Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:24

What does 1 Corinthians 14:24 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:24 means

When the church is marked by intelligible prophetic speech, an outsider or uninstructed person can be confronted with truth. The collective witness exposes error, measures life by God’s standard, and presses the hearer toward a verdict. Prophecy does not flatter; it lays bare reality before God. This is not harshness but mercy, for clarity can lead to repentance and faith. In contrast to the confusion of many tongues, understandable proclamation can reach the conscience. Paul highlights the evangelistic power of ordered, clear speech in worship, showing that the church best serves visitors when God’s Word is brought home to them in ways they can grasp and weigh.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if all are teaching as prophets, and a man without faith or knowledge comes in, he is tested by all, he is judged by all;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if all may prophecy, and any one may come in, an unbeliever or unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is discerned by all,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not or an unlearned person, he is convinced of all: he is judged of all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if all prophesy, and some unbeliever or simple [person] come in, he is convicted of all, he is judged of all;

Context

This verse stands in direct contrast to verse 23. Instead of confusion from un-interpreted tongues, prophecy instructs and convicts the outsider. The next verse will describe the deepening effect—secrets exposed, humble worship, and acknowledgment of God’s presence. Together, these verses commend a worship environment where God’s truth is plainly communicated, enabling both believers to grow and unbelievers to be confronted with the reality of God. This continues to build Paul’s case for orderly, intelligible ministry in the assembly and leads into practical instructions for how contributions should proceed.

v.23If 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?

v.24This passage

v.25the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.

Cross references

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

  • John 1:47

    Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

  • 1 Corinthians 2:15

    But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Acts 2:37

    Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

  • John 4:29

    Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 14

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 14.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 14:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary