1 Corinthians 14:26
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.
Original Language Analysis
Τί
How
G5101
Τί
How
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
5 of 22
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
συνέρχησθε
ye come together
G4905
συνέρχησθε
ye come together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
6 of 22
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
ψαλμὸν
a psalm
G5568
ψαλμὸν
a psalm
Strong's:
G5568
Word #:
9 of 22
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
ἔχει·
hath
G2192
ἔχει·
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἔχει·
hath
G2192
ἔχει·
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
γλῶσσαν
a tongue
G1100
γλῶσσαν
a tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
13 of 22
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
ἔχει·
hath
G2192
ἔχει·
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
14 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἔχει·
hath
G2192
ἔχει·
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἔχει·
hath
G2192
ἔχει·
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
20 of 22
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,
Cross References
Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.1 Thessalonians 5:11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.Ephesians 4:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.1 Corinthians 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.Ephesians 4:12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:2 Corinthians 12:19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.1 Corinthians 14:27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
Historical Context
Corinthian worship was participatory but chaotic, with multiple people contributing simultaneously. Paul affirms participation but insists on order guided by the edification principle.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's description of worship balance spontaneity with order?
- What would it look like to apply 'let all things be done unto edifying' to modern worship?
- How can we preserve participatory worship while maintaining order?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—Paul describes Corinthian worship's participatory chaos. Each person brings something: psalmon (ψαλμόν, "psalm"), didachēn (διδαχήν, "teaching"), glōssan (γλῶσσαν, "tongue"), apokalypsin (ἀποκάλυψιν, "revelation"), hermēneian (ἑρμηνείαν, "interpretation").
Let all things be done unto edifying—the governing principle: panta pros oikodomēn ginesthō (πάντα πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν γινέσθω, "let all things be done for edification"). Paul doesn't forbid diversity or spontaneity; he subordinates all expression to the edification test. Every contribution—song, teaching, tongue, revelation, interpretation—must pass this test: does it build up the body?