King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:20 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:20 in the King James Version says “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. men: Gr. perf... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age

1 Corinthians 14:20 · KJV


Context

18

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

19

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.

20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age

21

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.

22

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Brethren, be not children in understanding—Greek mē paidia ginesthe tais phresin (μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν, "don't be children in mind/thinking"). Phrenes (φρένες) means understanding, judgment, thought. Howbeit in malice be ye children—the positive contrast: tē kakia nēpiazete (τῇ κακίᾳ νηπιάζετε, "in evil/malice be infants"). But in understanding be men (teleioi, τέλειοι, "mature, complete, adults").

Paul calls for moral innocence (childlike in evil) but intellectual maturity (adult in thinking). The Corinthians' fascination with showy tongues reveals immaturity—prioritizing spectacular experience over the hard work of understanding and teaching. True maturity discriminates between gifts based on edification, not impressiveness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians' childishness manifested in divisions (3:1-4), tolerating sin (5:1-2), lawsuits (6:1-8), and now, prioritizing flashy gifts. Paul consistently calls them to mature discernment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Corinthians' misuse of tongues reveal immaturity?
  2. What's the difference between being 'childlike' (positive) and 'childish' (negative)?
  3. In what areas might modern Christians be 'children in understanding'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀδελφοί1 of 15

Brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μὴ2 of 15

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

παιδία3 of 15

children

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

γίνεσθε4 of 15

be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ταῖς5 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φρεσὶν6 of 15

in understanding

G5424

the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e., (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in

ἀλλὰ7 of 15

howbeit

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τῇ8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κακίᾳ9 of 15

in malice

G2549

badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble

νηπιάζετε10 of 15

be ye children

G3515

to act as a babe, i.e., (figuratively) innocently

ταῖς11 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ12 of 15

but

G1161

but, and, etc

φρεσὶν13 of 15

in understanding

G5424

the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e., (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in

τέλειοι14 of 15

men

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

γίνεσθε15 of 15

be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 14:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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