1 Corinthians 14:31

KJV

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} ye may {G1410} all {G3956} prophesy {G4395} one by one {G2596}{G1520}, that {G2443} all {G3956} may learn {G3129}, and {G2532} all {G3956} may be comforted {G3870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you can all prophesy one by one, with the result that all will learn something and all will be encouraged.

Berean Standard Bible

For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

American Standard Version

For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 14:31 provides a foundational principle for the exercise of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, within the gathered assembly of believers. Paul instructs that all who are gifted may participate in sharing prophetic messages, but this must occur sequentially and orderly, not simultaneously. The ultimate purpose of such Spirit-inspired communication is twofold: to ensure that every member of the congregation can learn from divine revelation and to provide profound spiritual comfort and encouragement, thereby building up the entire body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extensive discourse on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians chapters 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Orderly Worship"). Having established the unity and diversity of gifts in [chapter 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Unity and Diversity of Spiritual Gifts") and exalted love (agape) as the "most excellent way" in [chapter 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"), Paul dedicates [chapter 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Public Worship") to regulating the use of tongues and prophecy in public worship. His primary concern is the edification of the church ([1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - All for Edification")), contrasting the private benefit of uninterpreted tongues with the public benefit of prophecy, which is understandable and instructive. Verse 31 directly follows instructions for two or three prophets to speak, with others weighing what is said, and precedes the crucial assertion that "God is not a God of confusion but of peace" ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant, yet often chaotic, community. Located in a major Roman port city, it was exposed to diverse philosophical and religious influences, including ecstatic cults. This environment likely contributed to their enthusiastic but undisciplined expression of spiritual gifts, leading to disorder, competition, and a lack of mutual edification during their gatherings. There was a tendency to prioritize sensational gifts like tongues over more edifying ones like prophecy, and to exercise them without regard for the understanding or benefit of others. Paul's instructions in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Public Worship") serve as a corrective to this immaturity, guiding them towards a more mature and Christ-honoring pattern of corporate worship that reflects God's character of peace and order, rather than the confusion they were experiencing.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 14:31](/1_corinthians/14-31 "1 Corinthians 14:31 - Orderly Prophecy") contributes significantly to several key themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, **Order in Worship** is paramount; Paul repeatedly emphasizes that all things should be done "decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Decency and Order")). Secondly, **Edification of the Church** is the ultimate goal of all spiritual gifts; prophecy, unlike uninterpreted tongues, directly builds up the body by providing understandable instruction and encouragement ([1 Corinthians 14:3-5](/1_corinthians/14-3-5 "1 Corinthians 14:3-5 - Prophecy for Edification")). Thirdly, the passage highlights the **Accessibility of Spiritual Gifts**, noting that "ye may all prophesy," suggesting that the gift is not limited to a select few, but potentially available to many believers for the common good. Finally, the theme of **Discernment** is implied, as the sequential nature allows for others to "weigh what is said" ([1 Corinthians 14:29](/1_corinthians/14-29 "1 Corinthians 14:29 - Discernment of Prophecy")), ensuring the messages align with sound doctrine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō_):** (G4395) This verb means "to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office." In the New Testament context, particularly in 1 Corinthians 14, it primarily refers to speaking a message from God under divine inspiration for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort. It involves communicating divine truth in a way that is understandable and beneficial to the hearers, which may or may not include foretelling the future.
* **learn (Greek, _manthánō_):** (G3129) This word signifies "to learn (in any way)." In this context, it emphasizes the instructional aspect of prophecy. Prophetic messages, when delivered clearly and sequentially, are intended to impart knowledge, deepen understanding of God's will, and reveal truth to the congregation, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.
* **comforted (Greek, _parakaléō_):** (G3870) Derived from *para* (near) and *kaleō* (to call), this verb means "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." Here, it denotes the encouraging, exhorting, and consoling aspect of prophecy. Spirit-inspired words can bring solace, strengthen faith, provide reassurance, and stir believers to persevere in their walk with God, especially in times of difficulty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye may all prophesy one by one":** This phrase underscores both the potential widespread availability of the gift of prophecy within the Corinthian church ("ye may all") and the crucial requirement for orderly, sequential delivery ("one by one"). Paul is not limiting the number of prophets, but rather regulating the manner of their expression. This prevents chaos and ensures that each message can be properly heard, understood, and discerned by the assembly. It stands in stark contrast to the simultaneous, disorderly speaking that was likely occurring.
* **"that all may learn":** This clause states the first primary purpose of orderly prophecy. When messages are delivered sequentially and are understandable, every member of the congregation has the opportunity to receive instruction, gain insight into divine truths, and grow in their knowledge of God. Prophecy serves as a means of teaching and revelation, deepening the collective understanding of God's character, will, and plans.
* **"and all may be comforted":** This second purpose highlights the pastoral and encouraging dimension of prophecy. Beyond intellectual learning, Spirit-inspired words are intended to bring spiritual encouragement, exhortation, and consolation to the entire congregation. This comfort (Greek: *paraklesis*) can strengthen weary souls, provide hope in difficult circumstances, and affirm God's presence and faithfulness, fostering spiritual resilience and peace among believers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Didactic Instruction** throughout [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Public Worship"), and verse 31 is a clear example, providing direct guidance on proper conduct in worship. The **Emphasis through Repetition** of the word "all" (Greek, *pas*) three times in quick succession ("ye may **all** prophesy," "that **all** may learn," "and **all** may be comforted") powerfully underscores the universal accessibility of the gift of prophecy and the comprehensive benefit it is intended to provide to the entire congregation, not just a select few. This repetition highlights Paul's desire for broad, yet orderly, participation and the collective good. There is also an implied **Contrast** between the chaotic practices Paul is correcting and the peaceful, edifying order he is advocating, which is made explicit later in the chapter ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 14:31 profoundly shapes our understanding of the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts within the church. It underscores that spiritual manifestations are not for personal display or chaotic expression, but are divinely purposed for the common good and the building up of the body of Christ. The emphasis on "all" learning and being comforted highlights God's desire for every believer to be nourished and strengthened through the Spirit's work. This verse reveals God as a God of order, not confusion, and champions a worship environment where divine truth is clearly communicated, understood, and applied, leading to both intellectual growth and emotional and spiritual solace for the entire community. It reinforces the principle that genuine spiritual power is always accompanied by self-control and a focus on corporate edification.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Administering Gifts for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:31 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary church gatherings, urging us to prioritize order, clarity, and mutual edification in all our expressions of faith. It challenges us to consider whether our contributions to corporate worship—whether through teaching, sharing, or leading—are truly serving to help others learn and be comforted, or if they inadvertently cause confusion or draw attention to ourselves. This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with gifts, also enables us to exercise them with self-control and consideration for others, fostering an environment where God's voice can be clearly heard and His presence deeply felt by every worshiper. It calls for a humble, collaborative approach to ministry, where individual gifts are submitted to the collective good, ensuring that the church functions as a healthy, growing body, nourished by divine truth and sustained by divine comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our current church practices inadvertently hinder "all" from learning or being comforted during worship?**
* **How can I personally contribute to a more orderly and edifying environment when spiritual gifts are exercised in our church?**
* **Am I primarily seeking to learn and be comforted myself, or am I also actively considering how my participation can help others achieve these outcomes?**
* **What steps can leaders take to encourage broad participation in spiritual gifts while maintaining the order and focus on edification that Paul advocates?**

