Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
But we (hmeiv de). We Christians like
us (hmin) in verse I Corinthians 2:10 of the revelation, but particularly Paul and the other apostles.
Received (elabomen). Second aorist active indicative of lambanw and so a definite event, though the constative aorist may include various stages.
Not the spirit of the world (ou to pneuma tou kosmou). Probably a reference to the wisdom of this age in verse I Corinthians 2:6. See also Romans 8:4, Romans 8:6-7; I Corinthians 11:4 (qe pneuma eteron).
But the spirit which is of God (alla to pneuma to ek qeou). Rather, "from God" (ek), which proceeds from God.
That we might know (ina eidwmen). Second perfect subjunctive with ina to express purpose. Here is a distinct claim of the Holy Spirit for understanding (Illumination) the Revelation received. It is not a senseless rhapsody or secret mystery, but God expects us to understand "the things that are freely given us by God" (ta upo tou qeou xarisqenta hmin). First aorist passive neuter plural articular participle of xarizomai, to bestow. God gave the revelation through the Holy Spirit and he gives us the illumination of the Holy Spirit to understand the mind of the Spirit. The tragic failures of men to understand clearly God's revealed will is but a commentary on the weakness and limitation of the human intellect even when enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 Corinthians 2:12:
1 Corinthians 2:13
1 Corinthians 2:16
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