1 Corinthians 14:26
What does 1 Corinthians 14:26 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:26 means
Paul recognizes the participatory nature of early Christian gatherings—many come ready to contribute: a song, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, an interpretation. He does not suppress contributions but subjects them to one guiding rule: everything must build up. Variety is welcome; chaos is not. The standard of edification governs what is shared, when, and how long. This calls contributors to humility and discernment: Is this helpful now? Will it clarify or confuse? The verse affirms the Spirit’s generosity to the whole body while insisting that love regulate the use of gifts so the church is strengthened rather than scattered by unfocused activity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What is it then, my brothers? when you come together everyone has a holy song, or a revelation, or a tongue, or is giving the sense of it. Let everything be done for the common good.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862What then is it, brethren? whenever ye may come together, each of you hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? let all things be for building up;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752How is it then, brethren? When you come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation: let all things be done to edification.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What is it then, brethren? whenever ye come together, each [of you] has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to edification.
Context
After describing prophecy’s beneficial effect, Paul moves to practical order for the assembly. He acknowledges multiple potential contributions but sets edification as the overarching aim. The next verses will lay out specific limits for tongues and prophecy—how many may speak, the need for interpretation, and the responsibility to yield the floor when appropriate. This section translates the earlier principles into actionable guidelines that prevent confusion and promote learning, embodying the chapter’s central concerns of clarity, love, and peace in the gathered church.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:12
for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
- 1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret:
- 1 Corinthians 14:40
But let all things be done decently and in order.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12
So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
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