1 Corinthians 14:36

KJV

¶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G2228}? came {G1831} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} out {G1831} from {G575} you {G5216}? or {G2228} came it {G2658} unto {G1519} you {G5209} only {G3441}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?

Berean Standard Bible

Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?

American Standard Version

What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 14:36, the Apostle Paul delivers a sharp rhetorical rebuke to the Corinthian church, challenging their presumptuous behavior and sense of spiritual autonomy. He confronts their disordered practices in worship by questioning whether they believe themselves to be the original source of God's word or its exclusive recipients, thereby reminding them of the universal and authoritative nature of divine revelation and their place within the broader body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic rhetorical challenge following Paul's detailed instructions regarding order and decorum in public worship, particularly concerning prophetic utterances and speaking in tongues. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul addresses the controversial issue of women speaking in the church assembly, stating that they should "be silent in the churches" and "be in subjection" [1 Corinthians 14:34-35](/1_corinthians/14-34-35 "1 Corinthians 14:34-35 - Instructions on Orderly Worship"). The abruptness and indignation of verse 36 suggest that the Corinthians' disorderly conduct, perhaps exacerbated by a perceived sense of spiritual superiority or unique revelation, was directly contradicting the universal principles of Christian worship and apostolic teaching that Paul had been laying out. Paul's question here is not merely an inquiry but a forceful assertion of apostolic authority and a universal standard for church practice, directly countering any local Corinthian exceptionalism.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and often lax moral standards. The Corinthian church, though gifted spiritually, struggled significantly with internal divisions, pride, immorality, and disorder in their worship gatherings, as evidenced throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Epistle to the Corinthians"). There was a tendency among some members to prioritize individual spiritual experiences, like speaking in tongues, over the edification of the community, leading to chaos. Furthermore, the Corinthians likely harbored a sense of intellectual and spiritual arrogance, perhaps believing their unique experiences or insights superseded the norms established by the apostles elsewhere. Paul's pointed question in [1 Corinthians 14:36](/1_corinthians/14-36 "1 Corinthians 14:36 - Paul's Rebuke to Corinthian Arrogance") directly challenges this self-exalting attitude, reminding them that they were recipients of the gospel, not its originators or sole proprietors.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Epistle to the Corinthians"). Firstly, it highlights the **Authority of Scripture and Apostolic Teaching**, emphasizing that the "word of God" ([lógos theou](/1_corinthians/14-36 "The Word of God")) is divinely sourced and universally applicable, not subject to local innovation or preference. Secondly, it champions the **Unity and Universality of the Church**, reminding the Corinthians that they are part of a global body of believers who all receive the same truth and must align their practices with the broader Christian community, as Paul argues in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Calls for Unity"). Thirdly, the verse confronts **Spiritual Pride and Arrogance**, a recurring issue in Corinth (e.g., [1 Corinthians 4:6-7](/1_corinthians/4-6-7 "1 Corinthians 4:6-7 - Humility and Stewardship")), by dismantling any notion of their unique spiritual status. Finally, it reinforces the overarching theme of **Order in Worship**, asserting that proper conduct in the assembly is not arbitrary but flows from the recognition of God's universal authority and the church's interconnectedness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** In this context, _lógos_ refers specifically to the divine message, the gospel, or the authoritative teaching that emanates from God. It signifies not merely spoken words but the very substance of divine revelation. Paul's use of _lógos_ here underscores the objective, external, and authoritative nature of the truth that came to them, contrasting it with any subjective or locally generated ideas.
* **came out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb denotes motion from within to without, signifying origin or emanation. Paul's question, "came the word of God out from you?", directly challenges the Corinthians' implicit assumption that they might be the source or originators of divine truth, rather than merely its recipients. It highlights the absurdity of such a claim, as God's word precedes and transcends any human community.
* **only (Greek, _mónos'_):** This adverb emphasizes exclusivity or singularity. The phrase "came it unto you only?" confronts the Corinthians' potential belief that they were uniquely privileged recipients of God's word, implying that their unique status might exempt them from universal Christian norms or apostolic instructions. Paul's use of "only" reveals his indignation at their perceived spiritual isolation and self-sufficiency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What? came the word of God out from you?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, introduced by the particle "What?" (Greek _ḗ_), which expresses surprise, indignation, or a strong negative implication. Paul is essentially asking, "Surely, you don't think you are the source or originators of God's divine message, do you?" This challenges any notion of the Corinthian church being the fount of divine truth, asserting instead that God's word has an external, divine origin independent of any human community.
* **"or came it unto you only?"**: This second rhetorical question serves as a parallel challenge, contrasting with the first. It questions whether the Corinthians believe they are the *exclusive* recipients of God's word, implying that their unique reception might grant them special privileges or exemptions from the universal standards of Christian conduct and worship. Paul here aims to dismantle any sense of spiritual elitism or isolation that would lead them to disregard the practices of other churches or the broader apostolic tradition.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 14:36](/1_corinthians/14-36 "1 Corinthians 14:36 - Paul's Rhetorical Challenge"). The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which is not intended to elicit an answer but to make a forceful point and expose the absurdity of the Corinthians' implied assumptions. By asking "What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?", Paul compels them to confront the illogical nature of their behavior. This rhetorical strategy is coupled with **Irony**, as Paul knows full well the answers to his questions are a resounding "no." The irony highlights the stark contrast between the Corinthians' self-perception and the reality of their dependence on God's externally revealed word. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Antithesis** by juxtaposing "out from you" (implying origin) with "unto you only" (implying exclusive reception), creating a sharp contrast that underscores the two dimensions of their misguided pride: claiming to be the source and claiming to be the sole recipients. The abruptness and indignation conveyed by the initial "What?" also serve as a form of **Apostolic Rebuke**, signaling Paul's strong disapproval and authoritative challenge to their disorder.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's sharp rebuke in 1 Corinthians 14:36 underscores a foundational theological truth: the word of God is not a human invention, nor is it the exclusive property of any single congregation or individual. Its origin is divine, and its reach is universal, intended for the entire body of Christ. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all believers are recipients of the same divine revelation, calling for humility and adherence to shared apostolic teaching rather than local autonomy or spiritual arrogance. It grounds the necessity of order in worship not in human preference, but in the universal nature of God's truth and the interconnectedness of His church.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Warning Against False Gospels")
* [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity in the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's pointed questions in 1 Corinthians 14:36 remain profoundly relevant for believers and churches today. They challenge any tendency towards spiritual isolation, congregational pride, or the belief that our particular church, denomination, or individual understanding is the ultimate standard for truth and practice. We are constantly reminded that the Word of God originates from Him, not from us, and it comes to all believers, not just a select few. This calls for a posture of humility, a commitment to sound doctrine that aligns with the universal church throughout history, and a willingness to submit to the authority of Scripture as interpreted within the broader Christian tradition. It encourages us to examine our worship practices and theological convictions, ensuring they are rooted in God's revealed truth and contribute to the edification of the whole body, rather than reflecting a unique, self-serving, or disordered approach.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my church or I be tempted to act as if we are the originators or exclusive recipients of God's truth?**
* **How does recognizing the universal origin and destination of God's Word impact my view of other Christian traditions or congregations?**
* **Am I prioritizing personal spiritual experiences or preferences over the orderly and edifying worship of the entire community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and submission to the universal authority of God's Word in my life and church?**

