King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:26 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:26 in the King James Version says “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a r... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:26 · King James Version


Context

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.

27

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. two: by two or three sentences separately

28

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


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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—Paul describes Corinthian worship's participatory chaos. Each person brings something: psalmon (ψαλμόν, "psalm"), didachēn (διδαχήν, "teaching"), glōssan (γλῶσσαν, "tongue"), apokalypsin (ἀποκάλυψιν, "revelation"), hermēneian (ἑρμηνείαν, "interpretation").

Let all things be done unto edifying—the governing principle: panta pros oikodomēn ginesthō (πάντα πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν γινέσθω, "let all things be done for edification"). Paul doesn't forbid diversity or spontaneity; he subordinates all expression to the edification test. Every contribution—song, teaching, tongue, revelation, interpretation—must pass this test: does it build up the body?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinthian worship was participatory but chaotic, with multiple people contributing simultaneously. Paul affirms participation but insists on order guided by the edification principle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's description of worship balance spontaneity with order?
  2. What would it look like to apply 'let all things be done unto edifying' to modern worship?
  3. How can we preserve participatory worship while maintaining order?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Τί1 of 22

How

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 22

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐστιν3 of 22

is it

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀδελφοί4 of 22

brethren

G80

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

ὅταν5 of 22

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

συνέρχησθε6 of 22

ye come together

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

ἕκαστος7 of 22

every one

G1538

each or every

ὑμῶν8 of 22

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ψαλμὸν9 of 22

a psalm

G5568

a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms

ἔχει·10 of 22

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

διδαχὴν11 of 22

a doctrine

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

ἔχει·12 of 22

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γλῶσσαν13 of 22

a tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

ἔχει·14 of 22

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀποκάλυψιν15 of 22

a revelation

G602

disclosure

ἔχει·16 of 22

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἑρμηνείαν17 of 22

an interpretation

G2058

translation

ἔχει·18 of 22

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πάντα19 of 22

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πρὸς20 of 22

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

οἰκοδομὴν21 of 22

edifying

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

γενέσθω22 of 22

Let

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 14:26 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 14:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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