New International VersionYou know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
New Living TranslationYou know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols.
English Standard VersionYou know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.
Berean Standard BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
Berean Literal BibleYou know that when you were pagans, to mute idols you were led, as being carried away.
King James BibleYe know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
New King James VersionYou know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
New American Standard BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.
NASB 1995You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.
NASB 1977You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the dumb idols, however you were led.
Legacy Standard BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you were being led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.
Amplified BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit].
Christian Standard BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols.
Holman Christian Standard BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you used to be led off to the idols that could not speak.
American Standard VersionYe know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
Contemporary English VersionI want you to remember that before you became followers of the Lord, you were led in all the wrong ways by idols that cannot even talk.
English Revised VersionYe know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationYou know that when you were unbelievers, every time you were led to worship false gods you were worshiping gods who couldn't even speak.
Good News TranslationYou know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols.
International Standard VersionYou know that when you were unbelievers, you were enticed and led astray to worship idols that couldn't even speak.
NET BibleYou know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led.
New Heart English BibleYou know that when you were unbelievers, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.
Webster's Bible TranslationYe know that ye were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Weymouth New TestamentYou know that when you were heathens you went astray after dumb idols, wherever you happened to be led. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
World English BibleYou know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionyou have known that you were nations, being carried away as you were led to the mute idols;
Berean Literal BibleYou know that when you were pagans, to mute idols you were led, as being carried away.
Young's Literal Translation ye have known that ye were nations, unto the dumb idols -- as ye were led -- being carried away;
Smith's Literal TranslationYe know that ye were the nations, to dumb idols, as ye were led, being carried away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleYou know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led.
Catholic Public Domain VersionYou know that when you were Gentiles, you approached mute idols, doing what you were led to do.
New American BibleYou know how, when you were pagans, you were constantly attracted and led away to mute idols.
New Revised Standard VersionYou know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat once you were pagans, and without exception you were carried away by dumb idols.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThat you were pagans and you were being led without discrimination to those idols which have no voice. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentYou know that you were Gentiles, carried away to those dumb idols, as you might be led.
Godbey New TestamentYou know that when you were heathens, you were following after dumb idols, as you were led.
Haweis New TestamentYe know that ye were Gentiles, drawn away after the idols that are dumb, even as ye have been led.
Mace New Testamentwhen you were Gentiles, you know how you were seduced by your leaders, to the worship of dumb idols.
Weymouth New TestamentYou know that when you were heathens you went astray after dumb idols, wherever you happened to be led.
Worrell New TestamentYe know that ye were gentiles, carried away to the dumb idols, as ye were led.
Worsley New TestamentYe know that ye were Gentiles, drawn aside after dumb idols, just as ye were led: wherefore,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Spiritual Gifts1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You knowthatwhenyou werepagans,you were influencedand led astraytomuteidols.3Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.…
Cross References Acts 17:22-23Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. / For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.
Galatians 4:8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
Ephesians 2:11-12Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
1 Thessalonians 1:9For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
Romans 1:21-23For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
1 Peter 4:3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
Isaiah 44:9-20All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...
Jeremiah 10:1-5Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. / This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. / For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. ...
Psalm 115:4-8Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...
Psalm 135:15-18The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...
Deuteronomy 4:28And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.
2 Kings 17:15They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate.
Isaiah 46:5-7To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? / They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.
Ezekiel 20:32When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass.
Hosea 4:12My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God.
