1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀδελφοί
Brethren
G80
Ἀδελφοί
Brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
1 of 15
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
παιδία
children
G3813
παιδία
children
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
3 of 15
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
γίνεσθε
be
G1096
γίνεσθε
be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρεσὶν
in understanding
G5424
φρεσὶν
in understanding
Strong's:
G5424
Word #:
6 of 15
the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e., (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in
ἀλλὰ
howbeit
G235
ἀλλὰ
howbeit
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακίᾳ
in malice
G2549
κακίᾳ
in malice
Strong's:
G2549
Word #:
9 of 15
badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble
νηπιάζετε
be ye children
G3515
νηπιάζετε
be ye children
Strong's:
G3515
Word #:
10 of 15
to act as a babe, i.e., (figuratively) innocently
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρεσὶν
in understanding
G5424
φρεσὶν
in understanding
Strong's:
G5424
Word #:
13 of 15
the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e., (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in
Cross References
Romans 16:19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:1 Corinthians 13:11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.Matthew 18:3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.1 Corinthians 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Mark 10:15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Isaiah 11:3And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Historical Context
The Corinthians' childishness manifested in divisions (3:1-4), tolerating sin (5:1-2), lawsuits (6:1-8), and now, prioritizing flashy gifts. Paul consistently calls them to mature discernment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Corinthians' misuse of tongues reveal immaturity?
- What's the difference between being 'childlike' (positive) and 'childish' (negative)?
- In what areas might modern Christians be 'children in understanding'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Brethren, be not children in understanding—Greek mē paidia ginesthe tais phresin (μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν, "don't be children in mind/thinking"). Phrenes (φρένες) means understanding, judgment, thought. Howbeit in malice be ye children—the positive contrast: tē kakia nēpiazete (τῇ κακίᾳ νηπιάζετε, "in evil/malice be infants"). But in understanding be men (teleioi, τέλειοι, "mature, complete, adults").
Paul calls for moral innocence (childlike in evil) but intellectual maturity (adult in thinking). The Corinthians' fascination with showy tongues reveals immaturity—prioritizing spectacular experience over the hard work of understanding and teaching. True maturity discriminates between gifts based on edification, not impressiveness.