1 Corinthians 14:26

KJV

¶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G5101} is it {G2076} then {G3767}, brethren {G80}? when {G3752} ye come together {G4905}, every one {G1538} of you {G5216} hath {G2192} a psalm {G5568}, hath {G2192} a doctrine {G1322}, hath {G2192} a tongue {G1100}, hath {G2192} a revelation {G602}, hath {G2192} an interpretation {G2058}. Let {G1096} all things {G3956} be done {G1096} unto {G4314} edifying {G3619}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What is our conclusion, brothers? Whenever you come together, let everyone be ready with a psalm or a teaching or a revelation, or ready to use his gift of tongues or give an interpretation; but let everything be for edification.

Berean Standard Bible

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

American Standard Version

What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:26 serves as a foundational principle for the orderly and edifying conduct of Christian corporate worship, addressing the chaotic enthusiasm prevalent in the Corinthian church. Paul acknowledges the diverse spiritual contributions individual members bring—including psalms, teachings, tongues, revelations, and interpretations—but immediately establishes the overarching imperative that all such expressions must ultimately serve to build up the entire body of believers, rather than merely showcasing individual gifts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal shift in Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Following his profound exposition on the supremacy of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love") and his detailed comparison of prophecy and tongues in [1 Corinthians 14:1-25](/1_corinthians/14-1-25 "1 Corinthians 14:1-25 - Prophecy vs. Tongues"), Paul transitions from theoretical principles to practical guidelines for public worship. [Verse 26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Order in Worship") acts as a summary of the issues he is addressing—the unbridled, simultaneous exercise of gifts—and sets the stage for the specific regulations that follow in [1 Corinthians 14:27-36](/1_corinthians/14-27-36 "1 Corinthians 14:27-36 - Regulations for Tongues and Prophecy"), which dictate the proper use and sequence of tongues and prophecy. The concluding instruction, "Let all things be done unto edifying," functions as the guiding principle for the entire chapter's directives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan trade center, known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral laxity. The Corinthian church, a relatively young community, reflected this environment, grappling with internal divisions, ethical issues, and an enthusiastic but often disorderly expression of spiritual gifts. In the Greco-Roman world, public assemblies often involved boisterous participation and rhetorical display. It appears that some Corinthian believers, perhaps influenced by their cultural context or an overemphasis on ecstatic experiences, were exercising their gifts—particularly speaking in tongues—simultaneously and without interpretation, leading to confusion rather than clarity. Paul's instructions here are a direct response to this specific problem, aiming to bring order and purpose to their gatherings, ensuring they would be understandable and beneficial to all, including unbelievers who might visit, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 14:23-25](/1_corinthians/14-23-25 "1 Corinthians 14:23-25 - The Effect of Disorderly Worship on Unbelievers").
* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). First, it underscores the **diversity of spiritual gifts** within the body of Christ, affirming that each member is uniquely gifted by the Spirit for ministry, as Paul elaborates in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). Second, it emphasizes the critical theme of **order and decorum in worship**. While valuing spontaneous spiritual expression, Paul insists that it must be governed by principles of decency and order, culminating in his famous dictum in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order"). Most importantly, the verse champions the **primacy of edification (building up)** as the ultimate purpose of all spiritual gifts and corporate worship. Every contribution, whether a psalm, teaching, or spiritual utterance, must aim to strengthen, instruct, and spiritually mature the entire community, aligning with Paul's consistent teaching that gifts are for the common good, not individual display, as seen earlier in [1 Corinthians 14:4](/1_corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Edification of the Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hath (Greek, _échō'_):** This verb, appearing five times in the first part of the verse, signifies possession or holding. Its repeated use emphasizes the individual ownership and exercise of diverse spiritual gifts within the Corinthian assembly. It highlights that "every one of you" (G1538, _hékastos_) possessed a contribution, underscoring the participatory nature of their gatherings and the widespread distribution of gifts among believers.
* **be done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to happen," here functions as an imperative, signifying a command or a necessary outcome. When Paul says, "Let all things be done," he is not merely suggesting but actively directing that the exercise of all gifts and activities in the assembly must conform to the principle of edification. It implies a deliberate, intentional action on the part of the participants.
* **edifying (Greek, _oikodomḗ'_):** Derived from words meaning "house" and "to build," this noun literally means "building" or "construction." In a spiritual context, it refers to the spiritual growth, strengthening, and maturation of individuals and the church as a whole. It is the ultimate goal and governing principle for all activities in the assembly, ensuring that every contribution contributes to the collective spiritual architecture of the body of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How is it then, brethren?":** This rhetorical question signals Paul's concern and sets a tone of gentle but firm correction. He is addressing a problem and inviting the Corinthians to consider the implications of their current practices, implying that their manner of gathering is not ideal.
* **"when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.":** This clause vividly describes the chaotic scene in Corinthian worship. Paul lists five distinct spiritual contributions, acknowledging the genuine and diverse spiritual gifts present among the believers. The repetition of "hath" (Greek, _échō'_) for each item underscores the individualistic and perhaps simultaneous expression of these gifts, which, while good in themselves, were being exercised without proper order.
* **"Let all things be done unto edifying.":** This is Paul's concise, overarching directive and the central command of the verse. It establishes the non-negotiable purpose for all activities in the church gathering: everything must contribute to the spiritual building up, strengthening, and instruction of the entire community. This principle serves as the litmus test for the appropriateness and manner of exercising any spiritual gift.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective **literary devices** in this verse. The opening phrase, "**How is it then, brethren?**" functions as a **rhetorical question**, immediately engaging the audience and prompting them to reflect on their current practices. It implies a problem without directly stating it as an accusation, making the subsequent instruction more palatable. The **enumeration** of diverse spiritual gifts ("a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation") vividly paints a picture of the vibrant, yet potentially disorderly, nature of their gatherings. This list serves as a **synecdoche**, where a part (these specific gifts) represents the whole (all possible contributions in worship). Finally, the concluding imperative, "**Let all things be done unto edifying,**" acts as a **thesis statement** or **leitmotif** for the entire discussion on order in worship, providing a concise, guiding principle that is both memorable and universally applicable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Order in Worship") are profound, underscoring that the primary purpose of Christian corporate worship and the exercise of spiritual gifts is not individual display or ecstatic experience for its own sake, but the mutual spiritual growth and strengthening of the entire community. This verse establishes edification as the supreme regulative principle for all church activities, emphasizing that God's design for His church is one of order, unity, and maturity, where every part contributes to the health of the whole. It reflects the truth that the Holy Spirit gifts believers not for self-aggrandizement, but for the common good and the building up of the body of Christ.

