1 Corinthians 14:26
New International Version
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

New Living Translation
Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

English Standard Version
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Berean Standard Bible
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

Berean Literal Bible
What then is it, brothers? When you may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

New American Standard Bible
What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. All things are to be done for edification.

NASB 1995
What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

NASB 1977
What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Legacy Standard Bible
What is the outcome then, brothers? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has a translation. Let all things be done for edification.

Amplified Bible
What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and done for the good of all the church.

Christian Standard Bible
What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything is to be done for building up.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
What then is the conclusion, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, another language, or an interpretation. All things must be done for edification.

American Standard Version
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, when you meet to worship, you must do everything for the good of everyone there. That's how it should be when someone sings or teaches or tells what God has said or speaks an unknown language or explains what the language means.

English Revised Version
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So what does this mean, brothers and sisters? When you gather, each person has a psalm, doctrine, revelation, another language, or an interpretation. Everything must be done to help each other grow.

Good News Translation
This is what I mean, my friends. When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn, another a teaching, another a revelation from God, another a message in strange tongues, and still another the explanation of what is said. Everything must be of help to the church.

International Standard Version
What, then, does this mean, brothers? When you gather, everyone has a psalm, teaching, revelation, foreign language, or interpretation. Everything must be done for upbuilding.

Majority Standard Bible
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm or a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

NET Bible
What should you do then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all these things be done for the strengthening of the church.

New Heart English Bible
What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.

Webster's Bible Translation
How is it then, brethren? when ye are assembled, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a language, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done to edification.

Weymouth New Testament
What then, brethren? Whenever you assemble, there is not one of you who is not ready either with a song of praise, a sermon, a revelation, a 'tongue,' or an interpretation. Let everything be done with a view to the building up of faith and character.

World English Bible
What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
What then is it, brothers? Whenever you may come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be for building up;

Berean Literal Bible
What then is it, brothers? When you may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Young's Literal Translation
What then is it, brethren? whenever ye may come together, each of you hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? let all things be for building up;

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore, what is it brethren when ye come together, every one of you has a Psalms, has teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretatior. Let all things be for the building of the house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
How is it then, brethren ? When you come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation: let all things be done to edification.

Catholic Public Domain Version
What is next, brothers? When you gather together, each one of you may have a psalm, or a doctrine, or a revelation, or a language, or an interpretation, but let everything be done for edification.

New American Bible
So what is to be done, brothers? When you assemble, one has a psalm, another an instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything should be done for building up.

New Revised Standard Version
What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore I say to you, my brethren, when you gather together, whoever among you has a psalm to sing, has a doctrine, has a revelation, has the gift of tongues, or the gift of interpretation, let everything be done for edification.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I say therefore, my brethren, that whenever you gather, whoever among you has a Psalm, let him speak, or whoever has a teaching, or whoever has a revelation, or whoever has a language, or whoever has a translation, let all things be done for edification.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
What, then, is it, brethren? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has something to teach, has an unknown tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Godbey New Testament
Then what is it, brethren? When you may come together, each one has a psalm, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to edification.

Haweis New Testament
How comes it then, brethren, that when ye assemble 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 to edification.

Mace New Testament
what is then to be done, my brethren? when you come together, one of you with a psalm, another with a doctrine, another with a strange tongue, another with a revelation, another with an interpretation: let the whole be done to edification.

Weymouth New Testament
What then, brethren? Whenever you assemble, there is not one of you who is not ready either with a song of praise, a sermon, a revelation, a 'tongue,' or an interpretation. Let everything be done with a view to the building up of faith and character.

Worrell New Testament
What is it, then, brethren? When ye come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edification.

Worsley New Testament
What is then to be done, my brethren? when ye come together, if any of you hath a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation,---let all be done for edification.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Orderly Worship
25and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!” 26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.…

Cross References
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. / A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. / All the believers were together and had everything in common. ...

Ephesians 4:11-13
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. / To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, / to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ...

1 Corinthians 12:28-31
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. / Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? / Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ...

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. / No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.


Treasury of Scripture

How is it then, brothers? when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to edifying.

every.

1 Corinthians 14:6
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?

1 Corinthians 12:8-10
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; …

Let.

1 Corinthians 14:4,5,12,40
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church…

1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

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Assemble Assembled Build Building Character Church Doctrine Edifying Either Faith Hymn Instruction Interpretation Language Praise Psalm Ready Revelation Song Strengthening Teaching Together Tongue View Whenever Word
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Assemble Assembled Build Building Character Church Doctrine Edifying Either Faith Hymn Instruction Interpretation Language Praise Psalm Ready Revelation Song Strengthening Teaching Together Tongue View Whenever Word
1 Corinthians 14
1. Prophecy is commended,
2. and preferred before speaking in tongues,
6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.
12. Both must be referred to edification,
22. as to their true and proper end.
26. The true use of each is taught,
27. and the abuse rebuked.
34. Women in the churches.














What then shall we say, brothers?
This phrase serves as a rhetorical question, inviting the Corinthian believers to reflect on their practices during worship. The Greek word for "brothers" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is inclusive, addressing both men and women in the congregation, emphasizing the familial bond among believers. Paul is calling the church to consider their actions and attitudes in light of their shared identity in Christ.

