1 Corinthians 14:6

Authorized King James Version

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
νυνὶ
Now
just now
#2
δέ
but, and, etc
#3
ἀδελφοί
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#4
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#5
ἔλθω
I come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
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,
#7
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#8
γλώσσαις
with tongues
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#9
λαλήσω
I shall speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#10
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#11
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#12
ὠφελήσω
shall I profit
to be useful, i.e., to benefit
#13
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#14
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
ὑμῖν
to you
to (with or by) you
#16
λαλήσω
I shall speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#17
either
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#18
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
ἀποκαλύψει
revelation
disclosure
#20
either
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#21
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
γνώσει
knowledge
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
#23
either
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#24
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
προφητείᾳ
prophesying
prediction (scriptural or other)
#26
either
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#27
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#28
διδαχῇ
doctrine
instruction (the act or the matter)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Topics