Paul continues addressing the gathered worship life of the Corinthian church, especially their use of spiritual gifts in public assembly. Corinth’s tendency toward display, competition, and status-signaling appears to have influenced how some believers approached vocal gifts, especially tongues.
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1 Corinthians 14
Pursue Love, Desire Gifts, and Let All Things Be Done for Edification and Order
Because love seeks the good of others, spiritual gifts in gathered worship must be exercised in ways that are intelligible, edifying, discerning, peaceful, and orderly under the authority of the Lord.
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Chapter Summary
Because love seeks the good of others, spiritual gifts in gathered worship must be exercised in ways that are intelligible, edifying, discerning, peaceful, and orderly under the authority of the Lord.
Overview
Paul applies the supremacy of love to the use of gifts in the gathered church. He begins by commanding the Corinthians to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, but He particularly elevates prophecy because of its superior usefulness for congregational edification. Tongues without interpretation may be spiritually real, but in public assembly they do not communicate understanding to others and thus fail the primary test of love.
Paul then argues from common sense: speech that cannot be understood is like an indistinct instrument or an unknown language, producing noise without meaningful communication. Since the Corinthians are eager for spiritual manifestations, they should seek those that build up the church. He next explains that even when a person truly prays or sings in the spirit, the mind must also be engaged if the church is to benefit.
Public worship is not the place for private ecstatic satisfaction detached from intelligibility. Paul Himself speaks in tongues, yet in the church He radically prioritizes understandable speech for the sake of teaching others. He then shifts to the effect on outsiders and immature hearers. Uninterpreted tongues, especially en masse, can make the church appear mad and may function as a sign of judgment, whereas prophecy can expose the secrets of the heart, bring conviction, and lead an outsider to worship God.
Paul then gives practical instructions so that each contribution in the assembly serves edification. Tongues must be limited, sequential, and interpreted. Prophecy must be limited and evaluated. Speakers are not out of control, because the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. Order in worship reflects God’s own character, for He is not the God of confusion but of peace.
Paul concludes by reinforcing apostolic authority over these matters and by refusing both extremes: they must earnestly desire prophecy, and they must not forbid tongues. Yet everything must be done decently and in order. The chapter therefore argues that gifts are to be exercised not as spectacles of personal spirituality but as ordered instruments of love for the building up of Christ’s church.
Context
Because love seeks the good of others, spiritual gifts in gathered worship must be exercised in ways that are intelligible, edifying, discerning, peaceful, and orderly under the authority of the Lord.
Paul continues addressing the gathered worship life of the Corinthian church, especially their use of spiritual gifts in public assembly. Corinth’s tendency toward display, competition, and status-signaling appears to have influenced how some believers approached vocal gifts, especially tongues.
Structural Flow
Paul commands the Corinthians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. He contrasts prophecy and tongues in terms of congregational usefulness, explaining that prophecy edifies the church while uninterpreted tongues primarily edify the speaker.
Paul argues that intelligibility is essential. Without understandable speech, tongues are like indistinct musical sounds or foreign language with no communicative benefit. Since the Corinthians are eager for spiritual manifestations, they should seek to abound in gifts that build up the church.
Paul teaches that the one who speaks in a tongue should pray for interpretation. He distinguishes praying and singing with the spirit from doing so with the mind also, and He emphasizes that in the church He would rather speak five understandable words than ten thousand in a tongue.
Paul urges maturity in thinking and interprets tongues and prophecy in relation to outsiders. Tongues function as a sign in a way that may confirm judgment when unintelligible, whereas prophecy can expose the heart, convict the hearer, and lead to worshipful acknowledgment that God is truly among the church.
Paul gives practical directions for worship order. Contributions in the assembly must aim at edification. Tongues are limited and require interpretation
Prophecy is limited and subject to evaluation
Control. God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
Paul closes with further order-related instructions, including a difficult and debated directive concerning women in the churches, followed by an assertion of apostolic authority. He commands the church to desire prophecy, not forbid tongues, and ensure that all things are done decently and in order.
Chapter Outline
- 14:1-5: Paul commands the Corinthians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. He contrasts prophecy and tongues in terms of congregational usefulness, explaining that prophecy edifies the church while uninterpreted tongues primarily edify the speaker.
- 14:6-12: Paul argues that intelligibility is essential. Without understandable speech, tongues are like indistinct musical sounds or foreign language with no communicative benefit. Since the Corinthians are eager for spiritual manifestations, they should seek to abound in gifts that build up the church.
- 14:13-19: Paul teaches that the one who speaks in a tongue should pray for interpretation. He distinguishes praying and singing with the spirit from doing so with the mind also, and He emphasizes that in the church He would rather speak five understandable words than ten thousand in a tongue.