* [Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Equipping of the Saints")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Ministering with Gifts for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:26 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary church gatherings, challenging us to re-evaluate the purpose and practice of our corporate worship. It encourages a participatory environment where every believer's gift is valued and given space to contribute, recognizing that the Holy Spirit empowers all members for ministry. However, it equally stresses the critical need for order, intentionality, and, above all, the pursuit of mutual edification. This means that every song, sermon, prayer, or shared testimony should be assessed by whether it genuinely builds up, instructs, or strengthens the faith of the community. It calls us to move beyond individual preferences or chaotic expressions towards a unified focus on Christ and the spiritual growth of His body, ensuring that our gatherings are not only vibrant but also deeply purposeful and welcoming to all, including those exploring faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church's worship service currently balance individual participation with corporate edification?**
* **In what ways might I personally contribute to the "edifying" of the church in our gatherings, beyond just receiving?**
* **What specific steps can we take as a community to ensure that all aspects of our worship are done "unto edifying," especially regarding the exercise of spiritual gifts?**
* **How does the principle of edification challenge any tendencies towards self-display or disorder in our spiritual expressions?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation"?**

Answer: Paul is describing the various spiritual contributions that members of the Corinthian church were bringing to their corporate gatherings. "A psalm" likely refers to a spontaneous song of praise or spiritual hymn, possibly inspired by the Spirit. "A doctrine" (Greek, _didachḗ'_) refers to a teaching or instruction, likely a Spirit-inspired word of wisdom or knowledge. "A tongue" (Greek, _glōssa'_) refers to speaking in an unlearned language, an ecstatic utterance. "A revelation" (Greek, _apokálypsis'_) refers to a divine insight or message from God. "An interpretation" (Greek, _hermēneía'_) refers to the Spirit-given ability to translate or explain a message spoken in tongues. Paul acknowledges the legitimacy of these gifts but insists on their proper, orderly, and edifying use within the assembly.

**Why is "edifying" so important in this context?**

Answer: "Edifying" (Greek, _oikodomḗ'_) means "building up" or "construction." In the context of the church, it refers to the spiritual growth, strengthening, and maturity of believers. Paul emphasizes edification because the ultimate purpose of all spiritual gifts and corporate worship is to mature the body of Christ and bring glory to God. Without edification, spiritual gifts can become chaotic, self-serving, or even detrimental to the church's witness. Paul consistently teaches that gifts are given for the common good, not individual display ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")), and the principle of edification ensures that this purpose is met, leading to a healthy, unified, and growing church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Order in Worship") directly addresses the practicalities of worship in the early church, its underlying principle of edification finds its ultimate fulfillment and purpose in Christ. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual house of God is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). All spiritual gifts, including those mentioned by Paul, are given by the Holy Spirit, who was poured out by Christ after His ascension ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Pouring Out of the Spirit")). The very purpose of these gifts and the church's gatherings is to build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for Unity and Maturity")). Thus, every psalm, doctrine, revelation, or interpretation that genuinely edifies the church ultimately points to, glorifies, and deepens our understanding of Jesus, who is the head of the church and the source of all spiritual life and growth ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ the Head of the Church")). The orderly and purposeful exercise of gifts, focused on mutual edification, reflects the very character of God revealed in Christ, who is not a God of disorder but of peace ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Peace")).

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

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Corinthians 12:10

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1 Thessalonians 5:11

¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1 Corinthians 14:12

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.