1 Corinthians 2:13 Meaning: What 'Comparing Spiritual Things' Means
We also speak these things, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.
which things also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Holy Spirit, with spiritual things spiritual things comparing,
which also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual [things] by spiritual [means].
Meaning in one sentence
What does 'comparing spiritual things with spiritual things' mean? Paul explains how the apostles spoke words taught by the Spirit, not human wisdom.
Context
Paul is explaining why his preaching did not sound like the Greek philosophers and Jewish teachers the Corinthians admired. He has just said that no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God, and that believers have received that Spirit. Now he makes his point practical: when he and the other apostles speak about these truths, they do not borrow the world's techniques. The Spirit teaches them both what to say and how to say it. The final phrase has been understood in several ways: explaining spiritual truths to spiritual people, using spiritual words for spiritual realities, or comparing old and new covenants. Paul's confidence is clear either way. The message comes from God, and so do the words.
Key Words
Two Greek words carry the weight here. The first is didaktos, used twice in this sentence: words taught by human wisdom, and words taught by the Spirit. The same Greek word for 'taught.' Paul is not dismissing learning. He is asking which teacher you will trust. The second word is the verb sugkrinontes. In the Greek Old Testament, this word describes Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dream. It means to bring things together so they make sense. Some commentators hear Paul saying that the Spirit fits spiritual truths to spiritual people. Others hear him saying that spiritual truths require spiritual words. Either way, the double use of pneumatikos, spiritual twice, closes the circle. The Spirit is involved in every part of this work.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have understood the closing phrase in several faithful ways. Some, following how the Greek word sugkrinontes is used in the Old Testament for interpreting dreams, hear Paul saying that he explains spiritual truths to spiritual people. Only those with the Spirit can receive what the Spirit teaches. Others understand Paul to say that he chooses words that match the spiritual nature of his message. He does not wrap God's truths in human eloquence. Still others find here a comparison of Old and New Testament Scriptures, showing the Spirit's consistency across the ages. Each reading honors Paul's central claim. The Spirit gives both the message and the means to speak it.
A common misunderstanding
Some hear Paul saying that human learning has no place in understanding Scripture. In fact, Paul was a trained scholar who used his education carefully. The contrast here is not between learning and ignorance but between two kinds of teachers. Human wisdom can teach many things, but only the Spirit can teach the deep things of God. Paul is not against study. He is against trusting study to do what only the Spirit can do.
Living This Out
You have a conversation coming up this week where you want to speak about your faith. Or you sit down to read your Bible and the words feel flat. Paul faced the same pull, to sound impressive, to have the right technique. He chose differently. He trusted that the Spirit who revealed the truth could also supply the words. You can do the same. Before you speak or read, ask the Spirit to be your teacher. Not for eloquence. For faithfulness.
Main takeaway: The Spirit teaches us both what to know and how to speak it, so our confidence rests in God's instruction, not our own skill.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The Holy Spirit helps us talk about God. We don't need big fancy words. God gives us the right words to say. When you pray or tell a friend about Jesus, the Spirit is with you.
For ages 9, 12
You might think you need to sound really smart to tell someone about Jesus. But Paul says the Holy Spirit is the real teacher. He gives you the words you need. You don't have to memorize perfect arguments or sound like a pastor. Just say what the Spirit has taught you, the simple truth that God loves you and Jesus died for you. That is enough. And when someone asks a question you cannot answer, you can say, 'I don't know, but let me find out.' The Spirit is still teaching you too.
Questions People Ask
What does 'comparing spiritual things with spiritual things' mean in 1 Corinthians 2:13?
Scholars have understood this phrase in several faithful ways. Some read it as Paul explaining spiritual truths to people who have the Spirit. Only those with the Spirit can receive what the Spirit teaches. Others hear Paul saying that he uses spiritual words to match spiritual truths, rather than wrapping God's message in human eloquence. A third view finds here a comparison of Old and New Testament Scriptures. All agree on Paul's main point: the Spirit supplies both the message and the language.
Does 1 Corinthians 2:13 mean Christians should not study or use their minds?
Not at all. Paul himself was a highly educated man who used his training carefully throughout his ministry. The contrast in this verse is not between learning and ignorance but between two kinds of teachers. Human wisdom can teach many things, but only the Spirit can teach the deep things of God. Paul is not against study. He is against trusting study to do what only the Spirit can do.
Who is the 'we' Paul refers to in this verse?
Paul is speaking for himself and the other apostles. Earlier in the chapter he says 'we speak God's wisdom in a mystery' and 'God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.' The 'we' refers to those whom God has appointed to reveal His truth. This includes the apostles and those who carry their message. At the same time, the principle that the Spirit teaches us what to say extends to every believer who speaks of God's work in their life.
How does this verse apply to how I talk about my faith today?
This verse is a comfort and a challenge. It is a comfort because you do not need to be a great speaker or scholar to share your faith. The Spirit can teach you and give you the words you need. It is a challenge because it calls you to check your motives: are you trying to sound impressive, or are you trusting the Spirit to work through simple truth? The same Spirit who taught the apostles can teach you.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study