King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:30 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:30 in the King James Version says “If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 14:30 · KJV

Peace

Context

28

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

29

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

30

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

31

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

32

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

Read 1 Corinthians 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace—Paul addresses overlapping prophecies. If apokalyphthē (ἀποκαλυφθῇ, "it be revealed") to allō kathēmenō (ἄλλῳ καθημένῳ, "another sitting by"), then ho prōtos sigatō (ὁ πρῶτος σιγάτω, "let the first be silent").

The scenario: one prophet is speaking when another receives revelation. Paul says the first should yield to the second. This assumes (1) prophecy can come spontaneously during worship, (2) multiple people may receive revelation, (3) order requires sequential sharing, (4) the Spirit's timing matters—fresh revelation takes priority. The same Spirit who gives revelation gives grace to wait; there's no conflict between Spirit-prompting and orderly process.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This suggests dynamic, Spirit-led worship where multiple congregants prophesied spontaneously. Paul doesn't suppress spontaneity but orders it: speak in turn, yield to others, prioritize fresh revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse show both spontaneity and order in Spirit-led worship?
  2. Why should the first speaker yield when another receives revelation?
  3. What does this teach about the Spirit's character and corporate worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἐὰν1 of 8
G1437

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

δὲ2 of 8

“If”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄλλῳ3 of 8

“to another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἀποκαλυφθῇ4 of 8

“any thing be revealed”

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

καθημένῳ5 of 8

“that sitteth by”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ὁ6 of 8
G3588

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

πρῶτος7 of 8

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

σιγάτω8 of 8

“hold his peace”

G4601

to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)

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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:19-20Job 32:11Job 33:31-331 Corinthians 14:26Job 32:15-201 Corinthians 14:6

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 14 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes