And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:25KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:25 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:25 describes how, when someone hears the truth about God in a gathering, the hidden thoughts of their heart are revealed, leading them to worship God and declare that God is truly present among the people. The verse shows the powerful effect that honest, Spirit-led speech can have on someone who is listening.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining how spiritual gifts—especially prophecy—should be used in their meetings. He describes a situation where an outsider or unbeliever comes in and, through what is spoken, feels personally exposed and convicted, which leads to genuine worship and recognition of God’s presence in the community.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:25

  • "Secrets" (κρυπτὰ, krupta): This word refers to things that are hidden or not openly known. Paul is saying that the deep, private matters of a person's heart can be brought to light through what is spoken in the gathering.
  • "Made manifest" (φανερὰ, phanera): This means to make something visible or clear. The verse emphasizes that these hidden things are not just hinted at, but clearly revealed.
  • "Worship" (προσκυνέω, proskuneō): This word means to bow down or show reverence. The response is not just intellectual agreement but a physical act of humility and worship toward God.
  • "Report" (ἀπαγγέλλω, apangellō): This means to declare or announce. The person doesn’t just keep the experience to themselves but openly acknowledges that God is truly present in the group.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the goal of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, is not to impress but to help people encounter God in a real and personal way.
  • It shows that true spiritual gatherings should lead to genuine conviction and worship, not confusion or showmanship.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger point in the chapter: that church gatherings should be understandable and edifying, so that even outsiders can recognize God’s presence.

Where else these words appear

“truth” Greek G3689 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
  • John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
  • 1 Timothy 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

“secrets” Greek G2927 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
  • Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

“manifest” Greek G5318 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him;(for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

“report” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;