- 14:20-25: Paul urges maturity in thinking and interprets tongues and prophecy in relation to outsiders. Tongues function as a sign in a way that may confirm judgment when unintelligible, whereas prophecy can expose the heart, convict the hearer, and lead to worshipful acknowledgment that God is truly among the church.
- Paul gives practical directions for worship order. Contributions in the assembly must aim at edification. Tongues are limited and require interpretation
- Prophecy is limited and subject to evaluation
- Control. God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
- 14:33B-40: Paul closes with further order-related instructions, including a difficult and debated directive concerning women in the churches, followed by an assertion of apostolic authority. He commands the church to desire prophecy, not forbid tongues, and ensure that all things are done decently and in order.
Theological Focus
- Love as the governing pursuit behind all gift use
- Prophecy as especially useful for congregational edification
- The limitations of uninterpreted tongues in public worship
- Edification as the controlling principle of gathered speech
- The necessity of intelligibility in the assembly
- Prayer and praise involving both spirit and mind
- The relative priority of understandable teaching in church
- Maturity in thinking rather than childish fascination with display
- Tongues and prophecy in relation to outsiders
- Prophecy as a means of conviction and heart exposure
- Evaluation and discernment of prophetic speech
- The self-control of speakers in worship
- God as the God of peace, not confusion
- Apostolic authority in regulating gathered worship
- Decency and order as marks of faithful assembly life
- Ecclesiology
- Spiritual gifts
- Sanctification
- Pneumatology
- Apostolic authority
- Missional witness
Covenant Significance
The chapter treats the gathered assembly as a covenant people under divine order. Worship is not an arena for isolated spiritual expression but a communal event in which God addresses and builds His people. Speech in the assembly must therefore serve covenant edification rather than private exaltation.
Canonical Connections
The chapter treats the gathered assembly as a covenant people under divine order. Worship is not an arena for isolated spiritual expression but a communal event in which God addresses and builds His people. Speech in the assembly must therefore serve covenant edification rather than private exaltation.
Isaiah 28:11-12
Nehemiah 8:8
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
1 Corinthians 12:4-31
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Ephesians 4:11-16
Colossians 3:16
James 3:13-18
Cross References
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens...
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans?...
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity...
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
If you love me, keep my commandments.
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them...
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful...
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of Yahweh your God.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Guard your steps when you go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil. Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter...
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Yahweh God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
To the woman he said, “I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. You will bear children in pain. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language, to whom he said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Turn to the law and to the covenant! If they don’t speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
“It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Yahweh’s people were prophets, that Yahweh would put his Spirit on them!”
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Provides immediate literary context around the same argument flow.
Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all.
Provides immediate literary context around the same argument flow.
But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love.
Provides immediate literary context around the same argument flow.
Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who...
Provides immediate literary context around the same argument flow.
Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the...
Gospel Clarity
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
Gospel Cross References
‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens...
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans?...
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity...
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
If you love me, keep my commandments.
When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them...
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful...
Primary Emphasis
Christ remains central through the chapter’s assumptions about lordship, authority, and the purpose of gifts. The church gathers as Christ’s people, gifts operate under His rule, and outsider conviction leads to the confession that God is truly present among His people. The chapter’s emphasis on edification reflects the ministry of Christ through His body.
Chapter Contribution
Paul applies the supremacy of love to the use of gifts in the gathered church. He begins by commanding the Corinthians to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, but He particularly elevates prophecy because of its superior usefulness for congregational edification. Tongues without interpretation may be spiritually real, but in public assembly they do not communicate understanding to others and thus fail the primary test of love.
Paul then argues from common sense: speech that cannot be understood is like an indistinct instrument or an unknown language, producing noise without meaningful communication. Since the Corinthians are eager for spiritual manifestations, they should seek those that build up the church. He next explains that even when a person truly prays or sings in the spirit, the mind must also be engaged if the church is to benefit.
Public worship is not the place for private ecstatic satisfaction detached from intelligibility. Paul Himself speaks in tongues, yet in the church He radically prioritizes understandable speech for the sake of teaching others. He then shifts to the effect on outsiders and immature hearers. Uninterpreted tongues, especially en masse, can make the church appear mad and may function as a sign of judgment, whereas prophecy can expose the secrets of the heart, bring conviction, and lead an outsider to worship God.
Paul then gives practical instructions so that each contribution in the assembly serves edification. Tongues must be limited, sequential, and interpreted. Prophecy must be limited and evaluated. Speakers are not out of control, because the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. Order in worship reflects God’s own character, for He is not the God of confusion but of peace.
Paul concludes by reinforcing apostolic authority over these matters and by refusing both extremes: they must earnestly desire prophecy, and they must not forbid tongues. Yet everything must be done decently and in order. The chapter therefore argues that gifts are to be exercised not as spectacles of personal spirituality but as ordered instruments of love for the building up of Christ’s church.
Doctrines in This Chapter
The church is governed by the authoritative word of God delivered through the apostolic witness.
God’s nature as a God of peace shapes the order and harmony of worship among His people.
Love remains the governing principle that shapes the exercise of spiritual gifts.
God’s truth is intended to be communicated in ways that can be understood by His people.
God’s truth reveals the hidden condition of the human heart and calls people to repentance.
Speech in the gathered church should strengthen the congregation rather than disrupt it.
The gathered church serves as a visible witness to the presence and work of God.
Public prayer, praise, and teaching should involve both spiritual devotion and clear understanding.
Believers grow through instruction and inquiry in appropriate contexts that promote understanding.
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up believers in faith and understanding.
Christ rules His church through His revealed word and directs how worship should occur.
Corporate worship should reflect the character of God through reverence, clarity, and orderly participation.
The proclamation of God’s truth exposes the heart and brings conviction of sin.
God's truth must be communicated clearly so that the church may grow in faith and maturity.
Spiritual gifts function within the church under the guidance of Scripture and communal discernment.
Believers are called to grow in mature understanding regarding the use and purpose of spiritual gifts.
Doctrinal Weight
The chapter gives major instruction on how the church should gather, speak, discern, and pursue peace in worship.
Paul regulates prophecy and tongues by subordinating them to intelligibility, interpretation, discernment, and congregational edification.
Maturity is shown in love-governed self-restraint, peaceable order, and the pursuit of what benefits others rather than self-display.
The Spirit’s gifts are real, but their operation is never irrational, uncontrollable, or detached from the body’s good.
Paul presents His worship directives as binding commands of the Lord and tests spiritual recognition by response to apostolic instruction.
Paul explicitly considers how the gathered assembly affects outsiders, showing that orderly edification has evangelistic implications.
Reading Lenses
12 Imperatives
- Pursue love
- Desire gifts, especially prophecy
- Pray for interpretation
- Be mature in thinking
- Flee childishness
- Let all things be done for edification
- Let tongues be limited and interpreted
- Let prophecy be weighed
- Recognize apostolic command
- Earnestly desire prophecy
- Do not forbid tongues
- Do all things decently and in order
Key Greek Terms
Sense to pursue, press after, chase with intentional effort
Definition pursue
Why it matters This term ties chapter 14 directly to chapter 13. Love is not assumed automatically; it must be sought intentionally.
Sense to desire eagerly, be zealous for, pursue earnestly
Definition earnestly desire
Why it matters This term prevents a false contrast between love and gifts. The issue is not whether gifts are desired, but how and why.
Sense prophecy, inspired utterance that communicates God’s message for edification, exhortation, or consolation
Definition prophecy
Why it matters This term is central to the chapter’s argument. Prophecy is valued not as spectacle, but as useful speech for the church.
Sense tongue, language, speech in another tongue
Definition tongue
Why it matters This term must be read with nuance. Paul neither absolutizes nor abolishes tongues, but regulates them for the church’s good.
Sense to build up, edify, strengthen constructively
Definition builds up
Why it matters This term governs Paul’s whole argument. The question is not, 'Was there a manifestation?' but, 'Was the church built up?'
Sense interpretation, translation, rendering into intelligible meaning
Definition interpretation
Why it matters This term shows that the issue is not merely whether tongues occur, but whether their meaning is made accessible to the body.
Sense mind, understanding, faculty of comprehension
Definition mind
Why it matters This term is crucial for resisting the false contrast between Spirit and understanding. Paul wants both.
Sense unfruitful, unproductive, barren
Definition unfruitful
Why it matters This term underscores that worship lacking intelligible understanding is deficient for congregational purposes.
Sense to instruct orally, teach systematically, catechize
Definition instruct
Why it matters This term highlights the pedagogical aim of gathered worship. Assembly life is for formation, not mere experience.
Sense children, immature ones, little ones
Definition children
Why it matters This term shows that His concern is not merely technical order, but mature spiritual judgment.
Sense mature, complete, fully developed
Definition mature
Why it matters This term reinforces the letter’s broader anti-immaturity burden. Worship maturity means intelligible, loving, ordered contribution.
Sense unbeliever, one without faith, outsider to the gospel
Definition unbeliever
Why it matters This term demonstrates the missional dimension of ordered worship.
Sense to expose, convict, bring to light, reprove
Definition is convicted
Why it matters This term shows the evangelistic and revelatory potential of understandable worship.
Sense to examine, scrutinize, call to account, evaluate deeply
Definition is called to account / examined
Why it matters This term highlights the searching, revelatory dimension of congregational speech under God.
