1 Corinthians 2:9
Rather, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him."
Rather, as it is written
This phrase introduces a quotation from the Old Testament, specifically echoing themes from Isaiah 64:4 and 65:17. The Apostle Paul often uses "as it is written" to establish the authority of Scripture, grounding his teachings in the Jewish Scriptures. The Greek word for "written" is "gegraptai," emphasizing the permanence and divine authority of the Scriptures. This phrase sets the stage for a revelation that transcends human understanding, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

No eye has seen
The imagery of the "eye" in biblical literature often symbolizes perception and understanding. In the Greek, "ophthalmos" refers to the physical eye but also metaphorically to spiritual insight. This phrase suggests that human perception is limited and cannot fully grasp the divine mysteries. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God's transcendence, where His ways and plans are beyond human comprehension.

no ear has heard
The "ear" in biblical terms often represents the reception of divine revelation. The Greek word "ous" indicates not just the physical act of hearing but the deeper understanding and acceptance of truth. This phrase underscores the idea that God's plans are not only unseen but also unheard, emphasizing the mystery and majesty of divine wisdom that surpasses human experience.

no heart has imagined
The "heart" in biblical context is the seat of thought, emotion, and will. The Greek word "kardia" encompasses the inner life of a person. This phrase indicates that even the deepest human imagination and understanding cannot conceive the fullness of what God has in store. It reflects the biblical theme of God's thoughts and ways being higher than ours, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9.

what God has prepared
The Greek word "hetoimazo" means to make ready or prepare. This preparation is not a spontaneous act but a deliberate and purposeful plan by God. It suggests a divine forethought and intentionality in God's dealings with humanity. Historically, this preparation is seen in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ, which was established before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

for those who love Him
The phrase "those who love Him" identifies the recipients of God's prepared blessings. The Greek word "agapao" denotes a deep, selfless love that is rooted in commitment and relationship. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness to God. In a conservative Christian perspective, this emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and believers, where love for God is both a response to His love and a condition for receiving His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Apostle Paul
The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues, which Paul addresses in his letters.

3. Isaiah
The prophet whose writings Paul references in this verse. Isaiah's prophecies often spoke of the coming Messiah and the future glory prepared for God's people.
Teaching Points
The Mystery of God's Plans
God's plans for His people are beyond human comprehension. We are called to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when we cannot see the full picture.

The Importance of Love for God
The blessings and promises of God are specifically for those who love Him. Our relationship with God is foundational to experiencing His prepared blessings.

Hope and Encouragement for Believers
This verse offers hope and encouragement, reminding believers that their current struggles are temporary and that God has unimaginable blessings in store.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Understanding that God has prepared something beyond our imagination should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual growth and heavenly rewards.

Faith in the Unseen
Faith involves trusting in what we cannot see. This verse challenges us to deepen our faith, knowing that God's promises are sure and His plans are perfect.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the context of Corinth help us grasp the significance of Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 2:9?

2. In what ways does Isaiah 64:4 enhance our understanding of 1 Corinthians 2:9, and how can we apply this to our lives today?

3. How can we cultivate a deeper love for God to ensure we are recipients of the blessings He has prepared?

4. What are some practical ways to maintain an eternal perspective in our daily lives, especially when facing challenges?

5. How can we encourage others in our faith community to trust in God's unseen plans and promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 64:4
Paul draws from this Old Testament passage, which speaks of God's unparalleled works and the blessings prepared for those who wait for Him.

Ephesians 3:20
This verse emphasizes God's ability to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, highlighting the theme of God's abundant provision and plans.

Romans 8:28
This passage assures believers that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, aligning with the promise of prepared blessings.
The Surprising Freshness of the New DispensationR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 2:9
Spiritual WisdomH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Contents of the RevelationC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 2:6-13
True WisdomE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Christ the Lord of GloryJohn Flavel.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
God's Revelation of HeavenF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
HeavenC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
HeavenT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
Ignorance of the TruthJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
LovePrincipal Edwards.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
Spiritual BlessingsJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
Spiritual Ignorance, Evil, FloodD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Excellency and Blessings of the GospelF. A. West.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Gospel a RevelationW. Morris.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Guilt of Man in Crucifying the Lord of GloryJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Things Prepared and Their EnjoymentJ. P. Chown.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Things Prepared for a Prepared PeopleRichard Newton, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Things Which God has PreparedJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 2:8-9
The Revelation of Things Unseen and UnheardJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10
The True WisdomD. Fraser 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10
The Revelation of the Things of GodJ. Waite 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10, 14
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Conceived, Didn't, Ear, Ears, Enter, Entered, Eye, Heart, Holy, Love, Loving, Man's, Mind, Prepare, Prepared, Readiness, Ready, Says, Scripture, Speak, Whatsoever, Writings, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 2:9

