1 Corinthians 14:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:26
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, creation, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:26
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.
Analysis
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?
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:27, 14:40, Romans 14:19, 2 Corinthians 12:19, 13:10, Ephesians 4:12