### FAQ

**Is the gift of prophecy still active in the church today, and if so, how does it function?**

Answer: Many evangelical traditions believe that the gift of prophecy, as described in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Public Worship"), is indeed still active today. While it can occasionally involve foretelling the future, its primary function, as highlighted in verses like [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy for Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort"), is to speak a Spirit-inspired message from God for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort to the church. This is distinct from authoritative, infallible, new revelation (like the biblical prophets) and is always subject to discernment and testing by the congregation and leadership, as implied in [1 Corinthians 14:29](/1_corinthians/14-29 "1 Corinthians 14:29 - Discernment of Prophecy"). It functions as a means of God speaking directly to His people, often through a word of encouragement, a timely insight, or a gentle challenge, all aimed at building up the body of Christ.

**What is the practical difference between prophecy and teaching in a church service?**

Answer: While both prophecy and teaching serve to instruct and edify, their primary modes of operation differ. Teaching (e.g., [Romans 12:7](/romans/12-7 "Romans 12:7 - The Gift of Teaching")) primarily involves the systematic exposition and application of God's revealed Word (Scripture), drawing on careful study and theological understanding. It is foundational for grounding believers in sound doctrine. Prophecy, on the other hand, is a more spontaneous, Spirit-inspired utterance that brings a direct, timely word from God to a specific situation or to the gathered church, often for immediate encouragement, comfort, or conviction. While it must always align with Scripture, it is not typically a verse-by-verse exposition. Both are vital for the health and growth of the church, with teaching providing the anchor in truth and prophecy providing the dynamic, timely word of the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principles of orderly, edifying, and comforting prophecy in [1 Corinthians 14:31](/1_corinthians/14-31 "1 Corinthians 14:31 - Orderly Prophecy") find their ultimate fulfillment and pattern in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the quintessential Prophet, Jesus perfectly "spoke forth" the words of God, revealing the Father's character and will with unparalleled clarity and authority ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). His ministry was entirely focused on teaching, bringing profound understanding to His hearers ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Taught with Authority")), and offering unparalleled comfort and exhortation to those who were weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, continues this prophetic and comforting work through His body, the church ([John 16:7-15](/john/16-7-15 "John 16:7-15 - The Work of the Holy Spirit")). When believers prophesy "one by one" for the learning and comfort of "all," they are participating in Christ's ongoing ministry, allowing His voice to be heard, His truth to be learned, and His divine comfort to be experienced by His people. Thus, the church's orderly exercise of prophecy is a reflection of Christ's own perfectly ordered, edifying, and comforting communication, building up His bride until she reaches the full measure of His stature ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Unity in the Faith and Knowledge of Christ")).

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 5:11

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

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

1 Corinthians 14:3

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

2 Corinthians 7:6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

2 Corinthians 7:7

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;