Sense hidden things, secrets, inner realities previously concealed
Definition secrets
Why it matters This term explains why intelligible speech matters. God uses it to reveal what lies hidden.
Sense edification, building up, constructive strengthening
Definition edification
Why it matters This term is the practical center of the chapter’s instructions.
Sense to judge, evaluate, discern carefully, distinguish rightly
Definition weigh / evaluate
Why it matters This term guards the church against uncritical acceptance of every claimed revelation.
Sense to submit, arrange under, be subject to
Definition are subject
Why it matters This term directly refutes the notion that true inspiration is inherently uncontrollable.
Sense disorder, instability, confusion, tumult
Definition confusion
Why it matters This term shows that disorder in worship is not spiritually neutral. It misrepresents God.
Sense peace, wholeness, ordered harmony, settled well-being
Definition peace
Why it matters This term defines the goal of regulated worship. Order exists for peace, not for control as an end in itself.
Sense command, authoritative instruction, directive
Definition command
Why it matters This term elevates the chapter’s authority and tests whether claimed spirituality submits to apostolic command.
Sense decently, properly, fittingly, honorably
Definition decently
Why it matters This term shows that public worship should visibly reflect theological propriety.
Sense order, arrangement, fixed proper sequence, ordered pattern
Definition order
Why it matters This term seals the chapter. Order is not the enemy of the Spirit, but the shape of love in the assembly.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Verb Aspect (122 main verbs)
completed 2ongoing 33prospective 13resultant 2imperative 18subjunctive 25optative 1infinitive 8participle 20
| v.1 | Διώκετεdiṓkōpursuepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationζηλοῦτεzēlóōstrive forpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπροφητεύητεprophēteúōprophesypresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.2 | λαλῶνlaléōspeakspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαλεῖlaléōspeakpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀκούειunderstandspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλεῖlaléōspeakspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.3 | προφητεύωνprophēteúōprophesiespresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαλεῖlaléōspeakspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.4 | λαλῶνlaléōspeakspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionοἰκοδομεῖoikodoméōedifiespresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπροφητεύωνprophēteúōprophesiespresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionοἰκοδομεῖoikodoméōedifiespresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.5 | θέλωthélōwishpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλεῖνlaléōspeakpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbπροφητεύητεprophēteúōprophesypresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπροφητεύωνprophēteúōprophesiespresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαλῶνlaléōspeakspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδιερμηνεύῃdiermēneúōinterpretspresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλάβῃlambánōreceiveaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.6 | ἔλθωérchomaicomeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλαλῶνlaléōspeakingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionὠφελήσωōpheléōbenefitfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλαλήσωlaléōspeakaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.7 | διδόνταdídōmiproducepresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδῷdídōmimakeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentγνωσθήσεταιginṓskōknowfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionαὐλούμενονplayed on the flutepresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκιθαριζόμενονkitharízōharppresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.8 | δῷdídōmimakesaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπαρασκευάσεταιparaskeuázōpreparefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.9 | δῶτεdídōmiutteraorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentγνωσθήσεταιginṓskōknownfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλαλούμενονlaléōspokenpresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.10 | τύχοιtynchánōprobablyaorist active optativeoptativeOptative mood — wish or remote possibility |
| v.11 | εἰδῶeídōknowperfect active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλαλοῦντιlaléōspeakerpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαλῶνlaléōspeakerpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.12 | ζητεῖτεzētéōseekpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπερισσεύητεperisseúōexcelpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.13 | λαλῶνlaléōspeakspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροσευχέσθωproseúchomaipraypresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationδιερμηνεύῃdiermēneúōinterpretpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.14 | προσεύχωμαιproseúchomaipraypresent middle subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπροσεύχεταιproseúchomaiprayspresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.15 | προσεύξομαιproseúchomaiprayfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionπροσεύξομαιproseúchomaiprayfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionψαλῶpsállōsing praisefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionψαλῶpsállōsingfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.16 | εὐλογῇςeulogéōpraisepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀναπληρῶνfillspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐρεῖeréōsayfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλέγειςlégōsayingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthοἶδενeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.17 | εὐχαριστεῖςeucharistéōgiving thankspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthοἰκοδομεῖταιoikodoméōedifiedpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.18 | εὐχαριστῶeucharistéōthankpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλῶlaléōspeakpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.19 | θέλωthélōwould ratherpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλῆσαιlaléōspeakaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbκατηχήσωkatēchéōinstructaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.20 | νηπιάζετεnēpiázōinfantspresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.21 | γέγραπταιgráphōwrittenperfect passive indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultλαλήσωlaléōspeakfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionεἰσακούσονταίeisakoúōlisten tofuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλέγειlégōsayspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.22 | πιστεύουσινpisteúōbelieverspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπιστεύουσινpisteúōbelieverspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.23 | συνέλθῃsynérchomaicomesaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλαλῶσινlaléōspeakpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentεἰσέλθωσινeisérchomaienteraorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἐροῦσινeréōsayfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionμαίνεσθεmaínomaiout of ~ mindpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.24 | προφητεύωσινprophēteúōprophesypresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentεἰσέλθῃeisérchomaientersaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἐλέγχεταιelénchōconvictedpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀνακρίνεταιcalled to accountpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.25 | πεσὼνpíptōfallingaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροσκυνήσειproskynéōworshipfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀπαγγέλλωνproclaimingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.26 | συνέρχησθεsynérchomaicome togetherpresent middle subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἔχειéchōhaspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχειéchōhaspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχειéchōhaspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχειéchōhaspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχειéchōhaspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.27 | λαλεῖlaléōspeakspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδιερμηνευέτωdiermēneúōinterpretpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.28 | ᾖōispresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentσιγάτωsigáōkeep silentpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationλαλείτωlaléōspeakpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.29 | λαλείτωσανlaléōspeakpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationδιακρινέτωσανdiakrínōevaluatepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.30 | ἀποκαλυφθῇrevealedaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentκαθημένῳkáthēmaisittingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσιγάτωsigáōsilentpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.31 | δύνασθεdýnamaicanpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπροφητεύεινprophēteúōprophesypresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbμανθάνωσινmanthánōlearnpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπαρακαλῶνταιparakaléōencouragedpresent passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.32 | ὑποτάσσεταιhypotássōare subject topresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.34 | σιγάτωσανsigáōkeep silentpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἐπιτρέπεταιepitrépōpermittedpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλεῖνlaléōspeakpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbὑποτασσέσθωσανhypotássōin submissionpresent passive imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationλέγειlégōsayspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.35 | μαθεῖνmanthánōlearnaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbθέλουσινthélōwantpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐπερωτάτωσανeperōtáōaskpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationλαλεῖνlaléōspeakpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.36 | ἐξῆλθενexérchomaioriginateaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionκατήντησενkatantáōreachedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.37 | δοκεῖdokéōthinkspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐπιγινωσκέτωepiginṓskōacknowledgepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationγράφωgráphōwritingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.38 | ἀγνοεῖnot recognizepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀγνοεῖταιignoredpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.39 | ζηλοῦτεzēlóōdesirepresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationπροφητεύεινprophēteúōprophesypresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbλαλεῖνlaléōspeakingpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbκωλύετεkōlýōforbidpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.40 | γινέσθωgínomaidonepresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
Warnings and Misreadings
- Paul warns against childish thinking, confusing worship, unintelligible speech that fails to edify, and any use of gifts that undermines the peace and order fitting for God’s church. He also warns that refusal to recognize apostolic instruction has serious implications.
- Paul forbids tongues altogether. - Paul explicitly says not to forbid speaking in tongues. His concern is not prohibition of the gift as such, but its regulation in gathered worship for edification and order.
- Paul treats prophecy as equal to spontaneous personal opinion. - Prophecy is significant enough to build up, encourage, and convict, yet it is also to be weighed and discerned. Paul neither trivializes it nor treats every utterance as beyond evaluation.
- The chapter teaches that anything emotional or spiritually intense is suspect. - Paul does not oppose spiritual fervor. He opposes uninterpreted, disorderly, or self-centered expressions that fail to edify the church.
- If a person feels spiritually compelled, self-control is impossible. - Paul explicitly says the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. True spiritual operation does not erase responsibility or order.
- Intelligibility matters only for intellectual people, while spiritually mature believers should move beyond words. - Paul insists that understanding matters precisely because the gathered body must be built up. The mind is not the enemy of the Spirit.
- Decently and in order means sterile, lifeless formality. - Paul is not advocating dead ritualism. He is insisting that spiritual vitality must be governed by peace, intelligibility, and love-shaped order.
Discipleship Questions
- Do I pursue gifts for the common good or for spiritual visibility?
- When I participate in worship, am I thinking about whether others are actually being edified?
- Do I prize what is understandable and strengthening, or what feels impressive and intense?
- Am I willing to submit my preferred expression to the order and peace of the church?
- Do I use both heart and mind in worship before God?
- Have I confused disorder with freedom or noise with spiritual power?
- Would an outsider entering our gathering be helped toward conviction and worship, or driven toward confusion?
- Do I treat apostolic instruction about worship as binding wisdom or as optional advice?
Pastoral Applications
- Church leaders should structure gathered worship so that intelligibility, edification, and order are clear priorities. Spiritual vitality and ordered clarity are not enemies.
- Churches must teach that gifts are for the building up of others, not for self-display. This is especially important when public vocal gifts are involved.
