1 Corinthians 14:40

KJV

Let all things be done decently and in order.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G1096} all things {G3956} be done {G1096} decently {G2156} and {G2532} in {G2596} order {G5010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but let all things be done in a proper and orderly way.

Berean Standard Bible

But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

American Standard Version

But let all things be done decently and in order.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The concluding verse of Paul's instructions in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"), this concise command serves as a foundational principle for all Christian worship and communal life. It encapsulates the apostle's overarching concern for order, decorum, and edification within the Corinthian church, directing believers to conduct all their activities, especially spiritual gatherings, in a manner that reflects God's character of peace and promotes the spiritual growth of all participants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order") stands as the culminating directive in a chapter dedicated to regulating the use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, within the Corinthian church's public assemblies. Paul has systematically addressed the chaos and confusion that arose from the indiscriminate and self-serving exercise of these gifts. He prioritizes **edification** (building up the church) over individual display, emphasizing that prophecy is superior to uninterpreted tongues because it directly instructs and encourages the congregation ([1 Corinthians 14:3-5](/1_corinthians/14-3-5 "1 Corinthians 14:3-5 - Prophecy vs. Tongues")). The apostle also provides specific guidelines for the number of speakers, the necessity of interpretation, and the order of participation for both tongues-speakers and prophets ([1 Corinthians 14:27-32](/1_corinthians/14-27-32 "1 Corinthians 14:27-32 - Guidelines for Tongues and Prophecy")). The immediate preceding verse, [1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Do not forbid tongues, but desire prophecy"), gives a final caution against forbidding tongues while still urging the pursuit of prophecy, setting the stage for the ultimate principle of order. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated command but the logical conclusion and summary of Paul's entire argument for structured, purposeful worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its moral laxity and diverse religious practices. Its culture was characterized by a strong emphasis on rhetoric, public display, and individual prowess, which likely influenced the Corinthian believers' approach to spiritual gifts, leading to competitive and disorderly demonstrations. Many pagan cults in the Greco-Roman world involved ecstatic utterances and chaotic rituals, which might have inadvertently shaped the Corinthian church's understanding of spiritual manifestations. Paul's letters to Corinth often address a tension between Christian freedom and responsible conduct, and between spiritual gifts and their proper use for the common good. The early Christian assemblies, meeting in homes, lacked the formal structures of later church buildings, making clear instructions on conduct even more vital to prevent chaos and maintain the integrity of their witness in a pagan society. Paul's directive for "decency and order" thus served as a counter-cultural call for the church to distinguish itself from the surrounding pagan practices and to reflect the character of God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Foremost among these is the theme of **order in worship and church life**. Paul consistently advocates for practices that promote unity and edification, rather than division and confusion. This theme is closely linked to the **purpose of spiritual gifts**, which are given not for individual boasting but for the common good and the building up of the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")). The principle of order also underscores the **character of God**, who is explicitly stated to be "not a God of confusion but of peace" ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Peace, Not Confusion")). Furthermore, the command for decency and order implicitly supports the theme of **Christian witness**, as an orderly and reverent assembly presents a more credible and attractive picture of the gospel to outsiders ([1 Corinthians 14:23-25](/1_corinthians/14-23-25 "1 Corinthians 14:23-25 - Impact on Unbelievers")). The verse also touches on the broader theme of **practical Christian living**, where all actions, whether in the church or in daily life, should bring glory to God and benefit others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, often translated as "to become" or "to come into being," carries a sense of active occurrence or bringing something about. In this context, it is an imperative, indicating that the actions or events in question must actively *come to pass* in a specific manner. It implies a deliberate, intentional execution rather than a passive happening. This highlights the responsibility of the believers to ensure that order is established and maintained.
* **decently (Greek, _euschēmónōs'_):** An adverb derived from a word meaning "well-formed" or "graceful," _euschēmónōs_ signifies acting in a proper, becoming, honorable, or seemly manner. It speaks to the aesthetic and moral quality of actions, suggesting that conduct should be appropriate to the sacred context of worship and reflect good form and respect. It implies a sense of decorum, dignity, and appropriateness that avoids anything unseemly or scandalous.
* **order (Greek, _táxis'_):** This noun refers to a regular arrangement, fixed succession, or proper sequence. It denotes systematic organization, discipline, and the avoidance of confusion. In military contexts, _táxis_ refers to a battle array or formation. Here, it emphasizes structure, arrangement, and a logical flow of activities, ensuring that everything is done according to a plan or established procedure, rather than haphazardly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let all things be done":** This opening phrase, using the imperative form of _gínomai_, is a comprehensive command. "All things" (G3956, _pâs_) encompasses every aspect of the church's communal life and worship, not just the exercise of spiritual gifts. It conveys a universal principle applicable to every activity, from preaching and prayer to fellowship and administration. The passive voice ("be done") implies that while believers are responsible for the action, the desired state of order and decency should characterize the *outcome* of their actions.
* **"decently":** This adverb (_euschēmónōs_) specifies the *manner* in which "all things" should be done. It calls for conduct that is appropriate, honorable, and becoming. This goes beyond mere functionality; it speaks to the reverence, respect, and dignity that should characterize the assembly of God's people. It implies an outward manifestation of inner reverence for God and consideration for fellow believers and observers.
* **"and in order":** The conjunction "and" links this second adverbial phrase, "in order" (_katá táxis_), to the first, providing a complementary but distinct requirement. While "decently" speaks to the quality and propriety of actions, "in order" speaks to their structure and arrangement. It demands systematic organization, a logical sequence of events, and a disciplined approach to worship, preventing chaos, confusion, and interruption. Together, these two adverbs ensure that worship is both spiritually meaningful and functionally effective.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Imperative Mood** ("Let all things be done"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of Paul's instruction. There is a clear use of **Parallelism** through the pairing of "decently" and "in order," two adverbs that, while distinct, work in tandem to describe the desired state of church activities. This **Juxtaposition** of decorum and structure provides a comprehensive directive. The phrase "all things" functions as a **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, emphasizing the universal applicability of the command to every facet of communal life, not just specific issues. The verse also serves as a concise **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the entire chapter's preceding arguments and providing a memorable, actionable principle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order") articulates a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, not chaos. This principle is not merely about church logistics but reflects the very nature of the Creator, who brought cosmos out of chaos ([Genesis 1:1-2](/genesis/1-1-2 "Genesis 1:1-2 - Creation from Chaos")). When the church gathers, its conduct should mirror this divine attribute, fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely without hindrance from human disorder. This command ensures that worship is not a performance for human admiration but a reverent engagement with the divine, promoting edification and clear communication of the gospel. The pursuit of decency and order is thus an act of theological integrity and practical love for the body of Christ.

