1 Corinthians 14 31

1 Corinthians 14:31 kjv

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

1 Corinthians 14:31 nkjv

For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

1 Corinthians 14:31 niv

For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

1 Corinthians 14:31 esv

For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged,

1 Corinthians 14:31 nlt

In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.

1 Corinthians 14 verses

1 Corinthians 14 31 meaning

1 Corinthians 14:31 reveals that every believer possesses the capacity to receive and deliver a message from God—a prophetic utterance—in the gathered assembly. However, this spiritual activity must occur sequentially, "one by one," to ensure clarity and order. The ultimate purpose of such regulated prophecy is two-fold: for all members of the congregation to gain spiritual understanding and truth, and for all to receive comfort, exhortation, and strength for their faith journey.

1 Corinthians 14 31 Context

1 Corinthians 14 addresses the use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, within the gathered Christian assembly in Corinth. The apostle Paul consistently emphasizes edification—the spiritual building up of the whole church—as the ultimate goal of all gifts (14:3, 4, 5, 12, 17, 26). The Corinthian church was enthusiastic but potentially chaotic in their worship, valuing dramatic displays of gifts like tongues above the more comprehensible gift of prophecy.

This verse (14:31) serves as a clarification and further regulation of Paul's previous instructions regarding prophets (14:29-30), who are told to speak "two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let the others judge." Verse 31 provides the theological justification for this order: it's not to stifle the Spirit, but to facilitate effective teaching and encouragement for everyone. Paul corrects a culture where individualism and display might have overshadowed corporate benefit, guiding the church towards orderly, mutually beneficial ministry reflective of God's character (14:33). The historical and cultural backdrop includes the emphasis on public rhetoric in Greek society, which Paul reorients from human performance to divine communication for the church's collective good.

1 Corinthians 14 31 Word analysis

• For (γαρ - gar): An explanatory conjunction, meaning "because" or "indeed." It introduces the reason or justification for the preceding command for prophets to speak in turn and for others to weigh what is said (v. 29-30).

• you (υμεις - hymeis): A plural pronoun, addressing the entire community of believers, not just a select few designated "prophets." This underscores the accessibility of the prophetic gift to all Spirit-filled Christians.

• can (δυνασθε - dynasthe): From dynamai, meaning "to be able," "to have the power/capacity." It indicates not merely permission, but a genuine capability or potential granted by the Holy Spirit.

• all (παντες - pantes): Universal quantifier, reinforcing that every individual believer, regardless of their role or perceived status, has the potential to exercise the prophetic gift. It echoes the New Covenant promise of widespread Spirit empowerment.

• prophesy (προφητευειν - prophēteuein): To speak forth, or to speak under divine inspiration. In the New Testament, this typically means delivering a Spirit-given message for the present needs of the church, primarily for "edification, exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor 14:3), though it can include foretelling the future. It's distinct from canonical, infallible Scripture.

• one by one (καθ᾿ ενα - kath’ hena): Literally "according to one." This phrase emphasizes the essential need for sequential delivery, orderly turns, and individual participation, ensuring that only one person is speaking prophetically at any given moment. This is crucial for comprehension and avoiding chaos.

• so that (ινα - hina): A purpose clause, introducing the dual intended outcomes or objectives of this orderly, accessible prophecy.

• all (παντες - pantes): Reiterates the universal benefit. The learning and encouragement are for everyone in the assembly.

• may learn (μανθανωσιν - manthanōsin): From manthanō, meaning "to learn," "to come to know," "to be taught." This refers to gaining intellectual and spiritual understanding, grasping truth, or receiving revelation through the prophetic message. It implies mental engagement and instruction.

• and (και - kai): A simple conjunction, connecting the two primary purposes.

• all (παντες - pantes): Once again, emphasizes the inclusivity of the benefit.

• may be encouraged/exhorted/comforted (παρακαλωνται - parakalōntai): From parakaleō, a rich Greek verb with meanings encompassing "to call alongside," "to urge," "to exhort," "to comfort," "to encourage," or "to entreat." It implies a holistic spiritual strengthening, motivating to persevere, providing solace in distress, or guiding to righteous action. It's about spiritual support and motivation beyond mere intellectual understanding.

• "For you can all prophesy": This group of words emphasizes the Holy Spirit's broad distribution of prophetic ability throughout the entire congregation. It means God intends for many to be active participants in His prophetic communication, debunking any idea of a small, exclusive group holding all the spiritual gifts.

• "one by one": This phrase directly specifies the method for exercising this widespread ability. It highlights the non-chaotic, orderly, and respectful sequential turn-taking required during corporate worship, making participation possible for all without creating confusion.

• "so that all may learn and all may be encouraged": This entire clause clearly articulates the dual, interdependent objectives of prophetic ministry. Prophecy's purpose is not for personal gratification or display, but to impart understanding and spiritual sustenance (comfort, exhortation, strength) to every single member of the church, fostering collective growth and well-being.

1 Corinthians 14 31 Bonus section

• Charismata and the Common Good: Paul consistently frames spiritual gifts (charismata) as given for the "common good" (1 Cor 12:7), and 1 Corinthians 14:31 is a direct application of this principle to prophecy. Individual experiences or expressions of gifts must always serve the benefit of the entire gathered body.
• Not All are Prophets in Office: While "all can prophesy," this does not mean every believer holds the office of a prophet as described in Ephesians 4:11. It refers to the act of prophesying—receiving and speaking a Spirit-inspired word—which is widely accessible, distinguished from a recognized, ongoing ministry role.
• Testing Prophecy: The preceding verse (14:29) commands, "let the others judge." This indicates that New Testament prophecy, though Spirit-inspired, is subject to discernment by the church. It is not infallible in the same way as written Scripture and must be weighed against established biblical truth and the discerning Spirit. The orderly "one by one" delivery facilitates this judging process, allowing the message to be properly heard and evaluated by the body.
• Distinction from Tongues: Throughout chapter 14, Paul contrasts prophecy with speaking in tongues. While tongues edify the speaker (14:4) and are a sign for unbelievers (14:22), prophecy directly edifies the entire church with intelligible teaching and comfort, making it preferable for public worship (14:5, 12, 19). This verse underscores the clarity and edifying nature of prophecy over uncontrolled or uninterpreted tongues.

1 Corinthians 14 31 Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:31 stands as a pivotal statement balancing the empowering work of the Holy Spirit with the practical need for order in corporate worship. Paul asserts that the prophetic gift is not exclusive to a few, but potentially available to "all" believers within the Corinthian community, reflecting the widespread outpouring of the Spirit anticipated in Joel 2 and fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2). This "can" (δύνασθε) signifies a Spirit-given capacity.

However, this accessibility does not negate the necessity for structure. Prophecy, like all spiritual expressions in public, must be delivered "one by one." This regulation is not about limiting the Spirit, but about allowing the Spirit's message to be received clearly and effectively. The ultimate purpose clarifies why this order is critical: "so that all may learn and all may be encouraged." Prophecy serves to illuminate minds with divine truth (learning) and to strengthen hearts with comfort, challenge, and hope (encouragement/exhortation). It's a testament to God's desire for an assembly that is both intellectually enlightened and spiritually robust, fostering communal growth rather than individual showmanship.

• Example for Practical Usage: In a church gathering, when a believer feels impressed by the Holy Spirit to share a word of prophecy, this verse guides them. Instead of interjecting impulsively, they would wait for an appropriate pause or be recognized, then deliver their message clearly and concisely, knowing it aims to help others understand God better or to uplift those who are discouraged.