1 Corinthians 14:26

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:26 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“How is it then, brethren? etc.] Or “what is it brethren?” The Arabic renders it, “what is the sense of my words?” The meaning of what he had said, the drift of his whole discourse; or rather the sense is, what is to be done in the case he was about to propose? when ye come together; as a church into one place, to worship God; everyone of you hath a psalm; not that everyone had this, or any other gift here mentioned, but that there were some among them that had one or other of these several gifts: some of them had a gift of composing and singing a psalm extempore; they delighted in psalmody, and were forward to promote it, and fond of spending the time wholly in it. Hath a doctrine; others of…”
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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
“RULES FOR THE EXERCISE OF GIFTS IN THE CONGREGATION. (Co1 14:26-40) How is it then?--rather, "What then is the true rule to be observed as to the use of gifts?" Compare Co1 14:15, where the same Greek occurs. a psalm--extemporary, inspired by the Spirit, as that of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna (Luk 1:46-55, Luk 1:67-79; Luk 2:34-38). a doctrine--to impart and set forth to the congregation. a tongue . . . a revelation--The oldest manuscripts transpose the order: "revelation . . . tongue"; "interpretation" properly following "tongue" (Co1 14:13). Let all things be done unto edifying--The general rule under which this particular case fails; an answer to the question at the beginning of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“How is it then, brethren? - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:15. What is the fact? What actually occurs among you? Does that state of things exist which I have described? Is there that order in your public worship which is demanded and proper? It is implied in his asking this question that there might be some things among them which were improper, and which deserved reproof. When ye come together - For worship. Everyone of you ... - That is, all the things which are specified would be found among them. It is, evidently, not meant that all these things would be found in the same person, but would all exist at the same time; and thus confusion and disorder would be inevitable. Instead of…”
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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
“What a thing is it, brethren - This was another disorder among them. Every one hath a psalm - That is, at the same time one begins to sing a psalm; another to deliver a doctrine; another to speak in an unknown tongue; another to declare what has been revealed to him; another to interpret what the former is speaking; every one probably gathering a little company about him, just as they did in the schools of the philosophers. Let all be done to edification - So as to profit the hearers. 1 Corinthians 14:27”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:26-40 Paul gives specific procedures for the use of spiritual gifts in the church and emphasizes that they are to be expressed in an orderly way. Among the early Christians, church meetings were not led by professional pastors or priests. Instead, everyone shared with the others what God had given them for strengthening the church. 14:26 will sing: Literally has a psalm, either to be sung alone or for the fellowship to sing together (cp. Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). • Everything that is done in public worship is to be for the purpose of strengthening the church (see 1 Cor 12:7; 14:4, 6, 12, 26; cp. 8:1).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“every: Co1 14:6, Co1 12:8-10 Let: Co1 14:4, Co1 14:5, Co1 14:12, Co1 14:40, Co1 12:7; Rom 14:19; Co2 12:19, Co2 13:10; Eph 4:12, Eph 4:16, Eph 4:29; Th1 5:11 1 Corinthians 14:29”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification