1 Corinthians 14:23

KJV

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} therefore {G3767} the whole {G3650} church {G1577} be come together {G4905} into {G1909} one place {G846}, and {G2532} all {G3956} speak {G2980} with tongues {G1100}, and {G1161} there come in {G1525} those that are unlearned {G2399}, or {G2228} unbelievers {G571}, will they {G2046} not {G3756} say {G2046} that {G3754} ye are mad {G3105}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So if the whole congregation comes together with everybody speaking in tongues, and uninstructed people or unbelievers come in, won’t they say you’re crazy?

Berean Standard Bible

So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

American Standard Version

If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:23, addresses the critical importance of order and intelligibility in corporate worship, particularly concerning the exercise of spiritual gifts. He posits a hypothetical scenario where the entire congregation speaks in uninterpreted tongues, warning that such a chaotic display would lead any visiting unlearned person or unbeliever to conclude that the believers are insane, thereby hindering the gospel witness and undermining the credibility of the Christian message. This verse underscores Paul's overarching concern for edification, clarity, and effective evangelism within the gathered church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive instructions to the Corinthian church concerning spiritual gifts (chapters 12-14). Having established the unity of the Spirit and the diversity of gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), and having elevated love as the supreme guiding principle for all gift exercise in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"), Paul transitions in chapter 14 to practical guidelines for public worship. His primary concern is the edification of the church, which he argues is best achieved through intelligible speech, specifically prophecy, rather than uninterpreted tongues. Verse 23 serves as a stark illustration of the negative consequences of prioritizing self-edification or chaotic expression over the corporate good and external witness, setting the stage for his subsequent regulations on speaking in tongues and prophecy ([1 Corinthians 14:26-33](/1_corinthians/14-26-33 "1 Corinthians 14:26-33 - Order in Public Worship")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. The Corinthian church, though gifted, struggled with internal divisions, spiritual pride, and a misunderstanding of how to properly express their newfound freedom in Christ, often leading to disorder in their assemblies. In the Greco-Roman world, public gatherings, whether for civic or religious purposes, typically followed established norms of decorum and intelligibility. Paul's instructions here are not merely theological but also pragmatic, addressing a specific cultural context where a chaotic Christian assembly would be perceived as a cultish frenzy, confirming pagan prejudices rather than inviting serious inquiry into the gospel. The concept of "madness" (mania) was often associated with ecstatic, uncontrolled religious practices in the ancient world, which Paul seeks to distance Christian worship from.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major themes in 1 Corinthians. It highlights the theme of **Order in Worship**, emphasizing that church gatherings should be characterized by decorum and intelligibility, not confusion, as summarized in Paul's later directive, "[Let all things be done decently and in order](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Decency and Order")" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Decency and Order")). Closely related is **Edification and Clarity**, where the primary purpose of spiritual gifts in public assembly is to build up the body of Christ, which cannot happen if communication is unintelligible. Furthermore, the presence of "unlearned, or unbelievers" underscores the church's **Witness to Outsiders**, revealing that the conduct of believers in worship has direct evangelistic implications. Finally, the stark warning, "will they not say that ye are mad?", emphasizes the critical importance of **Perception and Credibility**, indicating that unbridled or incomprehensible spiritual manifestations can severely undermine the Christian message and repel potential converts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** From G1100, meaning "the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)." In this context, it refers to the supernatural ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, which could be existing human languages (as in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")) or possibly non-human, heavenly utterances. Paul's point here is that without interpretation, these utterances, regardless of their nature, are meaningless and unedifying to most listeners in a public assembly.
* **unlearned (Greek, _idiōtēs'_):** From G2399, meaning "a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus." This term refers to ordinary people, laypersons, or those without special knowledge or training in a particular field. In the context of the Corinthian church, it signifies those who are not familiar with the spiritual manifestations common among the believers or are uninitiated in Christian doctrine, thus lacking the framework to understand what is happening.
* **mad (Greek, _maínomai'_):** From G3105, meaning "to rave as a 'maniac'." This is a strong and vivid term, indicating a state of insanity or being out of one's mind. Paul employs this word to highlight the severe negative impression that unbridled, chaotic, and incomprehensible spiritual manifestations would create in the minds of visitors, leading them to dismiss the entire gathering as irrational or even dangerous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If therefore the whole church be come together into one place":** This clause sets the scene for a corporate gathering of believers, emphasizing a public assembly where the entire community is present. Paul is addressing the conduct of the church when it functions as a unified body, not merely individual spiritual experiences.
* **"and all speak with tongues":** This presents a hypothetical, extreme scenario. Paul is not suggesting that *all* believers would naturally speak in tongues simultaneously, but rather illustrating the disruptive effect if uninterpreted tongues became the dominant and universal mode of expression in a public gathering, without any accompanying interpretation or intelligible communication.
* **"and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers":** This introduces the crucial element of external witness. The "unlearned" are those unfamiliar with Christian practices or doctrine, while "unbelievers" are those who do not profess faith in Christ. Their presence highlights the church's evangelistic responsibility and the need to consider how its practices are perceived by outsiders.
* **"will they not say that ye are mad?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious affirmative answer. It underscores the devastating consequence of disorder: visitors will not be drawn to Christ or convicted of sin, but rather repelled by what appears to be irrationality, fanaticism, or even madness, thereby discrediting the gospel message.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse to make his point. The most prominent is a **Rhetorical Question**, "will they not say that ye are mad?", which is designed not to seek information but to emphasize an obvious conclusion and create a strong persuasive effect. This question also functions as **Hyperbole**, presenting an exaggerated, worst-case scenario ("all speak with tongues") to vividly illustrate the negative impact of uninterpreted, widespread glossolalia. There is also a clear **Contrast** implied between the intended purpose of spiritual gifts (edification, order, clear witness) and the chaotic outcome described, which would lead to confusion and alienation. Finally, the verse clearly demonstrates **Implication and Consequence**, directly linking the disorderly conduct of the church to the negative perception and judgment of outsiders, thereby highlighting the evangelistic stakes involved in corporate worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological truth that Christian worship is not merely an internal, private experience for believers but also a public testimony to the world. It underscores the principle that the church's practices should reflect the character of God, who is a God of order and peace, not confusion ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is not the author of confusion")). The proper exercise of spiritual gifts, therefore, must always be subordinated to the greater goals of corporate edification and effective evangelism. When the church gathers, its conduct should be inviting and intelligible, providing a clear pathway for outsiders to encounter the truth of the gospel, rather than a barrier of incomprehensible chaos. This reflects a broader biblical concern for the church's witness to those outside the faith, ensuring that its light shines clearly in the world ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")).

