King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:24 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:24 in the King James Version says “But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

1 Corinthians 14:24 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

23

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?

24

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:

25

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.

26

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

Read 1 Corinthians 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned—Paul contrasts a prophecy-dominated service with the tongues-dominated one (v. 23). He is convinced of all, he is judged of all—the unbeliever is elegchetai hypo pantōn, anakrinetai hypo pantōn (ἐλέγχεται ὑπὸ πάντων, ἀνακρίνεται ὑπὸ πάντων, "convicted by all, examined by all").

Elegchō (ἐλέγχω) means to convict, expose, bring to light—the Spirit's work through prophecy (John 16:8). Anakrinō (ἀνακρίνω) means to examine, scrutinize, judge. Intelligible, Spirit-prompted preaching penetrates the unbeliever's conscience, exposing sin and revealing truth. This is true evangelistic power—not ecstatic display, but convicting proclamation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian worship was public and evangelistic; unbelievers attended regularly (see v. 16, 23-25). Paul insists worship should convict outsiders through intelligible proclamation, not confuse them through incomprehensible speech.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does prophecy 'convince' and 'judge' an unbeliever?
  2. What's the relationship between intelligibility and conviction by the Spirit?
  3. Should modern worship services be designed with unbelievers in mind? How?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἐὰν1 of 16

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δέ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντων3 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

προφητεύωσιν4 of 16

“prophesy”

G4395

to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

εἰσέλθῃ5 of 16

“there come in”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

δέ6 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις7 of 16

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἄπιστος8 of 16

“that believeth not”

G571

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

ἢ9 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἰδιώτης10 of 16

“one unlearned”

G2399

a private person, i.e., (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot")

ἐλέγχεται11 of 16

“he is convinced”

G1651

to confute, admonish

ὑπὸ12 of 16

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

πάντων13 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνακρίνεται14 of 16

“he is judged”

G350

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine

ὑπὸ15 of 16

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

πάντων16 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

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 14:24 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 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:371 Corinthians 2:15Hebrews 4:12-13John 4:29John 1:47-49

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