1 Corinthians 14:16

Authorized King James Version

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπεὶ
Else
thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)
#2
ἐὰν
when
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
εὐλογήσῃς
thou shalt bless
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
πνεύματι
with the spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀναπληρῶν
shall he that occupieth
to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience)
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τόπον
the room
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#10
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἰδιώτου
of the unlearned
a private person, i.e., (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot")
#12
πῶς
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#13
ἐρεῖ
say
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#14
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Ἀμήν
Amen
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#16
ἐπὶ
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#17
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σῇ
thy
thine
#19
εὐχαριστίᾳ
giving of thanks
gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)
#20
ἐπειδὴ
seeing
since now, i.e., (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas
#21
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#22
λέγεις
thou sayest
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#23
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#24
οἶδεν·
he understandeth
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics