1 Corinthians 14:25
What does 1 Corinthians 14:25 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:25 means
Under the influence of clear prophetic speech, the hidden thoughts of the outsider’s heart are revealed. Facing God’s reality, he responds in humility, bowing and confessing that God is truly present among the believers. This is the fruit Paul seeks: not amazement at unusual phenomena, but repentance, worship, and acknowledgment of God’s nearness. Prophecy serves as a window through which people see themselves and God rightly. The church’s order and clarity thus become a means of evangelism and assurance. Paul’s vision for gathered worship is that it displays God’s presence in a way that leads both saints and seekers to reverence and truth-filled praise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The secrets of his heart are made clear; and he will go down on his face and give worship to God, saying that God is truly among you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and so the secrets of his heart become manifest, and so having fallen upon <FI>his<Fi> face, he will bow before God, declaring that God really is among you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The secrets of his heart are made manifest. And so, falling down on his face, he will adore God, affirming that God is among you indeed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the secrets of his heart are manifested; and thus, falling upon [his] face, he will do homage toGod, reporting thatGod is indeed amongst you.
Context
Completing the contrast with tongue-saturated confusion, Paul shows prophecy’s powerful effect on an outsider: exposure of the heart and confession of God’s presence. This example reinforces the aim of the chapter—edification of believers and meaningful witness to visitors through clear, orderly ministry. With this purpose established, Paul will now turn from argument to detailed instructions governing how contributions are to be offered, ensuring that the meeting remains focused, understandable, and beneficial to all who attend.
v.24But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;
v.25This passage
v.26What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 72:11
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; All nations shall serve him.
- Isaiah 45:14
Thus saith Jehovah, The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall go after thee, in chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.
- Luke 17:16
and he fell upon his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
- Genesis 44:14
And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; and he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.
- Zechariah 8:23
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.
- Luke 8:28
And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I beseech thee, torment me not.
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