- Pastors should neither dismiss the chapter’s openness to gifts nor ignore its insistence on interpretation, discernment, limits, and order.
- Congregations should care how gathered worship functions for unbelievers and uninstructed attendees. Paul expects worship to be intelligible enough to convict and reveal that God is present.
- Leaders must be willing to regulate public worship according to apostolic teaching. Peaceful order is not quenching the Spirit, but honoring the God who gives the gifts.
- This chapter is crucial for moving believers from immature fascination with the dramatic toward mature commitment to what truly strengthens the church.
Pastoral Trajectories
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
Imperatives
12
Very high
Imperative Themes
- Pursue love
- Desire gifts, especially prophecy
- Pray for interpretation
- Be mature in thinking
- Flee childishness
- Let all things be done for edification
- Let tongues be limited and interpreted
- Let prophecy be weighed
- Recognize apostolic command
- Earnestly desire prophecy
- Do not forbid tongues
- Do all things decently and in order
Motifs in This Chapter
Trace the Spirit's presence, empowerment, renewal, and mission-bearing work across Scripture.
Study temple presence, worship, corruption, judgment, and renewal across Scripture.
Study kingdom reign, divine rule, and gospel kingdom proclamation across Scripture.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
The chapter treats the gathered assembly as a covenant people under divine order. Worship is not an arena for isolated spiritual expression but a communal event in which God addresses and builds His people. Speech in the assembly must therefore serve covenant edification rather than private exaltation.
The chapter assumes the gospel by centering gathered life on the building up of Christ’s body and by aiming even outsider encounters toward conviction, worship, and the recognition that God is among His people. Gifts serve the church not by drawing attention to the gifted person, but by strengthening Christ’s people and making God’s presence known.
Focus Points
- Love as the governing pursuit behind all gift use
- Prophecy as especially useful for congregational edification
- The limitations of uninterpreted tongues in public worship
- Edification as the controlling principle of gathered speech
- The necessity of intelligibility in the assembly
- Prayer and praise involving both spirit and mind
- The relative priority of understandable teaching in church
- Maturity in thinking rather than childish fascination with display
- Tongues and prophecy in relation to outsiders
- Prophecy as a means of conviction and heart exposure
- Evaluation and discernment of prophetic speech
- The self-control of speakers in worship
- God as the God of peace, not confusion
- Apostolic authority in regulating gathered worship
- Decency and order as marks of faithful assembly life
- Ecclesiology
- Spiritual gifts
- Sanctification
- Pneumatology
- Apostolic authority
- Missional witness
Cross References
But He will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language, to whom He said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear.
Old Testament foundation
They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
Old Testament foundation
Guard Your steps when You go to God’s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don’t know that they do evil. Don’t be rash with Your mouth, and don’t let Your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and You on earth. Therefore let Your words be few.
Old Testament foundation
But He who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
Gospel resolution
But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, He is reproved by all, and He is judged by all. And thus the secrets of His heart are revealed. So He will fall down on His face and worship God, declaring that God is among You indeed.
Gospel resolution
What is it then, brothers? When You come together, each one of You has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
Gospel resolution
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Gospel resolution
Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all.
Thematic parallel
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be...
Thematic parallel
He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness...
Thematic parallel
Let the word of Christ dwell in You richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in Your heart to the Lord.
Thematic parallel
Who is wise and understanding among You? Let Him show by His good conduct that His deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. But if You have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in Your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
Thematic parallel
Follow after love (διωκετε την αγαπην). As if a veritable chase. Paul comes back to the idea in 12:31 (same use of ζηλουτε) and proves the superiority of prophecy to the other spiritual gifts not counting faith, hope, love of 13:13 . But rather that ye may prophesy (μαλλον δε ινα προφητευητε). Distinct aim in view as in verse 5 . Old verb from προφητης, common in N.T. Present subjunctive, "that ye may keep on prophesying."
For no man understandeth (ουδεις γαρ ακουε). Literally, hears, gets the sense, understands. Verb ακουω used either of hearing the sound only or getting the idea (cf. Ac 9:7 ; 22:9 ). Mysteries (μυστηρια). Unexplained mysteries ( 1Co 2:7 ).
Edification (οικοδομην). Building up. Comfort (παρακλησιν). Encouragement, calling to one's side. Consolation (παραμυθιαν). Old word (from παρα, μυθοσ, παραμυθεομα 1Th 2:12 which see, a stimulating word), nowhere else in N.T., but παραμυθιον in Php 2:1 with παρακλησις as here. Edification, cheer, incentive in these words.
The church (εκκλησιαν). No article, literally, "a church" (local use). Not η εκκλησια.
