1 Corinthians Chapter 14 · Verse 36
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
Original Language Analysis
ἀφ'
from
G575
ἀφ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
5 of 13
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Corinthian pride (1:12, 3:21, 4:6-7) extended to worship practices. They apparently thought their charismatic experiences exempted them from apostolic regulation. Paul demolishes this pretension.
Questions for Reflection
- How do these rhetorical questions puncture Corinthian pride?
- Why does Paul appeal to universal church practice rather than just asserting apostolic authority?
- What's the danger of thinking we have a corner on truth or don't need others' input?
Analysis & Commentary
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?—Greek ē aph' hymōn ho logos tou theou exēlthen? ē eis hymas monous katēntēsen? (ἢ ἀφ' ὑμῶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν; ἢ εἰς ὑμᾶς μόνους κατήντησεν;) Paul's rhetorical questions expect "No!" The Corinthians didn't originate God's word, nor were they its sole recipients.
This rebukes Corinthian arrogance: they're not the source or sole possessors of divine truth. Paul has appealed to universal church practice (v. 33, "as in all churches of the saints"); now he challenges their presumption in ignoring it. The rhetorical force: "Who do you think you are?" The word of God came to them from apostolic teaching; it also went to other churches. Their idiosyncratic practices violate the unity and universality of apostolic tradition.