1 Corinthians 14:24

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;
1 Corinthians 14:24 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if all prophecy, etc.] That is, all that speak publicly in the church, not together, but in their order, one after another, as is hereafter directed: and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned; an unbeliever that has only the knowledge of his mother tongue, in which prophesying or preaching is used: he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; of all the prophets or preachers; they all reprove him, and detect his secret, as the Arabic version renders the words; and to the same purport the Ethiopic. This must be understood of such persons whom the Spirit of God, under, and by the ministry of the word, powerfully works upon; whose hearts he opens to receive the word, and to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“all--one by one (Co1 14:31). prophesy--speak the truth by the Spirit intelligibly, and not in unintelligible tongues. one--"anyone." Here singular; implying that this effect, namely, conviction by all, would be produced on anyone, who might happen to enter. In Co1 14:23 the plural is used; "unlearned or unbelievers"; implying that however many there might be, not one would profit by the tongues; yea, their being many would confirm them in rejecting the sign, as many unbelieving men together strengthen one another in unbelief; individuals are more easily won [BENGEL]. convinced--convicted in conscience; said of the "one that believeth not" (Joh 16:8-9). judged--His secret character is opened…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But if all prophesy - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. If all, in proper order and time, shall utter the truths of religion in a language intelligible to all. Or one unlearned - One unacquainted with the nature of Christianity, or the truths of the gospel. He is convinced of all - He will be convinced by all that speak. He will understand what is said; he will see its truth and force, and be will be satisfied of the truth of Christianity. The word here rendered “convinced” (ἐλέγχετἀι elengchetai) is rendered “reprove” in John 16:8, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,” etc. Its proper meaning is to “convict,” to show one to be wrong; and then to rebuke, reprove,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He is convicted by all - who speak in their turns, and speak to the heart of the hearers. He is judged by all - Every one says something to which his conscience bears witness. 1 Corinthians 14:25”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he is convinced: Co1 2:15; Joh 1:47-49, Joh 4:29; Act 2:37; Heb 4:12, Heb 4:13 1 Corinthians 14:25”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification