Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
natural man--literally, "a man of animal soul." As contrasted with the spiritual man, he is governed by the animal soul, which overbears his spirit, which latter is without the Spirit of God (Judges 1:19). So the animal (English Version, "natural") body, or body led by the lower animal nature (including both the mere human fallen reason and heart), is contrasted with the Spirit-quickened body (1 Corinthians 15:44-46). The carnal man (the man led by bodily appetites, and also by a self-exalting spirit, estranged from the divine life) is closely akin; so too the "earthly." "Devilish," or "demon-like"; "led by an evil spirit," is the awful character of such a one, in its worst type (James 3:15).
receiveth not--though they are offered to him, and are "worthy of being received by all men" (1 Timothy 1:15).
they are foolishness unto him--whereas he seeks "wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:22).
neither can he--Not only does he not, but he cannot know them, and therefore has no wish to "receive" them (Romans 8:7).
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
John 1:14
John 14:17
1 Corinthians 2:13
1 Corinthians 2:15
1 Corinthians 3:1
1 Corinthians 15:44
2 Corinthians 3:15
2 Corinthians 6:6
Galatians 5:19-23
1 Thessalonians 5:23
1 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 4:12
Jude 1:19
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