1 Corinthians 14:20
What does 1 Corinthians 14:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:20 means
Paul urges the Corinthians to grow up in their thinking. Childlike simplicity is fitting in regard to malice—be innocent of evil—but not in judgment and discernment. Maturity recognizes what truly benefits the church and orders worship accordingly. The fascination with spectacular gifts at the expense of clarity reveals immaturity. Paul calls them to a wise, adult mindset that aligns zeal with edification. This is not a call to coldness but to thoughtful love. Childlike hearts, yes; childish minds, no. The church must weigh practices by their impact on others, choosing what most helps believers grow and what best commends the faith to outsiders.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My brothers, do not be children in mind: in evil be as little children, but in mind be of full growth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Brethren, become not children in the understanding, but in the evil be ye babes, and in the understanding become ye perfect;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Brethren, do not become children in sense. But in malice be children: and in sense be perfect.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Brethren, be not children in [your] minds, but in malice be babes; but in [your] minds be grown [men].
Context
Having stressed the value of intelligible speech, Paul now addresses the mindset required to receive his counsel: maturity. He contrasts innocence in evil with wisdom in judgment. This prepares the way for a citation from Scripture that explains the role of tongues as a sign, grounding his instructions in God’s prior dealings with his people. The argument will then turn to the effect of tongues and prophecy on unbelievers who enter the assembly, showing why order and clarity serve both the church and its witness to the world.
v.19howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
v.20This passage
v.21In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:99
I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation.
- Philippians 3:15
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you:
- Matthew 11:25
At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:
- Matthew 18:3
and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Isaiah 11:3
And his delight shall be in the fear of Jehovah; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears;
- Mark 10:15
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
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