     4035   abundance
     8261   generosity, God's

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

     5548   speech, divine

1 Corinthians 2:6-12

     6710   privileges

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

     1180   God, wisdom of

1 Corinthians 2:7-10

     1444   revelation, NT
     5195   veil

1 Corinthians 2:8-10

     3248   Holy Spirit, conviction

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

     1115   God, purpose of
     3130   Holy Spirit, Counsellor
     4018   life, spiritual
     5499   reward, divine
     5815   confusion
     5841   ecstasy
     5854   experience, of God
     9413   heaven, inheritance

1 Corinthians 2:9-11

     8135   knowing God, nature of

1 Corinthians 2:9-12

     1614   Scripture, understanding

1 Corinthians 2:9-14

     8281   insight

1 Corinthians 2:9-16

     8164   spirituality

Library
May the Thirtieth Finding the Deep Things
"The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." --1 CORINTHIANS ii. 7-12. The deep things of God cannot be discovered by unaided reason. "Eye hath not seen:" they are not to be apprehended by the artistic vision. "Ear hath not heard:" they are not unveiled amid the discussion of the philosophic schools. "Neither hath entered into the heart of man:" even poetic insight cannot discern them. All the common lights fail in this realm. We need another illumination, even that provided
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

November the Eighth the Organ of Spiritual vision
1 CORINTHIANS ii. 9-16. Our finest human instruments fail to obtain for us "the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Art fails! "Eye hath not seen." The merely artistic vision is blind to the hidden glories of grace. Philosophy fails! "Neither hath ear heard." We may listen to the philosopher as he spins his subtle theories and weaves his systematic webs, but the meshes he has woven are not fine enough to catch "the deep things of God." Poetry fails! "Neither hath it entered
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Apostle's Theme
'I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.'--1 COR. ii. 2. Many of you are aware that to-day I close forty years of ministry in this city--I cannot say to this congregation, for there are very, very few that can go back with me in memory to the beginning of these years. You will bear me witness that I seldom intrude personal references into the pulpit, but perhaps it would be affectation not to do so now. Looking back over these long years, many thoughts
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Heaven
I have hinted that this passage is most commonly applied to heaven, and I shall myself also so apply it in some measure, this morning. But any one who reads the connexion will discover that the apostle is not talking about heaven at all. He is only speaking of this--that the wisdom of this world is not able to discover the things of God--that the merely carnal mind is not able to know the deep spiritual things of our most holy religion. He says, "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Natural or Spiritual?
This morning I propose--and O that God the Holy Spirit may bear witness in our hearts!--I propose, first of all, to dwell a little while upon the great truth that natural men do not receive the things of the Spirit of God, but count them foolishness; in the second place, I shall show, for a moment only, that the reason of the rejection of the things of God cannot be because they are really foolish, for they are not so; thirdly, we shall come to the inference that the reason why the natural man rejects
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

1 Corinthians ii. 12
We have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God. And, therefore, he goes on to say, our language is different from that of others, and not always understood by them; the natural man receiveth not the things of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. That is, they are discerned only by a faculty which he has not, namely, by the Spirit; and, therefore, as beings devoid of reason cannot understand the truths
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

My Life in Christ
MY LIFE IN CHRIST or Moments of Spiritual Serenity and Contemplation, of Reverent Feeling, of Earnest Self-Amendment, and of Peace in God: EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF ST. JOHN OF KRONSTADT (ARCHPRIEST JOHN ILIYTCH SERGIEFF) Translated, with the Author's sanction, from the Fourth and Supplemented Edition BY E. E. GOULAEFF, ST. PETERSBURG NOTE. I do not precede my book by any introduction: let it speak for itself. Everything contained in it is but a gracious enlightenment which was bestowed upon my
John Calvin—My Life in Christ

