If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:37KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:37 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:37 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:37 says that anyone who claims to be a prophet or a spiritual person should recognize that Paul’s instructions are actually the Lord’s commands. The verse sets a clear standard: true spiritual authority will agree with what Paul is teaching, not oppose it.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, where some people were claiming special spiritual status or gifts. In this verse, Paul insists that his teachings about order and conduct in church gatherings are not just his own ideas, but have the authority of God behind them. He challenges anyone who thinks they are truly spiritual to acknowledge this, making it a test of genuine spiritual insight.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:37

  • προφήτης (prophētēs) — “prophet”: This word refers to someone who claims to speak for God. Paul uses it to address those in Corinth who think they have a special message or authority.
  • πνευματικός (pneumatikos) — “spiritual”: This term describes someone who believes they are guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul uses it to include anyone who sees themselves as especially spiritual, not just prophets.
  • ἐπιγινωσκέτω (epiginōsketō) — “let him acknowledge”: The Greek here means more than just knowing; it carries the sense of recognizing or admitting something as true. Paul is calling for a public, clear recognition of his authority.
  • ἐντολαί (entolai) — “commandments”: This word means direct orders or instructions. Paul is not offering suggestions; he is claiming that his words carry the weight of divine command.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:37 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s instructions about church life are not optional or just his personal opinions; they are to be received as God’s commands.
  • Paul draws a sharp line between true and false spirituality, making agreement with apostolic teaching a sign of genuine spiritual maturity.
  • In the wider context of 1 Corinthians 14, this verse helps settle disputes about spiritual gifts and authority in the church, showing that order and submission to apostolic teaching are essential.

Where else these words appear

“spiritual” Greek G4152 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
  • Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

“acknowledge” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

“himself” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: