1 Corinthians 14:24

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

Translations

Modern
But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,
Traditional
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:
Literal
But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or uninstructed one should come in, he is convicted by all, he is examined by all,
Latin
Si autem omnes prophetent, intret autem quis infidelis, vel idiota, convincitur ab omnibus, dijudicatur ab omnibus:

Original

Greek
English
But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,

Notes

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.

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.

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

Conviction of Sin Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians