1 Corinthians 14:26

Authorized King James Version

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τί
How
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#2
οὖν
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἐστιν
is it
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#4
ἀδελφοί
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#5
ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#6
συνέρχησθε
ye come together
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
#7
ἕκαστος
every one
each or every
#8
ὑμῶν
of you
of (from or concerning) you
#9
ψαλμὸν
a psalm
a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms
#10
ἔχει·
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#11
διδαχὴν
a doctrine
instruction (the act or the matter)
#12
ἔχει·
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#13
γλῶσσαν
a tongue
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#14
ἔχει·
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
ἀποκάλυψιν
a revelation
disclosure
#16
ἔχει·
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#17
ἑρμηνείαν
an interpretation
translation
#18
ἔχει·
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#19
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#20
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#21
οἰκοδομὴν
edifying
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
#22
γενέσθω
Let
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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