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.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:26KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:26 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:26 explains that when Christians gather together, each person may bring something to share—like a song, a teaching, a message in another language, a revelation, or an interpretation—but everything should be done in a way that builds up the whole group. The main point is that all contributions in a church meeting should help everyone grow and be encouraged.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing how their gatherings sometimes became confusing or disorderly because so many people wanted to participate at once. By listing different types of contributions, Paul shows that a variety of gifts and roles are welcome, but he stresses that the purpose of these gifts is to strengthen and encourage the community, not to cause chaos or draw attention to individuals.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:26

  • The word ἐκκλησία (ekklesia, not tagged here but implied by "come together" G4905, συνέρχομαι/sunerchomai) refers to the assembly or gathering, highlighting that Paul is speaking about a group setting, not private worship.
  • The word οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, G3619), translated as "edifying," means building up or strengthening. Paul uses this word to make clear that the goal of every contribution is the spiritual growth and encouragement of the group, not personal display.
  • The word γλῶσσα (glōssa, G1100), translated as "tongue," refers to speaking in other languages or tongues, a spiritual gift that was causing confusion in Corinth. Paul includes it to show it is valid, but only if it helps the group through interpretation.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:26 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that church gatherings are meant to be participatory, not dominated by one person, but also not chaotic—everyone can contribute, but with the goal of helping others.
  • Paul’s instruction connects to the wider chapter, where he is guiding the Corinthians toward order and love in their use of spiritual gifts, especially in public worship.
  • The emphasis on "edifying" helps readers see that spiritual gifts are not for self-promotion but for the benefit and growth of the whole community.

Where else these words appear

“interpretation” Greek G2058 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

“psalm” Greek G5568 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
  • Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

“revelation” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,

“edifying” Greek G3619 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.