1 Corinthians 14:16

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Else {G1893} when {G1437} thou shalt bless {G2127} with the spirit {G4151}, how {G4459} shall he that occupieth {G378} the room {G5117} of the unlearned {G2399} say {G2046} Amen {G281} at {G1909} thy {G4674} giving of thanks {G2169}, seeing {G1894} he understandeth {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} thou sayest {G3004}?

Otherwise, if you are giving thanks with your spirit, how will someone who has not yet received much instruction be able to say, “Amen,” when you have finished giving thanks, since he doesn’t know what you are saying?

Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit, how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?

Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:16 addresses the critical importance of intelligibility in public worship, particularly concerning the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues without interpretation. Paul argues that if someone is speaking in a language unknown to the congregation, especially to an "unlearned" person or outsider, that person cannot participate meaningfully by saying "Amen" to the prayer or blessing because they do not understand what is being said. This verse underscores the principle that all spiritual manifestations in the church should be understandable and contribute to the edification of everyone present.

Context

This verse is part of Paul’s extensive discussion in 1 Corinthians 12-14 regarding spiritual gifts within the early Christian community in Corinth. The church there was experiencing disorder, especially concerning the use of tongues (glossolalia) in public gatherings. While acknowledging the legitimacy of the gift, Paul emphasizes that its exercise in public must be regulated by the principle of edification of the church. He prioritizes prophecy (speaking a message from God in a known language) over tongues without interpretation because the former builds up the entire assembly, whereas the latter does not.

Key Themes

  • Intelligibility in Worship: The core message is the critical need for intelligible communication in public worship. If a message cannot be understood, it cannot benefit or affirm the listeners.
  • Communal Participation: The "Amen" was a vital part of early Christian worship, signifying agreement, affirmation, and communal participation in prayers and blessings. If the congregation, or an outsider, cannot understand, they cannot genuinely participate.
  • Edification of the Assembly: Paul’s broader instruction is that all spiritual gifts should be used to build up the entire body of believers. Speaking in an unknown tongue without interpretation fails this purpose for those who do not understand.
  • Consideration for Outsiders: The presence of the "unlearned" (or "outsider") highlights the church’s responsibility to make its worship accessible and beneficial to those who are new or not yet believers.

Linguistic Insights

  • "unlearned" (Greek: idiōtēs): This term does not necessarily mean uneducated or ignorant in a general sense. In this context, it refers to someone who is a "layman," an "outsider," or simply someone who does not understand the particular language being spoken. It highlights the perspective of someone who is not initiated into or does not comprehend the specific spiritual manifestation.
  • "Amen" (Hebrew origin): This word, transliterated into Greek and English, means "so be it," "truly," or "let it be so." It was a common and powerful expression of affirmation and agreement in Jewish and early Christian worship. For the "Amen" to be sincere and meaningful, understanding of the preceding prayer or blessing is essential.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant for modern church services. It emphasizes the importance of clear, understandable communication in all aspects of worship, whether in preaching, prayer, or song. Churches should strive to be welcoming and comprehensible to all, including visitors and new believers. The principle is not to suppress spiritual gifts but to ensure they are exercised in a way that truly builds up the entire body of Christ and allows everyone to participate meaningfully. It also reminds us of the importance of order and decency in church gatherings, ensuring that all activities contribute positively to the spiritual growth and understanding of the congregation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 106:48 (6 votes)

    Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:36 (6 votes)

    Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

  • Revelation 5:14 (6 votes)

    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  • Nehemiah 8:6 (4 votes)

    And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:24 (4 votes)

    And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

  • Deuteronomy 27:15 (4 votes)

    Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

  • Deuteronomy 27:26 (4 votes)

    Cursed [be] he that confirmeth not [all] the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.