Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? New Living Translation Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. English Standard Version If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? Berean Standard Bible So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? Berean Literal Bible Therefore, if the whole church might gather together in the same place and all may speak in tongues, and uninstructed ones or unbelievers should come in, will not they say that you⁺ are out of your⁺ minds? King James Bible If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? New King James Version Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? New American Standard Bible Therefore if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane? NASB 1995 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? NASB 1977 If therefore the whole church should assemble together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? Legacy Standard Bible Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and uninformed men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your mind? Amplified Bible So then, if the whole church gathers together and all of you speak in [unknown] tongues, and outsiders or those who are not gifted [in spiritual matters] or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? Berean Annotated Bible So if the whole church {ekklēsia} comes together and everyone speaks in tongues (languages), and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you⁺ are out of your⁺ minds? Christian Standard Bible If, therefore, the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in tongues and people who are outsiders or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in other languages and people who are uninformed or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? American Standard Version If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad? Contemporary English Version Suppose everyone in your worship service started speaking unknown languages, and some outsiders or some unbelievers come in. Won't they think you are crazy? English Revised Version If therefore the whole church be assembled together, and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad? GOD'S WORD® Translation Suppose the whole congregation gathers in the same place and you speak in other languages. When outsiders or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you're out of your mind? Good News Translation If, then, the whole church meets together and everyone starts speaking in strange tongues--and if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy? International Standard Version Now if the whole church gathers in the same place and everyone is speaking in foreign languages, when uneducated people or unbelievers come in, they will say that you are out of your mind, won't they? NET Bible So if the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and unbelievers or uninformed people enter, will they not say that you have lost your minds? New Heart English Bible If therefore the whole church is assembled together and all speak in tongues, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won't they say that you are crazy? Webster's Bible Translation If therefore the whole church is assembled in one place, and all speak in languages, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are insane? Weymouth New Testament Accordingly if the whole Church has assembled and all are speaking in 'tongues,' and there come in ungifted men, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are all mad? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? World English Bible If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won’t they say that you are crazy? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf, therefore, the whole assembly may come together to the same place, and all may speak with tongues, and there may come in commoners or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad? Berean Literal Bible Therefore, if the whole church might gather together in the same place and all may speak in tongues, and uninstructed ones or unbelievers should come in, will not they say that you⁺ are out of your⁺ minds? Young's Literal Translation If, therefore, the whole assembly may come together, to the same place, and all may speak with tongues, and there may come in unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? Smith's Literal Translation If therefore the whole church come together upon the same, and all speak with tongues, and the private individual, or unbelieving, come in, will they not say that ye are enraged? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf therefore the whole church come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in unlearned persons or infidels, will they not say that you are mad ? Catholic Public Domain Version If then, the entire Church were to gather together as one, and if all were to speak in tongues, and then ignorant or unbelieving persons were to enter, would they not say that you were insane? New American Bible So if the whole church meets in one place and everyone speaks in tongues, and then uninstructed people or unbelievers should come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? New Revised Standard Version If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your mind? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf therefore the whole church assembles together and all speak in different tongues and there enter unlearned people or unbelievers, will they not say, They are fanatical? Aramaic Bible in Plain English If therefore it should happen that the whole church assembles and everyone would speak in languages, and the uninitiated or those who are unbelievers should enter, would they not say that such have gone insane? NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIf, then, the whole church come together into the same place, and all speak in tongues, and there come in unlearned men, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad? Godbey New Testament Then if the whole church may come together, and all may speak with tongues, and the unlearned or unbelievers may come in, will they not say that you are gone mad? Haweis New Testament If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad? Mace New Testament when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad? Weymouth New Testament Accordingly if the whole Church has assembled and all are speaking in 'tongues,' and there come in ungifted men, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are all mad? Worrell New Testament If, therefore, the whole assembly comes together, and all are speaking with tongues, and there come in those who are unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad? Worsley New Testament If then the whole church be come together and all speak in unknown tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say that ye are mad? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Prophecy and Tongues…22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,… Cross References So if the whole church comes together Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. Hebrews 10:25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. and everyone speaks in tongues, Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 10:46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, Acts 4:13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. James 2:2-3 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” 1 Timothy 3:7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. will they not say that you are out of your minds? Acts 26:24-25 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” / But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. John 10:20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?” Mark 3:21 When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.” Acts 2:6-13 And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? / How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? … Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. Treasury of Scripture If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad? the whole. 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. will. Hosea 9:7 The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred. John 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Jump to Previous Accordingly Assembled Assembly Church Crazy Enter Faith Insane Languages Mad Mind Outsiders Simple Speak Speaking Speaks Together Tongues Unbelievers Unbelieving Understand Unlearned Using Whole Won'tJump to Next Accordingly Assembled Assembly Church Crazy Enter Faith Insane Languages Mad Mind Outsiders Simple Speak Speaking Speaks Together Tongues Unbelievers Unbelieving Understand Unlearned Using Whole Won't1 Corinthians 14 1. Prophecy is commended,2. and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments. 