1 Corinthians 14:30

KJV

If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1161}{G1437} any thing be revealed {G601} to another {G243} that sitteth by {G2521}, let {G4601} the first {G4413} hold his peace {G4601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And if something is revealed to a prophet who is sitting down, let the first one be silent.

Berean Standard Bible

And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop.

American Standard Version

But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 14:30, the Apostle Paul provides a crucial directive for maintaining order and facilitating divine communication within the Corinthian church's worship assembly. He instructs that if, during a public gathering, a new revelation is given by God to someone who is seated and listening, the person currently speaking should immediately cease, allowing the newly revealed message to be shared. This instruction underscores the priority of divine inspiration, the importance of orderly worship, and the humility required for the mutual edification of the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discussion on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians chapters 12-14](/1_corinthians/12-14 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Orderly Worship"). Following his emphasis on love as the "more excellent way" in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"), Paul returns to practical guidelines for the use of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and tongues, in public worship. He has already established the overarching principle that "all things be done unto edifying" ([1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - All Things for Edification")). Specifically, prior to this verse, Paul instructs that only "two or at the most three" prophets should speak, and "by course," with others judging what is said ([1 Corinthians 14:29](/1_corinthians/14-29 "1 Corinthians 14:29 - Prophets Speaking by Course")). Verse 30 then offers a specific scenario within this framework, addressing how to handle an unexpected, simultaneous divine revelation, reinforcing the need for order and sensitivity to the Spirit's leading.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but often chaotic community, marked by spiritual enthusiasm that sometimes bordered on disorder, particularly in their gatherings. Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, influenced by diverse philosophical and religious traditions, including ecstatic cults. This environment likely contributed to the Corinthians' tendency toward self-display and competition with spiritual gifts, rather than their humble use for the common good. Paul's instructions here, and throughout [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"), directly counter this cultural tendency, seeking to bring structure and theological grounding to their worship practices, ensuring that their meetings reflected the character of God, who is "not the author of confusion, but of peace" ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Peace, Not Confusion")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it champions **Orderly Worship**, emphasizing that even Spirit-led spontaneity must operate within a framework that promotes peace and clarity, not chaos. Secondly, it affirms the reality of **Divine Revelation** in the ongoing life of the church, acknowledging that God actively communicates with His people during corporate gatherings. Thirdly, it highlights the importance of **Humility and Submission** among those exercising spiritual gifts; no individual's contribution, however gifted, should override a fresh word from God intended for the assembly. Finally, the ultimate purpose of this directive, like all Paul's instructions regarding gifts, is the **Edification of the Body of Christ**, ensuring that all expressions serve to build up and instruct the entire congregation, aligning with the principle that spiritual gifts are given "for the common good" ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō_):** From ἀπό (apo, "from") and καλύπτω (kalyptō, "to cover"), meaning "to take off the cover," "to disclose," or "to unveil." This word signifies a divine act of making known what was previously hidden. It implies that the message received by the "another" is not a mere human thought or insight, but a direct, supernatural disclosure of truth from God, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's active role in inspiring prophetic utterances.
* **sitteth by (Greek, _káthēmai_):** Derived from κατά (kata, "down") and a root akin to ἑδραῖος (hedraios, "seated, stable"). It means "to sit down," and figuratively, "to remain" or "reside." In this context, it describes someone who is present in the assembly, listening, and not actively speaking or leading. The imagery suggests a posture of receptivity, indicating that God can reveal truth to anyone in the congregation, regardless of their immediate role in the service.
* **hold his peace (Greek, _sigáō_):** From σιγή (sigē, "silence"). This verb means "to keep silent," "to be silent," or "to keep secret." In this verse, it is an imperative, a command to cease speaking. It implies a temporary, immediate cessation of speech for a specific purpose—to allow a new, Spirit-given revelation to be shared. It does not suggest a permanent vow of silence but a humble yielding of the platform for the greater benefit of the body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by":** This clause sets the condition for Paul's directive. It presupposes that divine revelation is an active and ongoing reality within the Christian assembly. The phrase "another that sitteth by" indicates that the Spirit's inspiration is not limited to the person currently speaking or leading, but can come to anyone present and attentive in the congregation. This highlights the dynamic and inclusive nature of Spirit-led worship, where God is free to speak through unexpected channels.
* **"let the first hold his peace":** This is the direct command, the consequence of the preceding condition. "The first" refers to the person who was speaking when the new revelation occurred. The imperative "let... hold his peace" (a single Greek word, _sigáō_, used imperatively) conveys Paul's authoritative instruction for immediate cessation of speech. This command prioritizes the fresh, divine word over any ongoing human discourse, demonstrating a profound respect for the Holy Spirit's active presence and a commitment to the most immediate edification of the church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise instruction to convey its weight and clarity. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood** ("let the first hold his peace"), which lends an authoritative and direct tone to the command, indicating that this is not a suggestion but a mandatory practice for orderly worship. There is a clear **Conditional Clause** ("If [any thing] be revealed..."), which establishes the specific circumstance under which the imperative applies, creating a logical framework for action. **Contrast** is evident between the "first" speaker and "another that sitteth by," highlighting the shift in focus and authority from human initiative to divine intervention. The term "revealed" (apokalýptō) itself functions as a **Metaphor** of "unveiling," implying that spiritual truth is often hidden until God chooses to disclose it, underscoring the supernatural origin of the message. Finally, the passage demonstrates a **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of Paul's pastoral instruction throughout his letters, aiming to teach and correct the Corinthians' practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of corporate worship, divine communication, and the Spirit's work. It asserts that God's active revelation is not confined to a single speaker or a pre-planned agenda but can spontaneously manifest through any Spirit-filled believer in the assembly. This emphasizes the organic, dynamic nature of the church as a living body, responsive to its Head. The theological implication is that true worship is not merely human performance but a Spirit-empowered encounter with God, where His voice is paramount. It calls for a profound humility among all participants, especially those in leadership or speaking roles, to yield their platform when the Holy Spirit clearly moves through another, prioritizing the corporate edification over individual expression or ego. This principle ensures that the church remains a conduit for fresh truth and divine guidance, fostering an atmosphere where God's voice is genuinely sought and honored.