* [Romans 13:13](/romans/13-13 "Romans 13:13 - Walk Decently")
* [Colossians 2:5](/colossians/2-5 "Colossians 2:5 - Your Order and Firmness")
* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless command to "let all things be done decently and in order" extends far beyond the specific issues of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church; it is a foundational principle for all aspects of Christian life, both corporate and individual. In our communal worship, it calls for intentionality in planning services, respect in participation, and a focus on the common good over individual preferences. This means ensuring that our gatherings are accessible, understandable, and conducive to spiritual growth for all, minimizing distractions and maximizing the clear proclamation of God's Word. Individually, this verse challenges us to cultivate lives that reflect God's order and beauty. Our personal disciplines, our relationships, our work ethic, and our financial stewardship should all bear the mark of thoughtful arrangement and honorable conduct. When our lives are characterized by decency and order, they become a more compelling witness to the transformative power of the gospel, demonstrating that faith in Christ brings not only spiritual renewal but also practical wisdom and a harmonious way of living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my church's corporate life might we need to apply the principle of "decency and order" more intentionally?**
* **How does my personal conduct, both inside and outside of church, reflect God's character of peace and order?**
* **What specific steps can I take to contribute to a more orderly and edifying environment in my church's gatherings?**
* **How might a lack of "decency and order" hinder the gospel message or the spiritual growth of believers?**

### FAQ

**What does "decently and in order" specifically mean for modern church services?**

Answer: For modern church services, "decently" means conducting worship with reverence, respect, and appropriateness, ensuring that all elements—from music and preaching to prayer and communion—are carried out in a manner that honors God and is becoming for His people. It implies avoiding anything crude, chaotic, or distracting. "In order" means having a structured, organized flow to the service, with clear transitions, thoughtful sequencing of elements, and a disciplined approach to participation. This prevents confusion, ensures clarity, and allows for the smooth operation of the service, reflecting the truth that [God is not the author of confusion but of peace](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Peace, Not Confusion").

**Is this verse a command against spontaneous worship or the free expression of spiritual gifts?**

Answer: No, [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order") is not a command against spontaneity or the genuine exercise of spiritual gifts, but rather a directive to ensure that such expressions are always conducted in a way that builds up the body and maintains decorum. Paul explicitly encourages the use of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, and does not forbid speaking in tongues ([1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Do not forbid tongues, but desire prophecy")). However, he insists that these expressions must be regulated to prevent chaos and ensure that the church's gatherings are comprehensible and edifying for everyone, including visitors ([1 Corinthians 14:23-25](/1_corinthians/14-23-25 "1 Corinthians 14:23-25 - Impact on Unbelievers")). The goal is not suppression, but proper stewardship and responsible use of gifts for the common good.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order") is a practical command for church conduct, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine order and perfect decency. His earthly ministry was characterized by purposeful action, clear teaching, and a life lived in perfect alignment with the Father's will. He brought order to chaos, whether calming a storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) or restoring a life from death ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus, Come Out!")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of divine order, fulfilling prophecy and establishing a new covenant in perfect timing and according to God's precise plan ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). As believers, we are called to imitate Christ, reflecting His character in our lives and in our corporate worship. The order and decency we pursue in our gatherings are not merely for human efficiency, but to honor the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, who is Himself the source of all peace and the one through whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). Our orderly worship thus becomes a testament to the orderly and beautiful work of redemption accomplished by our Savior.

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

Colossians 2:5

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Titus 1:5

¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

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.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 11:34

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Romans 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.