Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:23

What does 1 Corinthians 14:23 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:23 means

If the church gathers and all speak in tongues, those who are unacquainted or unbelieving will conclude the group is out of its mind. Without interpretation, the meeting appears chaotic and irrational. Instead of serving as a compelling sign, it becomes a stumbling block. Paul cares about the church’s witness: the message should be clear, not confusing. He is not forbidding tongues altogether, but showing their effect when unchecked in public worship. This verse warns that spiritual display without understanding can discredit the gospel to outsiders. Love for neighbor includes arranging our gatherings so visitors can grasp the truth and see the orderliness of God’s people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If, then, the church has come together, and all are using tongues, and there come in men without knowledge or faith, will they not say that you are unbalanced?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

If, therefore, the whole assembly may come together, to the same place, and all may speak with tongues, and there may come in unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If therefore the whole church come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in unlearned persons or infidels, will they not say that you are mad?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If therefore the whole assembly come together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and simple [persons] enter in, or unbelievers, will not they say ye are mad?

Context

Having said tongues are a sign for unbelievers, Paul illustrates how, in the assembly, their un-interpreted use actually undermines witness. The coming verses contrast this with the effect of prophecy on the outsider—conviction, exposure of the heart, and confession of God’s presence. The flow clarifies that while tongues have a place, prophecy more directly serves both believers and inquirers in gathered worship. This transition prepares the reader to value intelligible proclamation and to implement practices that welcome outsiders into understanding rather than driving them away by confusion.

v.22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe.

v.23This passage

v.24But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 11:18

    For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it.

  • John 10:20

    And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?

  • Acts 26:24

    And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.

  • Hosea 9:7

    The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the man that hath the spirit is mad, for the abundance of thine iniquity, and because the enmity is great.

  • Acts 2:13

    But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine.

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