Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:40

What does 1 Corinthians 14:40 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:40 means

The governing principle is simple and comprehensive: everything in the church’s gatherings must be conducted in a fitting and orderly way. Decency speaks to appropriateness and reverence; order speaks to structure and peace. This does not quench the Spirit but reflects God’s character and serves his people. Under this rule, all the specific instructions about tongues, prophecy, participation, and restraint find their purpose. It is a call to planned freedom—a Spirit-led worship that is intelligible, peaceful, and edifying. The verse leaves the church with a clear standard to apply across situations, ensuring that love and wisdom shape all that is said and done together.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But let all things be done decently and in order.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let all things be done decently and in order.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But let all things be done decently and in order.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let all things be done in the right and ordered way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

let all things be done decently and in order.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But let all things be done decently and according to order.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But let all things be done comelily and with order.

Context

This closing sentence provides the capstone to the chapter’s teaching. After detailed comparisons, analogies, and regulations, Paul distills the aim into one maxim: fitliness and order. It ties back to God’s nature as the God of peace and to the call for edification throughout. As the final note, it guides the church beyond Corinth, offering a timeless criterion for evaluating and arranging corporate worship so that Christ’s body is strengthened and God’s presence is recognized among his people.

v.39Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

v.40This passage

Cross references

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

  • Titus 1:5

    For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;

  • 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.

  • Colossians 2:5

    For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:34

    If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.

  • Romans 13:13

    Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.

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