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1 Corinthians 14

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Let all things be done decently and in order.

What does 1 Corinthians 14:20 mean?

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 14:20 from the King James Version of the Bible advises readers to possess a mature understanding while maintaining innocence in terms of wrongdoing.

The Apostle Paul is urging the Corinthians to not be immature in their thinking (like children) when it comes to spiritual matters and the acquisition of wisdom.

The phrase "in malice be ye children" means that when it comes to evil or harm, they should be inexperienced and innocent, like children who typically lack the cunning to engage in wrongdoing.

Conversely, in matters of understanding, particularly in their spiritual lives and teachings, they are encouraged to be mature and adult-like.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion by Paul to the church in Corinth, addressing issues related to spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy. During this time, the Christian church in Corinth was experiencing divisions and displaying a lack of maturity.

Some believers prized certain spiritual gifts over others, which led to confusion and a lack of edification during worship services. Paul's letter, including this verse, aims to correct their behavior and understanding.

Theological Insights

This verse stands out for its insight into Christian maturity.

From a theological perspective, it highlights the importance of growing in understanding and discernment in spiritual matters.

Different traditions within Christianity may approach this call for maturity in various ways.

For instance, the Catholic Church emphasizes the role of tradition and Church teachings as a guide to maturity, while many Protestant traditions encourage individual study of scripture and personal relationships with God as paths to mature understanding.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging believers to seek wisdom and understanding in their faith while maintaining a pure heart free of malice.

This can be applied by studying the Bible diligently, learning from mature believers, and participating in the life of the church.

At the same time, this verse teaches to steer clear of cynical and harmful behaviors, which can corrupt both individual character and community life.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:3 - "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Ephesians 4:14 - "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
Hebrews 5:12-14 - "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

Language Study

The Greek words used in this verse are "παιδία" (paidia) meaning "children", "κακίᾳ" (kakia) meaning "malice or evil", and "τέλειοι" (teleioi) meaning "mature or complete".

The use of these words underscores a contrast between the innocence and naivety of a child when it comes to evil, and the completeness or maturity expected in understanding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, the concept of wisdom and maturity contrasted with innocence and naivety is common.

In Confucianism, for example, a similar value is placed on the acquisition of wisdom as a lifelong process.

In Buddhism, the naivety regarding the nature of reality (samsara) is contrasted with the wisdom of enlightenment (nirvana).

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, understanding and reasoning faculties develop with age and experience.

Neurologically, brain development and synaptic pruning contribute to this process.

Paul's advice may align with modern understandings of cognitive development, suggesting adult believers should utilize their fully developed capacities for understanding and discernment.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators emphasize the essential difference between naive and immature understanding versus mature comprehension of spiritual truths.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, stresses the importance of being experienced in understanding good and evil from a moral standpoint.

John Wesley's notes highlight the need for growing in knowledge without growing in the inclination to do evil.

These views are consistent with a broader Christian commentary tradition that values the growth in wisdom and holiness.

1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14

What does 1 Corinthians 14:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 14:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?