Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:16

What does 1 Corinthians 14:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:16 means

Corporate worship invites participation, including the communal “Amen” that seals a prayer of thanksgiving. But if a blessing is offered in a tongue, those without understanding cannot agree. They are present, yet excluded from the act of worship. Paul’s concern is pastoral: no one should be shut out by needlessly obscure speech. Shared words allow shared faith. Therefore, intelligible language—or interpretation of tongues—is necessary so that the congregation can enter together into praise and petition. This verse guards the unity of the church’s voice before God, reminding speakers to consider how their manner affects others’ ability to respond in faith and gratitude.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if you give a blessing with the spirit, how will the man who has no knowledge say, So be it, after your prayer, seeing that he has not taken in what you are saying?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

since, if thou mayest bless with the spirit, he who is filling the place of the unlearned, how shall he say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, since what thou dost say he hath not known?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Else, if thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that holdeth the place of the unlearned say, Amen, to thy blessing? Because he knoweth not what thou sayest.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Since otherwise, if thou blessest with [the] spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the simple [Christian] say Amen, at thy giving of thanks, since he does not know what thou sayest?

Context

After resolving to pray and sing with understanding, Paul shows one practical reason: the congregation must be able to add its Amen. This keeps the focus on participation and edification. The following verse will affirm that while a tongue-speaker may genuinely give thanks, others remain unbuilt. The contrast prepares for Paul’s personal testimony about his own extensive use of tongues and his clear preference for intelligible speech in the gathered assembly. The flow sustains the case for order and clarity without denying the reality or goodness of tongues.

v.15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

v.16This passage

v.17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 27:15

    Cursed be the man that maketh a graven or molten image, an abomination unto Jehovah, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and setteth it up in secret. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:4

    I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

  • Numbers 5:22

    and this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, and make thy body to swell, and thy thigh to fall away. And the woman shall say, Amen, Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:23

    If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad?

  • Psalms 72:19

    And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:24

    My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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