1 Corinthians 14:36-40

1 Corinthians 14:36

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

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

b. YLT: From you did the word of God come forth? or to you alone did it come?

c. Classic Amplified: What! Did the word of the Lord originate with you [Corinthians], or has it reached only you?

1. “What? came the word of God out from you?...”

a. What [Strong: 2228 ḗ, ay; a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:—and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially G2235, G2260, G2273.]

b. came...out [Strong: 1831   exérchomai, ex-er'-khom-ahee; from G1537 and G2064; to issue (literally or figuratively):—come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.]

c. the [Strong: 3588 [ὁ] ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.]

d. word [Strong: 3056 lógos, log'-os; from G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):—account, cause, communication, × concerning, doctrine, fame, × have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, × speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.]

e. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theós, theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:—X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

f. from [Strong: 575 apó, apo'; a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):—(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with.]

g. you [Strong: 5216 hymōn, hoo-mone'; genitive case of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:—ye, you, your (own, -selves).]

1). The question is did the word of God come out from you? Did it originate from you? The answer is no. The answer is given in the next verse. These words are the commandments of God.

a). 1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

2. “...or came it unto you only?”

a. Or [Strong: 2228 ḗ, ay; a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:—and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially G2235, G2260, G2273.]

b. came [it] [Strong: 2658 katantáō, kat-an-tah'-o; from G2596 and a derivative of G473; to meet against, i.e. arrive at (literally or figuratively):—attain, come.]

c. unto [Strong: 1519 eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:—(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with.]

d. you [Strong: 5209 hymâs, hoo-mas'; accusative case of G5210; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):—ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).]

e. only [Strong: 3441 mónos, mon'-os; probably from G3306; remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere:—alone, only, by themselves.]

1). What a question. Is the word of God here just for you? Are the commandments concerning the regulations of the gift of speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1-35) just for you in this time in history. Someone may say to me, “Don, you are adding your own personal interpretation to what the word and Spirit of God is saying.” Really? In the next verse Paul declares that these regulations are the commandments of God 1 Corinthians 14:37). And in 2 Corinthians 1:13 Paul writes by the Spirit of God that the things that he writes are to be acknowledged to the end. 

a). 2 Corinthians 1:13   For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

b). The end being this, that the commandments concerning the regulation of the gifts of the Spirit, kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues in public and private are to be acknowledged to the end, when tongues “will cease” (1 corinthians 13:8) when we see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2).

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

a. ASV: If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.

b. YLT: if any one doth think to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge the things that I write to you -- that of the Lord they are commands;

c. Classic Amplified: If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit of God and inspired to interpret the divine will and purpose in preaching or teaching] or has any other spiritual endowment, let him understand (recognize and acknowledge) that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord.

1. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual…”

a. If [any man] [Strong: 1487 ei, i; a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:—forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in G1489, G1490, G1499, G1508, G1509, G1512, G1513, G1536, G1537. See also G1437.]

b. [Strong: 5100 tìs, tis; an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:—a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), × wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

c. think [himself] [Strong: 1380 dokéō, dok-eh'-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, δόκω dókō dok'-o (used only in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of G1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):—be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow.] 

d. to be [Strong: 1511 eînai, i'-nahee; present infinitive from G1510; to exist:—am, was. come, is, × lust after, × please well, there is, to be, was.]

e. [a] prophet [Strong: 4396 prophḗtēs, prof-ay'-tace; from a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:—prophet.]

f. or [Strong: 2228 ḗ, ay; a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:—and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially G2235, G2260, G2273.]

g. spiritual [Strong: 4152 pneumatikós, pnyoo-mat-ik-os'; from G4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious:—spiritual.]

2. “...let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”

a. [let him] acknowledge [Strong: 1921 epiginṓskō, ep-ig-in-oce'-ko; from G1909 and G1097; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:—(ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive.]

b. that [Strong: 3754 hóti, hot'-ee; neuter of G3748 as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:—as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.]

c. the things [Strong: 3739 hós, hos; probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article G3588); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:—one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc.] 

d. [that I] write [Strong: 1125 gráphō, graf'-o; a primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe:—describe, write(-ing, -ten).]

e. [unto] you [Strong: 5213 hymîn, hoo-min'; irregular dative case of G5210; to (with or by) you:—ye, you, your(-selves).]

f. are [Strong: 1526 eisí, i-see'; 3rd person plural present indicative of G1510; they are:—agree, are, be, dure, × is, were.]

g. [the] commandments [Strong: 1785 entolḗ, en-tol-ay'; from G1781; injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription:—commandment, precept.]

h. [of the] LORD [Strong: 2962 kýrios, koo'-ree-os; from κῦρος kŷros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):—God, Lord, master, Sir.]

1). Do any of us consider ourselves to be a prophet or spiritual. Regardless of who it is, us, or some other individual, we are to acknowledge that what Paul is writing here concerning the regulations of the gifts of the Spirit, kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues, in public (a church service), or in private, (in my own personal prayer time), are to be considered commandments of God.These are not suggestions, they are commandments.

1 Corinthians 14:38

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

a. ASV: But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

b. YLT: And if any one is ignorant -- let him be ignorant;

c. Classic Amplified: But if anyone disregards or does not recognize [[h]that it is a command of the Lord], he is disregarded and not recognized [he is [i]one whom God knows not].

