1 Corinthians 14:23

So, when the whole church meets, if all present use the gift of ‘tongues,’ and some people who are without the gift, or who are unbelievers, come in, will not they say that you are mad?

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

In Context

22Therefore the gift of the ‘tongues’ is intended as a sign, not for those who believe in Christ, but for those who do not, while the gift of preaching is intended as a sign, not for those who do not believe in Christ, but for those who do.

24While, if all those present use the gift of preaching, and an unbeliever, or someone without the gift, comes in, they are convinced of their sinfulness by them all, they are called to account by them all;

Read all of 1 Corinthians 14

Cross References

Hosea 9:7The days of punishment are come, the days of recompense are at hand, as soon the Israelites will know! “The prophet is a fool, the inspired man is raving mad!” It is because of the greatness of your iniquity and the greatness of your hatred.

Acts 2:13But there were some who said with a sneer, “They have had too much new wine.”

1 Corinthians 11:18To begin with, I am told that when you meet together as a church there are divisions among you. In part I believe this,

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14:22-26

On Spiritual Gifts. ( a. d. 57.) 21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Corinthians 14:23