1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
εἰρήνης
of peace
G1515
εἰρήνης
of peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
8 of 15
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
Ὡς
as
G5613
Ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
13 of 15
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.1 Corinthians 11:16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Romans 15:33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.1 Corinthians 7:15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.1 Corinthians 7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Historical Context
Corinth's disorderly worship was an outlier. Paul appeals to universal church practice: everywhere else, worship is orderly. The Corinthians' disorder reveals theological confusion about God's nature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's character (not 'of confusion, but of peace') shape our worship?
- What's the relationship between theological truth and worship practice?
- How can we distinguish Spirit-led spontaneity from flesh-driven chaos?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace—Greek ou gar estin akatastasias ho theos all' eirēnēs (οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἀκαταστασίας ὁ θεὸς ἀλλ' εἰρήνης, "for God is not of disorder but of peace"). Akatastasia (ἀκαταστασία) means instability, disorder, confusion (used of political chaos in James 3:16). Eirēnē (εἰρήνη) means peace, harmony, order—the opposite of chaos.
As in all churches of the saints grounds this principle in universal practice: orderly worship characterizes all true churches. Paul's theological argument: God's character determines worship's character. A God of peace produces peaceful (orderly) worship; chaotic worship misrepresents God. This verse summarizes the chapter's argument: order honors God and edifies the church; chaos does neither.