1 Corinthians 14:29 kjv
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1 Corinthians 14:29 nkjv
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
1 Corinthians 14:29 niv
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
1 Corinthians 14:29 esv
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.
1 Corinthians 14:29 nlt
Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.
1 Corinthians 14 29 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 14:3 | He who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. | Builds on prophecy's purpose |
| 1 Cor 14:30 | But if a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first one keep silent. | Reinforces sequential speaking |
| 1 Cor 14:32 | And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. | Emphasizes self-control |
| Acts 17:11 | These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. | Example of discerning listeners |
| 1 Thess 5:20-21 | Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. | Call to examine prophecies |
| Eph 4:29 | Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. | Relates to edifying speech |
| Matt 7:15-20 | Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. | Importance of discerning truth |
| Rom 12:6 | Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. | Connects to spiritual gifts |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. | Encourages testing of spirits |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning thoughts and intentions of the heart. | The Word as a discerner |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. | Qualities for discernment |
| Col 2:18 | Let no one disqualify you, insisting on humility and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind. | Warning against unfounded claims |
| Jude 1:3 | Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. | Call to maintain sound doctrine |
| John 10:27 | My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. | Christ as the ultimate voice |
| Prov 15:22 | Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. | Wisdom of counsel and evaluation |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | Scripture as a guide for truth |
| Deut 18:21-22 | And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’ when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or turn does not happen, that is the word that the Lord has not spoken. | Old Testament standard for prophecy |
| Acts 2:42 | And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. | Emphasis on foundational teaching |
| Rom 2:18 | And know his will, and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law. | Importance of instruction |
| Jer 23:28-29 | Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat, declares the Lord? | Contrast between true and false prophecy |
1 Corinthians 14 verses
1 Corinthians 14 29 Meaning
The verse instructs that when prophets speak in the assembly, only two or three should speak, and others should "weigh" or discern what is said. This regulation aims to bring order and understanding to public prophecy. The focus is on responsible utterance and critical reception, ensuring that all prophecy contributes edifyingly to the church.
1 Corinthians 14 29 Context
First Corinthians chapter 14 deals with the use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy, within the worship services of the Corinthian church. The Corinthian believers were fascinated by ecstatic utterances (tongues), but Paul seeks to reorient them towards gifts that build up the entire church. He contrasts the unintelligibility of uninterpreted tongues with the comprehensibility and edifying nature of prophecy. Verse 29 is part of Paul's specific instructions for the proper conduct of prophetic ministry in the assembly. This section aims to prevent chaos and ensure orderly worship that benefits all. Historically, public prophecy was a significant element in early Christian gatherings, and establishing guidelines was crucial for its effective and genuine exercise.
1 Corinthians 14 29 Word Analysis
- Εἰ δὲ (ei de): "But if." This is a conditional clause, introducing a specific scenario within the broader discussion.
- τις (tis): "anyone." Indefinite pronoun, referring to an individual prophet.
- προφητεύοι (propheteuōi): "prophesies." Present subjunctive of προφητεύω (propheteuō), indicating a potential or ongoing action in a hypothetical or specific instance.
- δύο (duo): "two." Specifies the maximum number allowed for utterance at one time.
- ἢ (ē): "or." Conjunction indicating an alternative.
- τρεῖς (treis): "three." Another specified number, limiting the speakers.
- καὶ (kai): "and." Conjunction joining elements.
- κατὰ (kata): "according to," "by." Preposition indicating manner or order.
- διάταξιν (diataxin): "order," "arrangement." From διάταξις (diataxis), meaning a systematic arrangement or command. This signifies that the speakers should proceed in an organized fashion.
- δὲ (de): "but," "and." Connects clauses, often adversial or explanatory.
- οἱ ἄλλοι (hoi alloi): "the others." Refers to the rest of the prophets or listeners in the assembly.
- διακρινέτωσαν (diakrinetōsan): "let them discern," "let them judge." Imperative mood of διακρίνω (diakrinō). This verb can mean to distinguish, discriminate, or judge. In this context, it implies careful evaluation and critical assessment of the prophecy delivered.
- τὰ (ta): "the." Definite article.
- περισσότερα (perissotera): "more," "superfluous." Adverbial or neuter comparative adjective from περισσός (perissos), meaning abundant, exceeding. Here, it is understood to mean "the others" or "the remaining points" to be considered by the discerning listeners.
Group of words analysis:
- "two or three prophets": This limitation highlights the desire for ordered and intelligible communication, preventing the cacophony that can arise from excessive or uncoordinated speaking. It emphasizes quality and discernment over quantity.
- "let the others weigh": This instruction is critical. "Weigh" (διακρινέτωσαν) is a call for active, intelligent, and spiritual assessment of the prophetic word, not passive acceptance. It means to differentiate, examine, and judge according to divine standards and the fruit of the Spirit. This applies to all prophets present and, by extension, to all mature believers in the assembly who can discern.
1 Corinthians 14 29 Bonus Section
The Greek word διακρινέτωσαν (diakrinetōsan) carries a strong sense of discerning between good and bad, or between true and false. This connects to the Old Testament practice of judging prophecy, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:21-22, where a sign of a false prophet was that their words did not come to pass. In 1 John 4:1, believers are urged to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." This "weighing" is a responsible act of spiritual intelligence and obedience to God's word, ensuring that prophetic utterances truly align with God’s character and will. The ability to discern is itself a spiritual gift, often listed as one of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10).
1 Corinthians 14 29 Commentary
Paul provides practical regulation for prophetic utterances in public worship. The limitation of "two or three" speaks against disorganized, free-for-all prophecy. This is not to say that only two or three prophetic gifts can exist, but rather that in any single meeting, only a limited number should speak sequentially. The key directive is for the "others" to "weigh" or discern what is said. This emphasizes responsible listening and the discernment that comes from spiritual maturity. It’s a safeguard against false prophecy and ensures that teachings align with apostolic doctrine and edify the body of Christ. This discernment process is essential for the church's health and to ensure that the prophetic gift is functioning properly.
Practical Usage Examples:
- In a church service where a prophecy is given, congregants with discerning spirits should prayerfully evaluate its message against Scripture and its impact on their spiritual understanding.
- When multiple individuals feel prompted to share a prophetic word, leadership or mature members may need to exercise wisdom in allowing only a few to speak at a time and encouraging thoughtful reflection afterward.