1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God The natural man (animalis, Vulgate), that is, the man whose perceptions do not extend beyond the region of the intellect, the part of his being which he has in common with the animal creation, can never attain to the things of the Spirit. The term must not be understood in the same sense as our word animalnow bears, i.e. as equivalent to sensual. Cf. Judges 19, where the word is translated sensualin our version. See notes on 1 Corinthians 15:44.

because they are spiritually discerned There is but little analogy between mental and spiritual discernment, or rather processes (see next note), which the Apostle has been contrasting throughout the whole of this chapter. The one is the result of knowledge, investigation, argument: the faculties which produce the other are sharpened by self-discipline, humility, communion with God, love of Him and the brethren. To those who are thus exercised many things are clear which are mysteries to the most learned and the most acute.