* [Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Edification")
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake Assembling")
* [Colossians 4:5](/colossians/4-5 "Colossians 4:5 - Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:23 serves as a timeless reminder that the church's gatherings are not solely for the benefit of its members but also for the sake of those who are yet to believe. It challenges us to critically examine our worship practices, asking whether they are truly accessible, understandable, and inviting to newcomers. This means prioritizing clarity in communication, whether through preaching, teaching, or musical expression, ensuring that the message of Christ is presented in a way that can be grasped by all. It also calls for a spirit of hospitality and sensitivity towards guests, conducting services in a manner that reflects the welcoming heart of God rather than alienating those unfamiliar with Christian customs or spiritual expressions. Ultimately, our gatherings should aim to build up believers and clearly present the truth of God's Word, fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can convict, convert, and transform, rather than confuse or repel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church's worship service appear to someone who is visiting for the first time or is not familiar with Christian practices?**
* **Are there elements in our worship that might be confusing or off-putting to an "unlearned" person or "unbeliever"?**
* **How can we balance the freedom of spiritual expression with the need for order and clarity in our corporate gatherings?**
* **In what ways can our church intentionally foster an atmosphere that is both spiritually vibrant and welcoming to outsiders?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse forbid speaking in tongues in church?**

Answer: No, this verse does not forbid speaking in tongues in church. Instead, it places a crucial condition on its public use: it must be interpreted. Paul's concern is intelligibility and edification. In [1 Corinthians 14:5](/1_corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Prophecy vs. Tongues"), he states, "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." The issue is not the gift itself, but its uninterpreted, chaotic, or universal use in a public assembly, which would lead to confusion and a negative witness to outsiders.

**Who are the "unlearned" and "unbelievers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "unlearned" (Greek: _idiōtēs_) refers to those who are not initiated into the specific practices or doctrines of the Christian faith; they are laypersons or those without specialized knowledge of spiritual gifts. The "unbelievers" (Greek: _ápistos_) are those who do not profess faith in Christ. Paul distinguishes between these two groups, but both represent outsiders who are observing the church's gathering. Their presence highlights the evangelistic dimension of corporate worship, emphasizing that the church's conduct should be understandable and attractive to those outside the faith.

**How does this verse apply to modern church services where speaking in tongues might not be a prominent feature?**

Answer: The principle of 1 Corinthians 14:23 remains highly relevant even if speaking in tongues is not a primary feature. The core message is about clarity, order, and effective witness in corporate worship. This applies to all aspects of a service: the clarity of preaching, the intelligibility of songs, the explanations of rituals or practices, and the overall atmosphere. If any element of a service is confusing, alienating, or appears chaotic to a newcomer, it can hinder their ability to understand the gospel or perceive the presence of God. The goal is always to ensure that the church's gathering is conducive to both the edification of believers and the evangelization of outsiders, so that when an unbeliever enters, they might be convicted, "fall down on their face, and worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" ([1 Corinthians 14:25](/1_corinthians/14-25 "1 Corinthians 14:25 - The Impact of Prophecy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 14:23 directly addresses the proper conduct of the church in its corporate gatherings, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and purpose in Jesus Christ. Christ himself is the embodiment of divine order and wisdom, in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom")). He is the Word made flesh, the perfectly intelligible revelation of God to humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), ensuring that God's message is not chaotic or obscure but clear and accessible. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect this clarity and order in its worship, making Christ known to a watching world. Our gatherings, therefore, should not obscure Him through confusion but rather illuminate Him through intelligible proclamation and worship, inviting outsiders to encounter the very One who brings spiritual sanity and salvation. The purpose of all spiritual gifts, including tongues, is to build up the body for the work of ministry, leading to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Equipping of the Saints")). Thus, the concern for order and intelligibility in worship is fundamentally Christ-centered, ensuring that the church's witness effectively points to Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 2:13

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

John 10:20

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

1 Corinthians 11:18

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Acts 26:24

¶ And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.