King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:37 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:37 in the King James Version says “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are th...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 14:37 · KJV

Context

35

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.

36

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

37

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.

38

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

39

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Greek ei tis dokei prophētēs einai ē pneumatikos, epiginōsketō ha graphō hymin hoti kyriou estin entolē (εἴ τις δοκεῖ προφήτης εἶναι ἢ πνευματικός, ἐπιγινωσκέτω ἃ γράφω ὑμῖν ὅτι κυρίου ἐστὶν ἐντολή, "if anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize what I write to you, that it is the Lord's command").

Paul's test of spirituality: recognizing apostolic authority. True prophets and spiritual people will acknowledge Paul's instructions as entolē kyriou ("commandment of the Lord"), not mere human opinion. The aorist imperative epiginōsketō ("let him recognize") demands immediate, full acknowledgment. This is Paul's trump card: reject his teaching, and you prove you're not spiritual, regardless of your claims or experiences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Some Corinthians likely claimed their charismatic experiences authorized ignoring Paul's regulations. He insists: true spirituality submits to apostolic teaching, which carries Christ's authority (cf. 2 Cor 10:8, 13:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul make recognizing his authority the test of true spirituality?
  2. How do we balance Spirit-promptings with submission to apostolic teaching?
  3. What does it mean for Paul's instructions to be 'the commandments of the Lord'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Εἴ1 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 16
G5100

some or any person or object

δοκεῖ3 of 16

“think himself”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

προφήτης4 of 16

“a prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

εἶναι5 of 16

“to be”

G1511

to exist

ἢ6 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πνευματικός7 of 16

“spiritual”

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

ἐπιγινωσκέτω8 of 16

“let him acknowledge”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ἃ9 of 16

“the things”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γράφω10 of 16

“that I write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν11 of 16

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι12 of 16

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῦ13 of 16
G3588

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

κυρίου14 of 16

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εἰσὶν15 of 16

“are”

G1526

they are

ἐντολαί·16 of 16

“the commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

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 14:37 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 14:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:62 Corinthians 10:72 Peter 3:2Jude 1:171 Corinthians 8:21 Thessalonians 4:1-8

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