Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:32

What does 1 Corinthians 14:32 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:32 means

Spiritual inspiration does not override self-control. Prophets are responsible for how and when they speak; the inner stirring of the Spirit remains subject to the prophet’s governance. This truth dismantles any excuse for chaotic interruptions or uncontrollable speech in the name of spirituality. The same Spirit who gives the message grants the discipline to deliver it fittingly. Therefore, the order Paul describes is realistic, not idealistic. The church can expect speakers to wait, yield, and keep within boundaries. This verse anchors the call to orderly worship in a theology of the Spirit that includes both empowerment and restraint for the sake of peace and edification.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the spirits of the prophets are controlled by the prophets;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the spiritual gift of prophets to prophets are subject,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

Context

Coming after the directive to speak one by one, this statement explains why such order is possible: prophetic impulses are subject to the speaker’s control. The following verse will tie this expectation to God’s character as the God of peace, extending the practice to all churches. This shift from practical rules to divine rationale strengthens the authority of the instructions and prepares for further guidelines concerning conduct in the assembly.

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

v.32This passage

v.33for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

Cross references

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

  • 2 Kings 2:5

    And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that Jehovah will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:29

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

  • Jeremiah 20:9

    And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain.

  • Job 32:8

    But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

  • 1 Samuel 10:10

    And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them.

  • 1 Samuel 19:19

    And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.

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