12. Both must be referred to edification, 22. as to their true and proper end. 26. The true use of each is taught, 27. and the abuse rebuked. 34. Women in the churches. So if the whole church comes together In the early Christian context, the church often gathered in homes or designated meeting places. The emphasis on the "whole church" suggests a communal worship setting, reflecting the unity and collective identity of believers. This gathering is reminiscent of Acts 2:42, where the early church devoted themselves to fellowship and teaching. The concept of the church as a body is further elaborated in 1 Corinthians 12, emphasizing the importance of each member's role. and everyone speaks in tongues and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in will they not say that you are out of your minds? Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on spiritual gifts and orderly worship. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and misunderstanding in worship practices. 3. Uninstructed Individuals Those within the church who may not fully understand the practice of speaking in tongues or its purpose. 4. Unbelievers Non-Christians who might visit the church and witness the practice of speaking in tongues. 5. Speaking in Tongues A spiritual gift involving speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, intended for edification when interpreted. Teaching Points Order in WorshipPaul emphasizes the importance of order in worship to ensure that all practices are edifying and understandable to both believers and visitors. Purpose of Spiritual Gifts Spiritual gifts, including tongues, are given for the edification of the church. They should be used in a way that builds up the body of Christ and communicates God's truth clearly. Consideration for Outsiders The presence of uninstructed individuals and unbelievers in worship services requires sensitivity and clarity in the use of spiritual gifts to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. Unity and Understanding The church is called to unity and mutual understanding, ensuring that all members are edified and that the message of the gospel is communicated effectively. Discernment and Wisdom Believers are encouraged to exercise discernment and wisdom in the use of spiritual gifts, seeking to glorify God and edify the church community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:23?2. How does 1 Corinthians 14:23 guide orderly worship in church gatherings today? 3. Why is clarity in communication important according to 1 Corinthians 14:23? 4. How can we ensure our worship is understandable to outsiders, per 1 Corinthians 14:23? 5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in orderly worship, based on 1 Corinthians 14? 6. How does 1 Corinthians 14:23 connect with the need for edification in the church? 7. What does 1 Corinthians 14:23 imply about speaking in tongues in church gatherings? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 14:23 address the issue of order in worship services? 9. Why does Paul emphasize understanding over tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14? 11. Is speaking in tongues required for Christian salvation? 12. When will the gift of tongues end? 13. What is a seeker-sensitive church? 14. What is the gift of speaking in tongues? What Does 1 Corinthians 14:23 Mean The whole church comes together“So if the whole church comes together…” (1 Corinthians 14:23) • Paul pictures the entire local body assembled, not scattered in small groups. This mirrors the pattern of Acts 2:42–47, where believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” • Gathering en masse highlights corporate worship and mutual edification (Hebrews 10:24-25). • When every believer is present, what happens in the meeting represents the church’s public testimony (1 Corinthians 11:18; Matthew 5:14-16). Everyone speaks in tongues “…and everyone speaks in tongues…” • Tongues are a real, Spirit-given language gift (Acts 2:4-11) intended for edification when interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:5, 27-28). • Paul imagines an extreme: every person vocalizing unknown languages at once. • Without interpretation, he has already said “the one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself” (14:4), but the church is left unbuilt. • The scene clashes with God’s character as “not a God of confusion but of peace” (14:33). The uninstructed and unbelievers arrive “…and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in…” • “Uninstructed” (or “uninformed”) refers to visitors unfamiliar with spiritual gifts, perhaps new converts or seekers (Colossians 4:5). • “Unbelievers” plainly have not trusted Christ yet (1 Corinthians 14:22; 2 Corinthians 5:20). • Both groups observe our worship and draw conclusions about the gospel (John 13:35; Philippians 2:15-16). • Their presence turns the gathering into an evangelistic witness, making clarity crucial (1 Corinthians 14:19). You are out of your minds “…will they not say that you are out of your minds?” • Instead of conviction, visitors become bewildered, echoing the mockers at Pentecost who thought the disciples were “filled with new wine” (Acts 2:12-13). • The gospel appears irrational when shrouded in unintelligible speech (1 Corinthians 1:23). • Disorder forfeits an opportunity for faith to grow (Luke 8:12). • Paul’s remedy: prophecy or intelligible words so that “an unbeliever…will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). Summary Paul warns that a service dominated by uninterpreted tongues turns a worship gathering into chaos, causing visitors to dismiss believers as irrational. Corporate meetings must aim for clarity, order, and edification so that both believers and seekers encounter Christ plainly and persuasively. (23) If therefore.--Intended, as tongues were, for a "sign," they cease to be thus useful if not properly employed. The report of the strange utterances which take place in the assembled Church may lead some unbeliever to come there: but if there be tongues alone, and they uninterpreted, the stranger will simply think those present are mad. (See Acts 2:13.) It is not meant here that all commence shouting out at the same time, neither is it in the next verse that all prophesy simultaneously; but the thought presented is the undue and exclusive cultivation of this gift by all in the Corinthian Church.Verse 23. - All speak with tongues. He does not necessarily mean that all are speaking at once; though, amid these strange scenes of self-asserting enthusiasm, even that was not wholly impossible; but he means, "if there be nothing, going on except glossolaly." Will they not say that ye are mad? This has often been the actual impression produced by these phenomena upon those who stand aloof from the spiritual influences which cause them. On the day of Pentecost the exaltation of the disciples caused mockers to charge them with drunken exhilaration (Acts 2:13).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Soοὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. if Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. whole ὅλη (holē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb. church ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. comes συνέλθῃ (synelthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4905: From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or, cohabit. together ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. everyone πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. speaks λαλῶσιν (lalōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in tongues, γλώσσαις (glōssais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. some who are uninstructed ἰδιῶται (idiōtai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2399: From idios; a private person, i.e. an ignoramus. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. some unbelievers ἄπιστοι (apistoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 571: (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing). come in, εἰσέλθωσιν (eiselthōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. will they not say ἐροῦσιν (erousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you are out of your minds? μαίνεσθε (mainesthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 3105: To be raving mad, speak as a madman. Middle voice from a primary mao; to rave as a 'maniac'. Links 1 Corinthians 14:23 NIV1 Corinthians 14:23 NLT 1 Corinthians 14:23 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:23 NASB 1 Corinthians 14:23 KJV 1 Corinthians 14:23 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 14:23 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 14:23 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 14:23 French Bible 1 Corinthians 14:23 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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