Except he interpret (εκτος ε μη διερμηνευη). Pleonastic combination of εκτος (preposition except) and ε μη (if not, unless) as in 15:2 ; 1Ti 5:19 . For use of ε with subjunctive rather than εαν see Php 3:12 (common enough in the Koine , Robertson, Grammar , pp. 1017f., condition of third class). On the verb see on 12:30 ; Lu 24:27 ; Ac 9:36 . Receive (λαβη). Second aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of λαμβανω, may get edification.
If I come (εαν ελθω). Third class condition, supposable case (aorist subjunctive). What shall I profit you (τ υμας ωφελησω). Two accusatives with this verb (see 13:3 ). Unless I speak (εαν μη λαλησω). Second condition (also third class) with the one conclusion (cf. 1Ti 2:5 ).
Things without life (αψυχα). Without a soul (α privative, ψυχη) or life. Old word only here in N. T. Pipe (αυλος). Old word (from αω, αυω, to blow), only here in N. T. Harp (κιθαρα). Old word. Stringed instrument as pipe, a wind instrument. If they give not a distinction in the sounds (εαν διαστολην τοις φθογγοις μη δω). Third class condition with second aorist active subjunctive δω from διδωμ.
Common word in late Greek for difference (διαστελλω, to send apart). In N. T. only here and Ro 3:22 ; 10:12 . Φθογγος old word (from φθεγγομα) for musical sounds vocal or instrumental. In N. T. only here and Ro 10:18 .
An uncertain voice (αδηλον φωνην). Old adjective (α privative, δηλος, manifest). In N.T. only here and Lu 11:44 . Military trumpet (σαλπιγξ) is louder than pipe or harp. Shall prepare himself (παρασκευασετα). Direct middle future indicative of παρασκευαζω, old verb, in N.T. only here, 2Co 9:2 ff.; Ac 10:10 . From παρα, σκευη (preparation).
Unless ye utter speech easy to be understood (εαν μη ευσημον λογον δωτε). Condition of third class again (εαν and aorist subjunctive). Ευσημον (ευ, well, σημα, sign) is old word, here only in N.T., well-marked, distinct, clear. Good enunciation, a hint for speakers. Ye will be speaking into the air (εσεσθε εις αερα λαλουντες). Periphrastic future indicative (linear action). Cf. αερα δερων (beating the air) in 9:26 . Cf. our talking to the wind. This was before the days of radio.
It may be (ε τυχο). Condition of fourth class (ε and aorist optative of τυγχανω), if it should happen. Common enough idiom. Cf. τυχον in 16:6 . Without signification (αφωνον). Old adjective (α privative and φωνη). Without the faculty of speech ( 12:2 ; Ac 8:32 ; 2 Peter 2:16 ).
The meaning of the voice (την δυναμιν της φωνης). The power (force) of the voice. A barbarian (βαρβαρος). Jargon, βαρ-βαρ. The Egyptians called all βαρβαρους who did not speak their tongue. The Greeks followed suit for all ignorant of Greek language and culture. They divided mankind into Hellenes and Barbarians. Unto me (εν εμο). In my case, almost like a dative.
Zealous of spiritual gifts (ζηλωτα πνευματων). Zealots for spirits. So it looked. That ye may abound (ινα περισσευητε). Purpose clause with the object by prolepsis stated beforehand "for the edification of the church."
Let him pray that he may interpret (προσευχεσθω ινα διερμηνευη). Else he had better cease talking in a tongue.
But my understanding is unfruitful (ο δε νους μου ακαρπος). My intellect (νους) gets no benefit (ακαρπος, without fruit) from rhapsodical praying that may even move my spirit (πνευμα).
With the understanding also (κα τω νο). Instrumental case of νους. Paul is distinctly in favour of the use of the intellect in prayer. Prayer is an intelligent exercise of the mind. And I will sing with the understanding also (ψαλω δε κα τω νο). There was ecstatic singing like the rhapsody of some prayers without intelligent words. But Paul prefers singing that reaches the intellect as well as stirs the emotions.
Solos that people do not understand lose more than half their value in church worship. Ψαλλω originally meant to play on strings, then to sing with an accompaniment ( Eph 5:19 ), and here apparently to sing without regard to an instrument.
Else if thou bless with the spirit (επε εαν ευλογηις εν πνευματ). Third class condition. He means that, if one is praying and praising God ( 10:16 ) in an ecstatic prayer, the one who does not understand the ecstasy will be at a loss when to say "amen" at the close of the prayer. In the synagogues the Jews used responsive amens at the close of prayers ( Neh 5:13 ; 8:6 ; 1Ch 16:36 ; Ps 106:48 ).
He that filleth the place of the unlearned (ο αναπληρων τον τοπον του ιδιωτου). Not a special part of the room, but the position of the ιδιωτου (from ιδιος, one's own), common from Herodotus for private person ( Ac 4:13 ), unskilled ( 2Co 11:6 ), uninitiated (unlearned) in the gift of tongues as here and verses 23 f . At thy giving of thanks (επ τη ση ευχαριστια).