Treasury of Scripture You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, even as you were led. that. 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. Ephesians 2:11,12 Wherefore remember, that yebeing in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; … dumb. Psalm 115:5,7 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: … Psalm 135:16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; Habakkuk 2:18,19 What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? … even. Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,as silver and gold, from your vain conversationreceived by tradition from your fathers; Jump to Previous AstrayCarriedConsciousDumbGentilesGuidedHeathenHoweverHowsoeverIdolsImagesInfluencedLedMovedMuteNationsPagansPowerSomehowVoiceWayWhateverWhereverJump to Next AstrayCarriedConsciousDumbGentilesGuidedHeathenHoweverHowsoeverIdolsImagesInfluencedLedMovedMuteNationsPagansPowerSomehowVoiceWayWhateverWherever1 Corinthians 12 1.Spiritual gifts,4.are diverse,7.yet to profit all.8.And to that end are diversely bestowed;12.as the members of a natural body tend all to the mutual decency,22.service,26.and helpfulness of the same body;27.so we should do for one another, to make up the body of Christ.You know that when you were pagansThis phrase addresses the Corinthian believers' past before their conversion to Christianity. The term "pagans" refers to Gentiles who were outside the covenant community of Israel and engaged in polytheistic worship. In the Greco-Roman world, Corinth was a city known for its diverse religious practices and numerous temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. This context highlights the radical transformation the Corinthians experienced upon embracing the Christian faith. The acknowledgment of their past serves as a reminder of the grace and redemption they received through Christ, aligning with passages like Ephesians 2:11-13, which speaks of Gentiles being brought near by the blood of Christ. you were influenced and led astray
The phrase "influenced and led astray" suggests a passive state where the Corinthians were subject to external forces that directed their spiritual lives. This reflects the pervasive influence of the cultural and religious environment in Corinth, where idol worship was prevalent. The language implies a lack of control or awareness, indicating that their previous spiritual state was one of deception and bondage. This aligns with the biblical theme of spiritual blindness and the need for enlightenment through the Holy Spirit, as seen in passages like2 Corinthians 4:4, where the god of this age blinds the minds of unbelievers. to mute idols
The term "mute idols" emphasizes the lifeless and powerless nature of the gods the Corinthians once worshiped. Unlike the living God who speaks and acts, these idols were silent and impotent, unable to provide guidance or salvation. This critique of idolatry is consistent with Old Testament passages such asPsalm 115:4-8 andIsaiah 44:9-20, which mock the futility of idol worship. The contrast between the mute idols and the living God underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which brings believers into a relationship with a God who communicates and interacts with His people. This transformation is a type of the new life in Christ, who is the true and living Word of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for its moral and spiritual challenges. The church in Corinth was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. 2. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth to correct issues and provide guidance on spiritual matters. 3. PaganismRefers to the religious practices of the Gentiles in Corinth before they became Christians, often involving idol worship and rituals. 4. IdolsObjects of worship in pagan religions, often made of wood, stone, or metal, and considered "mute" because they cannot speak or act. 5. Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and misunderstanding of spiritual gifts. Teaching Points Understanding Our PastRecognize that before coming to Christ, we were all led astray by various influences. Reflect on how God has transformed your life. The Futility of IdolatryIdols are "mute" and powerless. Consider what modern "idols" might be influencing your life today, such as materialism or status. Spiritual DiscernmentAs believers, we must discern the influences in our lives and ensure they align with God's truth, not the empty promises of the world. Transformation in ChristEmbrace the new identity in Christ, leaving behind the old ways and being led by the Holy Spirit. Unity in DiversityThe Corinthian church was diverse, yet called to unity in Christ. Reflect on how you can contribute to unity within your church community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:2?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 12:2 highlight the dangers of following false idols?
3.What does "led astray to mute idols" teach about spiritual discernment?
4.How can we apply 1 Corinthians 12:2 to avoid modern-day idolatry?
5.What scriptural connections exist between 1 Corinthians 12:2 and Exodus 20:3-4?
6.How can understanding 1 Corinthians 12:2 strengthen our faith in Christ alone?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 12:2 reveal about the nature of spiritual ignorance before conversion?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 12:2 address the influence of pagan practices on early Christians?
9.In what ways does 1 Corinthians 12:2 challenge modern believers to examine their past beliefs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 12?
11.What does religious syncretism mean?
12.What role does Satan play in the Bible?
13.(1 Thess 1:9–10) Is there concrete proof that these alleged idol-worshipers truly abandoned their practices in response to Paul’s message?
14.Jeremiah 10:14-15: Does the portrayal of idols as complete falsehood conflict with other biblical texts that acknowledge spiritual powers behind foreign gods?What Does 1 Corinthians 12:2 Mean You know thatPaul starts by appealing to the Corinthians’ own memory: “You know …” He reminds them of facts they personally experienced, not abstract theology. •Acts 18:8 shows many in Corinth had believed through Paul’s ministry—so they could indeed “know.” •2 Peter 1:12–13 echoes this pastoral habit of stirring up believers by reminder. The statement grounds the coming discussion of spiritual gifts in lived history: truth verified in their own lives.