1. “But if any man be ignorant…”

a. But [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. If [any man] [Strong: 1487 ei, i; a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:—forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in G1489, G1490, G1499, G1508, G1509, G1512, G1513, G1536, G1537. See also G1437.]

c. [Strong: 5100 tìs, tis; an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:—a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), × wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

d. [be] ignorant [Strong: 50 agnoéō, ag-no-eh'-o; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G3539; not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination):—(be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown.]

1). Albert Barnes Commentary:  If anyone affects to be ignorant of my authority, or whether I have a right to command. If he affects to doubt whether I am inspired, and whether what I utter is in accordance with the will of God.

2). D.C.: Ignorant of the commands of the LORD concerning the regulations of the gifts of the Spirit kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues.

2. “...let him be ignorant.”

a. [let him be] ignorant [Strong: 50 agnoéō, ag-no-eh'-o; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G3539; not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination):—(be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown.]

1). Albert Barnes Commentary: At his own peril, let him remain so, and abide the consequences. I shall not take any further trouble to debate with him. I have stated my authority. I have delivered the commands of God. And now, if he disregards them, and still doubts whether all this is said by divine authority, let him abide the consequences of rejecting the law of God. I have given full proof of my divine commission. I have nothing more to say on that head. And now, if he chooses to remain in ignorance or incredulity, the fault is his own, and he must answer for it to God.

2). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary: if any man be ignorant—wilfully; not wishing to recognize these ordinances and my apostolic authority in enjoining them. Let him be ignorant—I leave him to his ignorance: it will be at his own peril; I feel it a waste of words to speak anything further to convince him. An argument likely to have weight with the Corinthians, who admired "knowledge" so much.

1 Corinthians 14:39

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

a. ASV: Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

b. YLT: So that, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid;

c. Classic Amplified: So [to conclude], my brethren, earnestly desire and set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to preach and teach and to interpret God’s will and purpose), and do not forbid or hinder speaking in [unknown] tongues.

1. “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy…”

a. Wherefore [Strong: 5620 hṓste, hoce'-teh; from G5613 and G5037; so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow):—(insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore.]

b. brethren [Strong: 80 adelphós, ad-el-fos'; from G1 (as a connective particle) and δελφύς delphýs (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1):—brother.]

c. covet [Strong: 2206 zēlóō, dzay-lo'-o; from G2205; to have warmth of feeling for or against:—affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous(-ly affect).]

d. [Strong: 3588 [to’] ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.]

e. [to] prophesy [Strong: 4395 prophēteúō, prof-ate-yoo'-o; from G4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:—prophesy.]

1). Desire to prophesy! This is similar to what he said in the opening verse of the chapter. 

a). 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2. “...and forbid not to speak with tongues.”

a. and [Strong: 2532  kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. forbid [Strong: 2967 kōlýō, ko-loo'-o; from the base of G2849; to estop, i.e. prevent (by word or act):—forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand.]

c. not [Strong: 3361 mḗ, may; a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas G3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:—any but (that), × forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]

d. [Strong: 3588 [to’] ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.]

e. [to] speak [Strong: 2980 laléō, lal-eh'-o; a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:—preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.]

f. [with] tongues [Strong: 1100 glōssa, gloce-sah'; of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):—tongue.]

1). Joseph Benson Commentary: Wherefore, brethren — To conclude this long discourse, and sum up the whole in a few words; covet to prophesy — To discourse about divine things in a way that will edify others; and yet forbid not — Those who are willing to do it under such regulations as have now been advanced; to speak with tongues — For it is a noble endowment, which I would encourage none to slight or neglect: only take care that all things — In your religious assemblies; be done decently and in order — Let all be conducted in a regular manner, to prevent such disturbances, disputes, and scandals for the future, as in time past have had place among you, and would proceed to greater evils if not immediately reformed.

2). As long as the gifts are exercised according to the regulation that the Lord has commanded, do not forbid someone from speaking in tongues!  

1 Corinthians 14:40

Let all things be done decently and in order.

a. ASV: But let all things be done decently and in order.

b. YLT: Let all things be done decently and in order.

c. Classic Amplified: But all things should be done with regard to decency and propriety and in an orderly fashion.

1. “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

a. Let...be done [Strong: 1096 gínomai, ghin'-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):—arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, × soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.]

b. all [things] [Strong: 3956 pâs, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:—all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), × daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

c. decently [Strong: 2156  euschēmónōs, yoo-skhay-mon'-ose; adverb from G2158; decorously:—decently, honestly.]

1). Rick Renner 3/21/16 The word “decently” is the Greek word euschemonos. Other than this verse, the word euschemonos is only found two other times in the New Testament — in Romans 13:13 and in First Thessalonians 4:12. In both of these places, it is translated to do something honestly or to walk honestly. It carries the notion of something that is done properly as opposed to improperly. It has to do with intent and motivation more than outward action, although such a good intention always results in right actions.

d. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

e. in [Strong: 2596 katá, kat-ah'; a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):—about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) × alone, among, and, × apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), × aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, × more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, × natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) × own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), × uttermost, where(-by), with.]

f. order [Strong: 5010 táxis, tax'-is; from G5021; regular arrangement, i.e. (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity:—order.]

1). Rick Renner 3/21/16 The word “order” is the Greek word taksis. It carries the idea of something done in a fitting way or something done according to order. The Jewish historian Josephus used the word taksis when he recorded the orderly wayin which the Roman army erected their camps — indicating their camps were orderly, organized, and well-planned. The commanders didn’t engage in last-minute planning. Their camps were not hastily thrown together but rather set up in an organized and thoughtful manner.]