I Corinthians 2:14
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
natural man--literally, "a man of animal soul." As contrasted with the spiritual man, he is governed by the animal soul, which overbears his spirit, which latter is without the Spirit of God (Jde 1:19). So the animal (English Version, "natural") body, or body led by the lower animal nature (including both the mere human fallen reason and heart), is contrasted with the Spirit-quickened body (Co1 15:44-46). The carnal man (the man led by bodily appetites, and also by a self-exalting spirit, estranged from the divine life) is closely akin; so too the "earthly." "Devilish," or "demon-like"; "led by an evil spirit," is the awful character of such a one, in its worst type (Jam 3:15). receiveth not--though they are offered to him, and are "worthy of being received by all men" (Ti1 1:15). they are foolishness unto him--whereas he seeks "wisdom" (Co1 1:22). neither can he--Not only does he not, but he cannot know them, and therefore has no wish to "receive" them (Rom 8:7).
Open source ↗The apostle proceeds with his argument in this chapter, and, I. Reminds the Corinthians of the plain manner wherein he delivered the gospel to them (Co1 2:1-5). But yet, II. Shows them that he had communicated to them a treasure of the truest and highest wisdom, such as exceeded all the attainments of learned men, such as could never have entered into the heart of man if it had not been revealed, nor can be received and improved to salvation but by the light and influence of that Spirit who revealed it (Co1 2:6 to the end).
Open source ↗2:14 people who aren’t spiritual: Unbelievers, whose minds are blinded to the Spirit, function in the natural world and see life only through physical eyes (see 2 Cor 4:4). They cannot appreciate the significance of the Good News, for it is essentially a spiritual message.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.
These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him.