when you were pagansPaul openly identifies their pre-conversion identity: Gentiles outside God’s covenant. •Ephesians 2:11–12 describes Gentiles as “without hope and without God in the world.” •1 Thessalonians 1:9 recalls turning “to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Recognizing that old condition highlights God’s grace and prevents spiritual pride as the chapter unfolds.
you were influencedBefore Christ, unseen powers and social pressures shaped their worldview. •Ephesians 2:2 speaks of people who “walked according to the prince of the power of the air.” •1 John 5:19 notes, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Believers must remember that spiritual influence is real—either from God’s Spirit or from deceptive forces.
and led astrayThe passive voice underscores helplessness apart from God. They did not merely wander; they were carried off course. •Isaiah 53:6: “We all like sheep have gone astray.” •2 Timothy 3:13 warns of “impostors … deceiving and being deceived.” Only the Spirit can reverse such direction, which prepares the reader for Paul’s teaching on discerning true spiritual manifestations (12:3).
to mute idolsTheir destination was lifeless objects incapable of hearing, speaking, or saving. •Psalm 115:4–8 andPsalm 135:15–18 describe idols with mouths that cannot speak and ears that cannot hear, and those who trust them “become like them.” •Acts 17:29 contrasts the living God with images “formed by human design and skill.” By calling the idols “mute,” Paul sets the stage for the coming contrast with the Spirit who gives believers speech—gifts like prophecy, tongues, teaching.
summaryPaul reminds the Corinthians of their former bondage to silent, powerless idols so they will approach spiritual gifts humbly and discerningly. Once carried along by deceptive influences, they now belong to the living God whose Spirit actively speaks and empowers. Remembering the past magnifies grace in the present and guards against confusion about what true spiritual life looks like. (2) Yeknow that ye were Gentiles.--Better (according to the weight of MSS. evidence), Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were, &c. In this and the following verse the Apostle reminds his readers that so far from regarding the marvellous manifestations of the Spirit, such as speaking with tongues and prophesying, as the most wonderful miracles, the greatest miracle of all was their conversion. That blind followers of dumb idols should be transformed into intelligent believers in the living Word was the most striking work of the Spirit. They were now no longer led hither and thither by diverse teachings and diverse gods; they had an unchanging principle of life, and an unerring guide of conduct. The contrast of the present state of Christians with their former state as heathens is a topic of frequent occurrence in St. Paul's writings ( Romans 11:30; Colossians 1:21; Colossians 3:7, &c.). Verse 2. - That ye were Gentiles. The undoubted reading is, that when ye were Gentiles. The sentence is then in form an anacoluthon; in other words, it is not grammatically finished. The ancients were much less particular about these small matters of precision and symmetry than the moderns; and writers who are deeply moved by their subject, and hurried along by the strength of their feelings, often fall into these unfinished constructions (see Romans 2:17-21; Romans 15:25-27; Galatians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, etc., in the Greek). Dumb idols. This characteristic of idols ( Habakkuk 2:18; Psalm 115:5; Psalm 135:16) is fixed upon to show that their "oracles" were mere falsity and pretence. We find an illustration of the epithet in the statue of Isis at Pompeii, where the ruined temple shows the secret stair by which the priest mounted to the back of the statue; and the head of the statue (preserved in the Museo Borbonico) shows the tube which went from the back of the head to the parted lips. Through this tube the priest concealed behind the statue spoke the answers of Isis. Even as ye were led; rather, howsoever ye might be led, as in the Revised Version. The Greek phrase shows that, under the oracular guidance of dumb idols, the Gentiles had been, as it were, drifted hither and thither "as the winds listed."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek You knowΟἴδατε(Oidate)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.whenὅτε(hote)Adverb
Strong's 3753:When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.you wereἦτε(ēte)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.pagans,ἔθνη(ethnē)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484:Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.you were influencedἤγεσθε(ēgesthe)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 71:A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.[and] led astrayἀπαγόμενοι(apagomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 520:To lead, carry, take away; met: To be led astray, seduced. From apo and ago; to take off.toπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.muteἄφωνα(aphōna)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 880:Soundless, voiceless, speechless, dumb. Figuratively, unmeaning.idols.εἴδωλα(eidōla)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1497:An idol, false god. From eidos; an image; by implication, a heathen god, or the worship of such.
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 12:2 You know that when you were heathen (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
