1 Corinthians 14:24

KJV

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1437} all {G3956} prophesy {G4395}, and {G1161} there come in {G1525} one {G5100} that believeth not {G571}, or {G2228} one unlearned {G2399}, he is convinced {G1651} of {G5259} all {G3956}, he is judged {G350} of {G5259} all {G3956}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you all prophesy, and some unbeliever or uninstructed person enters, he is convicted of sin by all, he is brought under judgment by all,

Berean Standard Bible

But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,

American Standard Version

But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:24 highlights the profound and transformative impact of prophetic ministry within the corporate gathering, particularly on unbelievers or those uninitiated in Christian faith. When God's truth is clearly and orderly proclaimed through prophecy, it penetrates the heart, revealing hidden thoughts and sins, leading to conviction, discernment, and ultimately, a recognition of God's presence and a turning to Him in worship. This verse underscores prophecy's evangelistic power and its role in fostering an environment where divine revelation leads to spiritual awakening.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's comprehensive instructions to the Corinthian church regarding the proper exercise of spiritual gifts, specifically contrasting the public use of tongues with prophecy in chapters 12-14. Paul's overarching concern throughout [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") is the edification of the church and the effective witness to outsiders. He has just stated in [1 Corinthians 14:23](/1_corinthians/14-23 "1 Corinthians 14:23 - The Effect of Tongues on Unbelievers") that if the entire church speaks in uninterpreted tongues, an unbeliever entering would conclude they are mad. In stark contrast, [1 Corinthians 14:24](/1_corinthians/14-24 "1 Corinthians 14:24 - The Impact of Prophecy on Unbelievers") presents prophecy as a means by which the uninitiated are convicted and judged, leading to a positive outcome, as further detailed in [1 Corinthians 14:25](/1_corinthians/14-25 "1 Corinthians 14:25 - The Unbeliever's Response to Prophecy"). This immediate juxtaposition clearly demonstrates Paul's prioritization of intelligible speech for the sake of evangelism and church health.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic congregation, situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. The Corinthians were enthusiastic about spiritual gifts, particularly tongues, which may have been seen as a more spectacular or prestigious manifestation. However, their exercise of these gifts often lacked order, mutual edification, and consideration for visitors. Paul's letters address a range of issues, from divisions and immorality to disputes over food sacrificed to idols, all within the context of establishing a healthy, Christ-centered community. In this specific passage, Paul is correcting a cultural tendency towards self-glorification in worship, redirecting their focus to the communal good and the evangelistic imperative, ensuring that their gatherings were not merely chaotic displays but orderly expressions of God's Spirit that could genuinely impact outsiders.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The First Letter to the Corinthians - Paul's Instructions to the Corinthian Church"). Foremost is the theme of **Orderly Worship**, emphasizing that church gatherings should be conducted in a manner that promotes understanding and edification for all, as seen in Paul's concluding remarks in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order"). Another crucial theme is **Edification**, where the purpose of all spiritual gifts is to build up the body of Christ, not just individual believers, a concept introduced in [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - The Purpose of Prophecy"). This verse also powerfully highlights **Evangelistic Effectiveness**, demonstrating how the clear proclamation of God's truth serves as a powerful witness to those outside the faith, leading to conviction and conversion. Finally, the theme of **Divine Revelation and Conviction** is central, as prophecy is presented as the means by which God's Spirit penetrates human hearts, revealing hidden truths and leading to a recognition of His presence and authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō_):** From the Strong's G4395, this word means "to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office." In the context of 1 Corinthians, it primarily refers to speaking forth a divinely inspired message that is intelligible and serves to edify, exhort, or comfort the church, rather than exclusively predicting future events. It is a Spirit-empowered declaration of God's truth.
* **unlearned (Greek, _idiṓtēs_):** Derived from Strong's G2399, this term denotes "a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus." Here, it refers to someone who is a "layman" or "uninitiated," an outsider who is unfamiliar with Christian teachings, practices, or the spiritual realities of the church, rather than implying a lack of general intelligence.
* **convinced (Greek, _elénchō_):** According to Strong's G1651, this word means "to confute, admonish." In this context, it signifies being exposed, rebuked, or proven guilty, often leading to a recognition of truth, personal sin, or faulty understanding. It's a divine exposure that brings conviction, not merely condemnation, but a revelation that prompts a response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if all prophesy,"**: This clause sets up a hypothetical scenario where the entire assembly is engaged in the intelligible proclamation of God's truth. It contrasts sharply with the previous verse's scenario of everyone speaking in uninterpreted tongues, underscoring the preference for clear, understandable communication in public worship. The emphasis is on the corporate and pervasive nature of prophetic ministry.
* **"and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned,"**: This introduces the target audience for this powerful prophetic display: an unbeliever (one who lacks Christian faith) or an "unlearned" person (an outsider unfamiliar with Christian teachings or the ways of God). These are individuals for whom the church gathering should be accessible and impactful, not confusing or alienating.
* **"he is convinced of all,"**: When God's truth is proclaimed clearly and collectively, it penetrates the heart of the unbeliever or unlearned person. The word "convinced" (elénchō) implies a divine exposure, a revealing of inner thoughts, motives, and sins. This conviction is not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual realization that brings hidden realities to light, often accompanied by a sense of guilt or a recognition of one's spiritual state.
* **"he is judged of all:"**: Following conviction, the individual is "judged" (anakrínō). This means to be examined, discerned, or brought to light. The collective prophetic word acts as a divine scrutiny, exposing the person's true condition before God. This "judgment" is not necessarily condemnation but a thorough revelation of one's inner state, leading to a profound self-awareness in light of God's truth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse to emphasize his point. **Contrast** is the most prominent, as he directly juxtaposes the chaotic and ineffective outcome of uninterpreted tongues on an outsider (in [1 Corinthians 14:23](/1_corinthians/14-23 "1 Corinthians 14:23 - The Effect of Uninterpreted Tongues")) with the transformative power of prophecy in [1 Corinthians 14:24](/1_corinthians/14-24 "1 Corinthians 14:24 - The Impact of Prophecy"). This sharp distinction highlights the superiority of prophecy for evangelistic purposes. The phrase "he is convinced of all, he is judged of all" uses **Repetition** and a form of **Parallelism** to intensify the impact of the prophetic word. The two phrases, while distinct in nuance (conviction leading to a revelation of truth, and judgment as a deeper discernment of one's state), work together to underscore the thoroughness of the Spirit's work. The entire scenario also functions as a **Hypothetical Illustration**, allowing Paul to demonstrate the practical implications of his instructions on spiritual gifts in a vivid and relatable way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the evangelistic and revelatory nature of God's Word when proclaimed through prophecy. It highlights that God's truth, when clearly communicated, possesses an inherent power to penetrate the human heart, exposing sin, revealing hidden motives, and bringing individuals face-to-face with their spiritual reality. This divine conviction and judgment are not meant for condemnation but for transformation, leading to repentance and faith. The church's public gathering, therefore, is not merely for the benefit of believers but serves as a vital arena for God's Spirit to work in the lives of unbelievers, demonstrating His presence and power in a tangible way. It underscores the theological truth that God actively seeks to reveal Himself and draw people to Himself through the intelligible proclamation of His message.

* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts the World")
* [Acts 2:37](/acts/2-37 "Acts 2:37 - Peter's Sermon and Conviction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:24 provides timeless guidance for contemporary church gatherings, urging us to prioritize clear, understandable communication of God's Word. It challenges us to consider how our worship services and teaching ministries impact those who are new to the faith or exploring Christianity. When sermons, teachings, and testimonies are delivered with clarity, spiritual depth, and an anointing of the Holy Spirit, they possess the power to transcend intellectual and cultural barriers. This verse reminds us that the church is not a closed club but a beacon of truth, designed by God to be a place where the unchurched can encounter the living God. It encourages us to cultivate an environment where the Holy Spirit is free to convict, reveal, and draw people to repentance and faith, leading them to acknowledge God's presence among us, as described in [1 Corinthians 14:25](/1_corinthians/14-25 "1 Corinthians 14:25 - The Unbeliever's Response"). This means valuing accessible teaching, genuine spiritual expression, and a welcoming atmosphere that facilitates divine encounters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church prioritize the clear and understandable proclamation of God's Word in its gatherings?**
* **In what ways can we foster an environment where unbelievers feel welcomed and are genuinely exposed to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit through our worship and teaching?**
* **What personal responsibility do I have to pray for and support the prophetic and teaching ministries in my church, so that they may effectively reach the "unlearned" and "unbelieving"?**
* **Beyond formal services, how can I, as an individual believer, embody the "prophetic" witness of Christ in my daily life, bringing God's truth to bear on the hearts of those around me?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "unbeliever" and "unlearned" in this verse?**

Answer: The "unbeliever" (Greek: _ápistos_) refers to someone who actively lacks Christian faith, often a pagan or someone who has not yet embraced the Gospel. The "unlearned" (Greek: _idiṓtēs_) refers to someone who is a "layman" or "uninitiated," an outsider who is unfamiliar with Christian teachings, practices, or the spiritual realities of the church. While an unbeliever is by definition unlearned in Christian ways, the "unlearned" might not necessarily be an active disbeliever but simply someone ignorant of Christian truth, perhaps a curious visitor or someone from a different religious background. Paul uses both terms to encompass a broad category of outsiders who are not part of the believing community.

**Does "judged of all" imply condemnation for the unbeliever?**

Answer: In this context, "judged" (Greek: _anakrínō_) does not primarily imply condemnation but rather a thorough examination, discernment, or bringing to light. When the prophetic word is spoken, it acts like a divine searchlight, exposing the hidden thoughts, motives, and sins of the individual. This "judgment" is a revelation of their true spiritual state before God. As [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Discerning Word of God") states, God's Word is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The purpose of this judgment is not to condemn them to hell, but to bring them to a place of conviction and self-awareness, leading to repentance and worship, as described in [1 Corinthians 14:25](/1_corinthians/14-25 "1 Corinthians 14:25 - The Unbeliever's Response"). It's a salvific judgment, meant to lead to conversion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transformative power of prophecy described in [1 Corinthians 14:24](/1_corinthians/14-24 "1 Corinthians 14:24 - The Impact of Prophecy on Unbelievers") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh and the perfect Prophet. He is the one through whom God's truth is fully and finally revealed ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as prophecy in the church exposes the hidden thoughts and brings conviction, Jesus's very presence and teaching consistently revealed the true state of people's hearts. His encounters with individuals, like the Samaritan woman at the well ([John 4:17-19](/john/4-17-19 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Reveals the Samaritan Woman's Past")), demonstrate His divine ability to "convince" and "judge" (in the sense of discerning and revealing truth) without condemnation, leading instead to worship and confession. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")), continues this work of conviction concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts the World")), drawing people to the Savior. Thus, when the church prophesies, it is participating in Christ's ongoing prophetic ministry, revealing Him as the one who truly knows the human heart and offers salvation to all who respond to His truth. The ultimate goal of such conviction is to lead the "unbeliever" and "unlearned" to fall down and worship God, confessing that "God is in you of a truth" ([1 Corinthians 14:25](/1_corinthians/14-25 "1 Corinthians 14:25 - The Unbeliever's Response")), a confession that culminates in acknowledging Jesus as Lord ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord")).

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

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Acts 2:37

¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

John 1:47

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?