Just the prayer, not the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper, as is plain from verse 17 .
More than you all (παντων υμων μαλλον). Ablative case after μαλλον. Astonishing claim by Paul that doubtless had a fine effect.
Howbeit in church (αλλα εν εκκλησια). Private ecstasy is one thing (cf. 2Co 12:1-9 ) but not in church worship. That I may instruct (ινα κατηχησω). Final clause with ινα. For the rare verb κατηχεω see on Lu 1:4 ; Ac 18:25 .
Be not children in mind (μη παιδια γινεσθε ταις φρεσιν). "Cease becoming children in your intellects," as some of them evidently were. Cf. Heb 5:11-14 for a like complaint of intellectual dulness for being old babies. In malice be ye babes (τη κακια νηπιαζετε). Be men (τελειο γινεσθε). Keep on becoming adults in your minds. A noble and a needed command, pertinent today.
In the law it is written (εν τω νομω γεγραπτα). Isa 28:11 f . Freely quoted.
For a sign (εις σημειον). Like the Hebrew and occasional Koine idiom also.
Will they not say that ye are mad? (ουκ ερουσιν οτ μαινεσθε?). These unbelievers unacquainted (ιδιωτα) with Christianity will say that the Christians are raving mad (see on Ac 12:15 ; 26:24 ). They will seem like a congregation of lunatics.
He is reproved by all (ελεγχετα υπο παντων). Old word for strong proof, is undergoing conviction. Is judged (ανακρινετα). Is tested. Cf. 1Co 2:15 ; 4:3 f .
That God is among you indeed (οτ οντως εν υμιν εστιν). Recitative οτ and direct quotation from Isa 45:15 (Hebrew rather than the LXX). "Really (οντως Lu 24:34 ) God is in you."
When ye come together (οταν συνερχησθε). Present middle subjunctive, repetition, whenever ye come together, in contrast with special case (εαν συνελθη, second aorist subjunctive) in verse 23 .
By two (κατα δυο). According to two, ratio. Or at most (η το πλειστον). Adverbial accusative, "or at the most." Three (τρεις). Κατα to be repeated. And that in turn (κα ανα μερος). One at a time and not over three in all.
But if there be no interpreter (εαν δε μη η διερμηνευτης). Third class condition. Earliest known instance and possibly made by Paul from verb in verse 27 . Reappears in Byzantine grammarians. Keep silence in church (σιγατω εν εκκλησια). Linear action (present active imperative). He is not even to speak in a tongue once. He can indulge his private ecstasy with God.
By two or three (δυο η τρεις). No κατα here as in verse 27 . Let two or three prophets speak. Let the others discern (ο αλλο διακρινετωσαν). Whether what is said is really of the Spirit. Cf. 12:10 διακρισεις πνευματων.
Let the first keep silence (ο πρωτος σιγατω). To give the next one a chance.
One by one (καθ' ενα). Regular idiom.
The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets (πνευματα προφητων προφηταις υποτασσετα). A principle that some had forgotten.
Not of confusion (ου--καταστασιας). God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. We need this reminder today. As in all the churches of the saints (ως εν πασαις ταις εκκλησιαις των αγιων). Orderly reverence is a mark of the churches. This is a proper conclusion of his argument as in 11:16 .
Keep silence in the churches (εν ταις εκκλησιαις σιγατωσαν). The same verb used about the disorders caused by speakers in tongues (verse 28 ) and prophets ( 30 ). For some reason some of the women were creating disturbance in the public worship by their dress ( 11:2-16 ) and now by their speech. There is no doubt at all as to Paul's meaning here. In church the women are not allowed to speak (λαλειν) nor even to ask questions.
They are to do that at home (εν οικω). He calls it a shame (αισχρον) as in 11:6 (cf. Eph 5:12 ; Tit 1:11 ). Certainly women are still in subjection (υποτασσεσθωσαν) to their husbands (or ought to be). But somehow modern Christians have concluded that Paul's commands on this subject, even 1Ti 2:12 , were meant for specific conditions that do not apply wholly now.
Women do most of the teaching in our Sunday schools today. It is not easy to draw the line. The daughters of Philip were prophetesses. It seems clear that we need to be patient with each other as we try to understand Paul's real meaning here.
The commandment of the Lord (Κυριου εντολη). The prophet or the one with the gift of tongues or the disturbing woman would be quick to resent the sharp words of Paul. He claims inspiration for his position.
Decently and in order (ευσχημονως κα κατα ταξιν). That is surely a good rule for all matters of church life and worship. It applies also to the function of women in church service.