Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:30

What does 1 Corinthians 14:30 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:30 means

If, during the meeting, another person receives a revelation, the current speaker should stop and make room. This rule promotes humility and flexibility, acknowledging that God may give a timely word to someone else. It prevents monopolizing the gathering and allows the Spirit’s guidance to shape the sequence of contributions. Crucially, it also assumes self-control: a prophet can pause. The aim is not spontaneity for its own sake but a responsive order in which all useful words can be heard. By yielding in the moment, each contributor serves the church’s edification rather than insisting on completing their own message regardless of what God may be doing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if a revelation is given to another who is seated near, let the first be quiet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if to another sitting <FI>anything<Fi> may be revealed, let the first be silent;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if any thing be revealed to another sitting, let the first hold his peace.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if there be a revelation to another sitting [there], let the first be silent.

Context

This instruction follows the call for discernment and limits on prophetic speech. It underscores the cooperative nature of ministry in the assembly. The next verse will state the purpose explicitly: that everyone may learn and be encouraged as speakers take turns. The picture is of an orderly conversation directed by God, not a free-for-all. This continues to exemplify the chapter’s themes—clarity, mutual submission, and the primacy of edification in all contributions.

v.29And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern.

v.30This passage

v.31For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted;

Cross references

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

  • Job 33:31

    Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak.

  • Job 32:11

    Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:26

    What 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:6

    But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?

  • Job 32:15

    They are amazed, they answer no more: They have not a word to say.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:19

    Quench not the Spirit;

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