1 Corinthians 14:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:20
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, hope, judgment. 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 14:20
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Analysis
Brethren, be not children in understanding—Greek mē paidia ginesthe tais phresin (μὴ παιδία γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν, "don't be children in mind/thinking"). Phrenes (φρένες) means understanding, judgment, thought. Howbeit in malice be ye children—the positive contrast: tē kakia nēpiazete (τῇ κακίᾳ νηπιάζετε, "in evil/malice be infants"). But in understanding be men (teleioi, τέλειοι, "mature, complete, adults").
Paul calls for moral innocence (childlike in evil) but intellectual maturity (adult in thinking). The Corinthians' fascination with showy tongues reveals immaturity—prioritizing spectacular experience over the hard work of understanding and teaching. True maturity discriminates between gifts based on edification, not impressiveness.
Historical Context
The Corinthians' childishness manifested in divisions (3:1-4), tolerating sin (5:1-2), lawsuits (6:1-8), and now, prioritizing flashy gifts. Paul consistently calls them to mature discernment.
Reflection
- How does the Corinthians' misuse of tongues reveal immaturity?
- What's the difference between being 'childlike' (positive) and 'childish' (negative)?
- In what areas might modern Christians be 'children in understanding'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 2:6, 13:11, Isaiah 11:3, Matthew 11:25, 18:3, Mark 10:15