What does 'dumb' mean in 1 Corinthians 12:2?
The term "dumb" in 1 Corinthians 12:2 refers to idols that were unable to speak. It does not imply they lacked intelligence; it simply means they had no ability to vocalize. Paul describes Gentiles being carried away to these speechless idols, even as they were led.
Les explains that the word "dumb" in verse 2 merely means the idols could not speak. It does not mean they had no intelligence, but that they were unable to speak. Paul reminds the Corinthians that as Gentiles they had been carried away to these dumb idols, even as they were led. Les notes that this was natural because that was all the world knew at that time, except for Judaism and Israel. Then in verse 3, Paul introduces the Holy Spirit, capitalized, showing the difference from the spirit of man or the spirit of evil. No one speaking by the Holy Spirit calls Jesus accursed.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.