When you come together
The phrase underscores the communal aspect of early Christian worship. The Greek term for "come together" (συνέρχομαι, synerchomai) implies a gathering with purpose. Historically, the early church met in homes or small gatherings, emphasizing intimacy and mutual edification. This context highlights the importance of unity and collective worship in the body of Christ.

each of you has a hymn
The word "hymn" (ψαλμός, psalmos) refers to a song of praise, often rooted in the Psalms of the Old Testament. In the early church, hymns were a vital part of worship, serving to glorify God and instruct the congregation. This reflects the Jewish tradition of singing psalms, now infused with the new revelation of Christ.

or a word of instruction
This phrase indicates the sharing of teaching or doctrine. The Greek term for "instruction" (διδαχή, didachē) suggests a structured form of teaching, essential for the spiritual growth of the church. It underscores the role of sound doctrine in building a strong foundation for believers.

a revelation
"Revelation" (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis) refers to a divine disclosure or insight given by the Holy Spirit. In the early church, revelations were crucial for understanding God's will and direction. This highlights the dynamic and prophetic nature of early Christian worship, where the Spirit actively communicated with the believers.

a tongue
The term "tongue" (γλῶσσα, glōssa) refers to the spiritual gift of speaking in languages unknown to the speaker. This gift, as seen in Acts 2, served as a sign for unbelievers and a means of edification when interpreted. The presence of tongues in worship underscores the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit among the early Christians.

or an interpretation
"Interpretation" (ἑρμηνεία, hermēneia) is the ability to translate or explain the meaning of tongues. This gift ensures that the message is understood and beneficial to the congregation. It highlights the order and clarity that should accompany spiritual gifts, ensuring they contribute to the edification of the church.

Everything must be done
This phrase emphasizes the necessity of order and purpose in worship. The Greek word for "done" (γίνομαι, ginomai) implies action and fulfillment. Paul insists that all activities in the church should be intentional and directed towards a common goal.

so that the church may be built up
The ultimate purpose of these activities is the edification of the church. The Greek term for "built up" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē) conveys the idea of constructing or strengthening. This reflects the apostolic concern for the spiritual maturity and unity of the body of Christ, ensuring that all gifts and contributions serve to enhance the community's faith and witness.

(26) How is it then, brethren?--From a discussion as to the relative value of the gift of tongue and that of prophecy, the Apostle now turns to practical instructions as to the method of their employment in public church assemblies. He first gives directions regarding the tongues (1Corinthians 14:27-28), then regarding prophecy (1Corinthians 14:29-36), and the concluding verses of this chapter contain a summing up and brief repetition of what has been already laid down. In this verse he introduces the practical application of the truths which he has been enforcing, by the question, "How is it, then?"--i.e., what should follow from all these arguments?--and, instead of answering the question directly, he first recalls the existing state of confusion in their public assemblies, which had rendered necessary the teaching of the previous verses, and which is to be remedied by the practical instructions which now follow.

When ye come together, every one of you hath . . .--Better, when ye are assembling together each one of you hath a psalm, &c. The uppermost thought in each mind as you are assembling for public worship is the individual gift which he possesses. One had the gift of pouring forth a psalm of praise; another could deliver a doctrinal discourse; another could speak to God in a tongue; another had some deep insight into the spiritual world; another could interpret the tongue. If these varied gifts were employed by each for his own gratification, or even for his own spiritual advancement, they would not be used worthy of the occasion. In public these gifts were to be exercised not by each one for himself, but for the building up of the whole Church.

Verses 26-33. - Rules to check disorderly self-assertion in Christian assemblies. Verse 26. - How is it then? The same phrase as in ver. 15. Every one of you hath a psalm, etc. We see here a somewhat melancholy picture of the struggling self assertion of rival claimants to attention. A doctrine; rather, a teaching, The glossolaly had probably been promoted by Syrian enthusiasts, perhaps of the Petrine party; the egotism of oratory and itch of teaching now described (James 3:1) may have been developed in the Apollonian party. Unto edifying. The object is moral improvement, not idle self display, not the ostentation of individual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7, 8, 10). To this he recurs again and again (1 Corinthians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 14:3, 5, 12; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 13:10; and the verb frequently). The substantive, as used by St. Paul, only occurs again in Romans (Romans 14:19; Romans 15:2), and in Ephesians (Ephesians 2:21, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
What
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

then
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

[shall we say],
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

brothers?
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

When
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

you come together,
συνέρχησθε (synerchēsthe)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4905: From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or, cohabit.

everyone
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

has
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a psalm
ψαλμὸν (psalmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5568: From psallo; a set piece of music, i.e. A sacred ode; collectively, the book of the Psalms.

[or]
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a teaching,
διδαχὴν (didachēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.

a revelation,
ἀποκάλυψιν (apokalypsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 602: An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure.

a tongue,
γλῶσσαν (glōssan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.

[or]
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

an interpretation.
ἑρμηνείαν (hermēneian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2058: Translation, interpretation, explanation. From the same as hermeneuo; translation.

All [of these]
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

must be done
γινέσθω (ginesthō)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

build up [ the church ].
οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619: Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:26 What is it then brothers? When you (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
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