* [1 Corinthians 14:29](/1_corinthians/14-29 "1 Corinthians 14:29 - Prophets to Speak by Course")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not the Author of Confusion")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts Differing According to Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:30 offers timeless principles for contemporary Christian gatherings, urging us to cultivate an environment that is both orderly and open to the spontaneous leading of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to move beyond rigid structures that might inadvertently quench the Spirit, while simultaneously guarding against chaos or self-serving displays. For those who lead or speak, it calls for profound humility and a willingness to yield the platform when God clearly moves through another, recognizing that the Spirit "distributes to each one individually as He wills" ([1 Corinthians 12:11](/1_corinthians/12-11 "1 Corinthians 12:11 - The Spirit Distributes Gifts as He Wills")). For all believers, it encourages active listening and a posture of receptivity, understanding that God can speak to anyone and through anyone. Ultimately, the application of this verse fosters a culture where the edification of the entire body is paramount, and where every member is valued as a potential vessel for divine truth, ensuring that our gatherings truly reflect the presence and power of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can our church gatherings create space for spontaneous, Spirit-led revelation while maintaining order and reverence?**
* **What does "holding one's peace" look like for a speaker or leader in a modern worship service?**
* **How can we cultivate a congregational culture where humility and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit are prioritized over personal agendas or performance?**
* **In what ways might we be inadvertently quenching the Spirit's voice by being too rigid or too chaotic in our gatherings?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean anyone can interrupt a sermon or teaching with a "revelation" today?**

Answer: While the verse clearly indicates a willingness to yield to new revelation, its application in modern contexts requires careful discernment. Paul's immediate context is the prophetic utterance within the early church, where multiple prophets might speak "by course" ([1 Corinthians 14:29](/1_corinthians/14-29 "1 Corinthians 14:29 - Prophets Speaking by Course")). The goal is always edification and order, not disruption. In contemporary services, this principle might translate to leaders being sensitive to the Spirit's leading to alter a planned schedule, or providing designated times for congregational sharing or prophetic words, rather than outright interruption. The emphasis is on the divine origin of the message and the humility of the speaker, ensuring that "all things be done decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Decently and in Order")).

**What kind of "revelation" is Paul talking about here? Is it new doctrine?**

Answer: The "revelation" (Greek _apokalýptō_) here refers to a divine disclosure of truth, often in the form of a prophetic word, insight, or instruction given by the Holy Spirit. It is not about receiving new, foundational doctrines that contradict or add to the established biblical canon, which is complete and sufficient ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Instead, it pertains to specific, timely messages from God that apply His truth to the current situation of the church, offering encouragement, exhortation, comfort, or guidance for the immediate assembly, as described for prophecy in [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy for Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 14:30, though addressing practical church order, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus is the supreme revelation of God, the "Word made flesh" who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one through whom God has "spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). In Him, all divine truth is unveiled, making Him the ultimate "revelation" to humanity. Furthermore, Christ perfectly embodies the humility required by this verse; though "in the form of God," He "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). His willingness to "hold His peace" before His accusers and to submit to the Father's will, even to death on a cross ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"), [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), exemplifies the self-sacrificial yielding that Paul calls for in the church. As the Head of the Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")), Christ ensures that all spiritual gifts, including revelation, function for the edification of His body, reflecting His own character of order, love, and self-giving for the building up of His people.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:20

Despise not prophesyings.

Job 33:31

Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.

Job 33:33

If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Job 32:11

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

1 Corinthians 14:26

¶ 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.

Job 32:15

¶ They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.