been given access to the thoughts of Christ. We have been given the ability to see what is spiritual and to think what Christ thinks.
It's possible that Paul is also referring to the previous verse in which he wrote that nobody can judge "spiritual people," meaning those given the power to understand and believe God's revelation. Since nobody can teach the Lord anything and we have the mind of Christ—through the Holy Spirit—someone who is not spiritual has no standing to judge someone who is (1 Corinthians 2:14).