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
Before one can correctly understand the work of the Holy Spirit, he must first of all know the Spirit Himself. A frequent source of error and fanaticism about the work of the Holy Spirit is the attempt to study and understand His work without first of all coming to know Him as a Person. It is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship that we decide whether the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, worthy to receive our adoration, our faith, our love, and our entire surrender to Himself,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion, that Does Desire and Ask It, Whilst He Doth not Know his Conscience Defiled with Mortal Sin.
The Council of Trent, treating of the Preparation which Priests and Layman ought to make for the worthy Receiving of the Holy Eucharist, hath these following words, (Sess. 13, Cap. 17.) The Custom of the Church makes it clear, that Examination and Proof is necessary in order to the Communion; that no man, knowing himself guilty of mortal Sin, though he may seem Contrite to himself, come to the Sacrament, unless he have before been at Sacramental Confession. Which comprehends all Christians, and even
Miguel de Molinos—The Spiritual Guide which Disentangles the Soul

And These Signs are Sufficient to Prove that the Faith of Christ Alone Is...
80. And these signs are sufficient to prove that the faith of Christ alone is the true religion. But see! you still do not believe and are seeking for arguments. We however make our proof "not in the persuasive words of Greek wisdom [1128] " as our teacher has it, but we persuade by the faith which manifestly precedes argumentative proof. Behold there are here some vexed with demons;'--now there were certain who had come to him very disquieted by demons, and bringing them into the midst he said,--Do
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Of Certain Outward Temptations and Appearances of Satan. Of the Sufferings Thereby Occasioned. Counsels for those who Go On
Unto Perfection. 1. Now that I have described certain temptations and troubles, interior and secret, of which Satan was the cause, I will speak of others which he wrought almost in public, and in which his presence could not be ignored. [1] 2. I was once in an oratory, when Satan, in an abominable shape, appeared on my left hand. I looked at his mouth in particular, because he spoke, and it was horrible. A huge flame seemed to issue out of his body, perfectly bright, without any shadow. He spoke
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Letter Lix. To Marcella.
An answer to five questions put to Jerome by Marcella in a letter not preserved. The questions are as follows. (1) What are the things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard (1 Cor. ii. 9)? Jerome answers that they are spiritual things which as such can only be spiritually discerned. (2) Is it not a mistake to identify the sheep and the goats of Christ's parable (Matt. xxv. 31 sqq.) with Christians and heathens? Are they not rather the good and the bad? For an answer to this question Jerome refers
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 25,"Verily, Verily, I Say unto You, the Hour Cometh, and Now Is, when the Dead Shall Hear The
1. Our hope, Brethren, is not of this present time, nor of this world, nor in that happiness whereby men are blinded that forget God. This ought we above all things to know, and in a Christian heart hold fast, that we were not made Christians for the good things of the present time, but for something else which God at once promiseth, and man doth not yet comprehend. For of this good it is said, "That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"That which we have Seen and Heard, Declare we unto You, that Ye Also May have Fellowship with Us,"
1 John i. 3.--"That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us," &c. There are many things that you desire to hear, and it may be are usually spoken of in public, which the generality of men's hearts are more carried after. But truly, I should wrong myself and you both if I should take upon me to discourse in these things, which, it may be, some desire, for direction or information concerning the times, for I can neither speak of them with so much
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. "
Rom. viii. 7.--"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Unbelief is that which condemns the world. It involves in more condemnation than many other sins, not only because more universal, but especially because it shuts up men in their misery, and secludes them from the remedy that is brought to light in the gospel. By unbelief I mean, not only that careless neglect of Jesus Christ offered for salvation, but that which is the
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Preface. And as to Christ Thy Lord
Preface. and as to Christ thy Lord, most comely "as the lily among thorns," being his "love among the daughters," Cant. ii. 2. so also, thou, in a special way, art the dearly beloved and longed for, the joy and crown, of every sincere servant of Christ in the gospel, Phil. iv. 1. Thou art, if not the only, yet the chief object of their labours, their work being either to confirm and strengthen thee in thy way, that thou mayest so stand fast in the Lord, or remove impediments, make crooked things
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Ministry of the New Covenant
"Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God: not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh. And such confidence have we through Christ Godward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God: who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Book of the Covenant
"And Moses took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words."-EX. xxiv. 7, 8; comp. HEB. ix. 18-20. HERE is a new aspect in which to regard God's blessed Book. Before Moses sprinkled the blood, he read the Book of the Covenant, and obtained the
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

These Discussions, Therefore, Concerning the Different Deserts of Married Women...
19. These discussions, therefore, concerning the different deserts of married women, and of different widows, I would not in this work enter upon, if, what I am writing unto you, I were writing only for you. But, since there are in this kind of discourse certain very difficult questions, it was my wish to say something more than what properly relates to you, by reason of certain, who seem not to themselves learned, unless they essay, not by passing judgment to discuss, but by rending to cut in pieces
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

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