Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:32
The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation while regulating their corporate worship gathering. He speaks to the assembled believers as he establishes guidelines for the practice of prophesying.
The words — The text states πνεύματα (pneumata, "spirits") and ὑποτάσσεται (hupotassetai, "are subject"). The verse reports that prophetic spirits remain under the direct control of the prophets who utter them.
The thread — This emphasis on controlled spiritual expression runs parallel to the command to test spiritual manifestations in 1 John 4:1 and the instruction to judge matters personally in Acts 4:19. It also echoes the Spirit's sudden empowerment observed in 1 Samuel 10:10.
Why it lands — The text requires believers to exercise self-discipline over their prophetic utterances rather than surrendering to unregulated emotionalism. It asks readers to maintain order and personal accountability in all spiritual practice.
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
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
Cross-references
- 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- Acts 4:19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.
- 1 Samuel 10:10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them.
- 1 Samuel 19:19 When Saul was told that David was at Naioth in Ramah,
- 2 Kings 2:3 Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”
- 2 Kings 2:5 Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”
- Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
- Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
- 1 Corinthians 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.