What does 'dumb idols' mean in 1 Corinthians 12:2?
The term 'dumb idols' in this verse means idols that cannot speak. It does not mean they lacked intelligence; it means they were speechless. Paul reminded the Corinthians that as Gentiles they had been carried away and led to these mute idols.
Les explains that the word 'dumb' here merely means the idols could not speak. It does not mean they had no intelligence; it means they couldn't speak. Paul tells the Corinthians that as Gentiles they had been carried away to these dumb idols, even as they were led. Les notes this was natural because that was all the world knew at that time, except for Judaism and Israel. This sets up Paul's teaching about the Holy Spirit in the following verse.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.