For God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.
Parallel translations
- KJV For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
- BSB For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
- NKJV For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
- NASB For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.
- NLT For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
God's kingdom consists not in talk but in power. It matters because authentic Christianity transforms lives, not just conversations.
Overview
Paul states a governing principle: the reign of God is evidenced by the Spirit's transforming power, not by impressive words or debate. Against the Corinthians' fascination with eloquence and wisdom, he insists the gospel proves itself in changed lives and spiritual reality. This sets a lasting test for ministry and discipleship.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- 1 Cor 2:4My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
- 1 Th 1:5and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.
- 2 Cor 10:4–5for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,
- Rom 14:17for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Rom 1:16For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
- Rom 15:19in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ;
- 1 Cor 1:24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 4:20 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.