1 Corinthians 14:29

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

{G1161} Let {G2980} the prophets {G4396} speak {G2980} two {G1417} or {G2228} three {G5140}, and {G2532} let {G1252} the other {G243} judge {G1252}.

Let two or three prophets speak, while the others weigh what is said.

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:29 (KJV) instructs believers on the proper conduct of prophetic utterances within the church assembly, emphasizing order and discernment. This verse is part of Paul's broader teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 concerning the use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, for the edification of the body of Christ.

Context

The Apostle Paul is addressing significant disorder and confusion within the Corinthian church concerning the public exercise of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, he explains the diversity and unity of gifts, and in chapter 13, he elevates love as the most excellent way. Chapter 14 then provides practical guidelines for worship, stressing that all things should be done for edification and in an orderly manner. Specifically, verses 26-33 set limits on speaking in tongues and prophesying, ensuring that worship is understandable and beneficial to all present, including unbelievers.

Key Themes

  • Order in Worship: Paul's instruction for only "two or three" prophets to speak, rather than multiple at once, highlights the necessity of structure and decorum in public gatherings. This prevents chaos and ensures that messages can be properly received and understood.
  • Regulation of Prophetic Utterances: The verse sets a numerical limit on the number of prophetic speakers during a single service. This isn't to stifle the Holy Spirit, but to ensure that the gift is exercised responsibly and for the common good.
  • Discernment and Evaluation: The phrase "and let the other judge" is crucial. It places a responsibility on the rest of the assembly, particularly other mature believers or those with the gift of discernment, to evaluate the content of the prophecy. This evaluation ensures that the message aligns with Scripture and is truly from God, protecting the congregation from false teaching or human error.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "judge" is diakrinล (ฮดฮนฮฑฮบฯฮฏฮฝฯ‰), which means "to distinguish, discern, or evaluate." It's not merely about critiquing or condemning, but about carefully assessing the message's source, truthfulness, and applicability. This active discernment is vital for maintaining the purity of doctrine and practice within the church.

Practical Application

This verse provides timeless principles for corporate worship and the exercise of spiritual gifts:

  • Structured Services: Churches today should strive for orderly services where spiritual expressions contribute to clarity and edification, not confusion.
  • Responsible Use of Gifts: Those who believe they have a prophetic gift are encouraged to use it, but always within the bounds of humility and submission to the discernment of the wider body.
  • Congregational Discernment: All believers have a responsibility to be discerning listeners, evaluating teachings and prophecies against the unchanging truth of God's Word. This aligns with the call to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1).
  • Mutual Edification: The ultimate goal of all spiritual gifts and their orderly use is the building up of the church, ensuring that all things are done "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • 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 5:19

    Quench not the Spirit.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21

    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

  • 1 John 4:1

    ยถ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • 1 John 4:3

    And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:39

    Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
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