### FAQ
**Why is Paul's tone so abrupt and indignant in this verse?**

Answer: Paul's abrupt and indignant tone ("What?") reflects his deep frustration and apostolic authority in confronting the Corinthian church's persistent disorder and spiritual arrogance. Throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Epistle to the Corinthians"), Paul addresses numerous issues arising from their self-centeredness and lack of submission to apostolic teaching. This particular verse comes after detailed instructions on orderly worship, especially regarding women's roles, which the Corinthians seemed to be disregarding. His sharp rhetorical questions are designed not to elicit an answer, but to shock them into recognizing the absurdity of their behavior and their false assumptions about their own spiritual authority and uniqueness. It's a direct, authoritative challenge to bring them back to the reality that God's word is universal and authoritative, not subject to their local whims or perceived spiritual superiority.

**Does this verse imply that local churches should not have unique expressions of worship or ministry?**

Answer: This verse does not forbid unique expressions of worship or ministry within a local church, but it strongly condemns any expression that stems from a belief in spiritual exclusivity or a disregard for universal Christian principles and apostolic teaching. Paul's concern is with disorder, pride, and the notion that the Corinthians were somehow exempt from the standards applied to other churches or that they were the sole arbiters of divine truth. Healthy local expressions should always be rooted in the universally revealed "word of God" ([lógos theou](/1_corinthians/14-36 "The Word of God")) and contribute to the edification of the body in an orderly manner, aligning with the broader testimony of the global church, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Edification").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 14:36 directly addresses the Corinthians' misguided pride and disorder, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate "Word of God" and the universal source of divine truth. Paul's challenge, "came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?", finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a word *about* God, but the living, incarnate "Word" [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God"), who eternally "came out from God" [John 8:42](/john/8-42 "John 8:42 - Jesus' Divine Origin") and was sent not "unto you only" but "into the world to save sinners" [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners"). Jesus is the definitive revelation of God, accessible to all who believe, transcending any cultural or congregational boundaries. His gospel, the true "word of God," is a universal message of salvation and transformation, preached "to every creature under heaven" [Colossians 1:23](/colossians/1-23 "Colossians 1:23 - The Gospel Preached to All Creation"). Therefore, the disorder and exclusivity Paul rebukes in Corinth are fundamentally antithetical to the nature of Christ, who unites all believers into one body, receiving the same Spirit and the same truth from Him, the Head of the Church [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity in the Spirit").

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

Zechariah 14:8

¶ And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Acts 18:1

¶ After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

Acts 18:17

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat [him] before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

1 Corinthians 4:7

¶ For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

Acts 16:9

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Acts 16:10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 17:15

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.