1 Corinthians 1:31
ἵνα, καθὼς γέγραπται, ὁ καυχώμενος ἐν Κυρίῳ καυχάσθω.
1. One Word Echoes Through the Entire Verse
Some verses impress us with many different words. This verse impresses us by repeating the same idea.
Listen to the rhythm:
καυχώμενος
“the one boasting”
καυχάσθω
“let him boast”
The same root appears twice.
Greek deliberately repeats the idea of boasting, but it changes the direction of that boasting. The issue is not whether people boast. The issue is where their boasting is aimed.
2. Transliteration
ína, kathós ghégraptai, o kafhómenos en Kyrío kafhástho.
3. Literal Translation
“So that, just as it is written, ‘The one who boasts, let him boast in the LORD.’”
4. Grammar Focus: A Participle Meets an Imperative
The key grammatical feature is the combination of a participle and an imperative.
First we have:
ὁ καυχώμενος
“the one boasting”
This participle describes a person characterized by boasting.
Then comes:
καυχάσθω
“let him boast”
This is an imperative, a command.
The structure is beautifully simple:
The one who boasts → let him boast in the Lord.
Greek takes a human tendency and redirects it toward the proper object.
5. Vocabulary Builder: A Small Verse with Powerful Words
| Greek Word | Meaning | Beginner Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ἵνα | so that | Introduces purpose or result. |
| γέγραπται | it is written | A common way of introducing Scripture. |
| καυχώμενος | boasting | Describes a person engaged in boasting. |
| Κυρίῳ | Lord | The proper focus of boasting in this verse. |
| καυχάσθω | let him boast | A command rather than a description. |
6. Syntax Insight: The Verse Turns Like a Compass Needle
The syntax of this verse is remarkably compact.
Everything revolves around one repeated root:
καυχ- → boast
The repetition creates unity.
But the sentence does more than repeat. It redirects.
Notice the flow:
ὁ καυχώμενος
the one boasting
↓
ἐν Κυρίῳ
in the Lord
↓
καυχάσθω
let him boast
The center of gravity is not the boasting itself but the phrase:
ἐν Κυρίῳ
That phrase changes the entire meaning of the sentence.
7. Beginner Practice Activity: Find the Command
Which word is the command “let him boast”?
| Greek Word | Command? |
|---|---|
| γέγραπται | ? |
| καυχάσθω | ? |
| Κυρίῳ | ? |
Click to Reveal the Answer
Answer: καυχάσθω.
καυχάσθω is an imperative meaning “let him boast.” The verse does not forbid boasting altogether; it directs boasting toward the Lord.
How the Greek Redirects the Reader’s Focus
This verse is short, but its structure is memorable.
The same root appears twice:
- the one boasting
- let him boast
The repetition catches our attention, but the real emphasis lies between those two expressions:
ἐν Κυρίῳ
“in the Lord”
Greek takes a human instinct toward self-glory and redirects it toward the Lord.
The sentence is like an arrow. It begins with boasting, passes through the Lord, and ends with boasting transformed.
