1 Corinthians 14:26

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian congregation mid-argument about disorder in their worship gatherings, where multiple people speak in tongues simultaneously without interpretation.

The words — ἕκαστος (hekastos, "each one") stresses that every member is expected to contribute something to the gathering, not merely listen.

The thread — The purpose clause "to build up the church" echoes 1 Corinthians 12:7 ("for the common good") and Romans 14:19 ("mutual edification"), while the list of psalm, teaching, and revelation parallels Ephesians 5:19.

Why it lands — It makes edification the test for every contribution in worship, turning the question from "May I exercise this gift?" to "Does this serve the whole body?"

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,
Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Ephesians 4:16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.
1 Corinthians 14:12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
1 Corinthians 14:40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
2 Corinthians 12:19 Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.
2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.