Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:23

Prophecy and Tongues · 1 Corinthians 14:1–25
Read 1 Corinthians 14

Translations

Modern
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
Traditional
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?
Literal
Therefore, if the whole church might gather together in the same place and all may speak in tongues, and uninstructed ones or unbelievers should come in, will not they say that you are out of your minds?
Latin
Si ergo conveniat universa ecclesia in unum, et omnes linguis loquantur, intrent autem idiotæ, aut infideles: nonne dicent quod insanitis?

Original

Greek
English
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:21–25

Paul used this quotation from Isaiah 28:11–12 to show that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, not believers. However, in 1 Corinthians 14:23–25, Paul argues that unbelievers are more likely to be convinced by prophecy than by speaking in tongues. He emphasizes that, in public worship, prophecy is more useful than speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:1–25

After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Music Mystery Prophecy

Topics

Church: Congregation Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians