If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:30KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:30 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:30 instructs that if someone sitting nearby receives a new revelation while another person is speaking, the first speaker should stop and let the new person share. This guidance is about order and respect during gatherings where people share spiritual insights.

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about how their meetings should be conducted, especially when several people feel led to speak. The verse addresses situations where God may give a message to more than one person, encouraging the first to yield so the new insight can be shared, keeping the gathering peaceful and orderly.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:30

  • "Revealed" (ἀποκαλύπτω, apokalyptō): This word means to uncover or make known something previously hidden. Here, it suggests that a fresh insight or message is given directly to someone during the meeting, not just a prepared speech.
  • "Let...peace" (σιγάω, sigaō): This verb means to be silent or to stop speaking. Paul uses it to urge the first speaker to respectfully pause so the new revelation can be heard, emphasizing self-control and consideration for others.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that spiritual gatherings should not be chaotic, but should allow space for new insights without interruption or competition.
  • It highlights the value of listening and humility, showing that even someone already speaking should be willing to yield if God gives a message to another.
  • The instruction fits into Paul's larger point in 1 Corinthians 14 about orderly worship, where everyone’s contribution is valued but managed in a way that builds up the whole group.

Where else these words appear

“let” Greek G4601 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 9:36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
  • Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

“revealed” Greek G601 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
  • Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
  • Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

“by” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  • Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.