1 Corinthians 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If you bless God only in the spirit, the uninstructed person cannot say Amen, since he does not understand your thanksgiving.
What Does 1 Corinthians 14:16 Mean?
Paul returns to the gathered assembly and pictures someone present who does not understand the language being used. He shows the practical loss: this person cannot join in the congregation's response of agreement.
The Amen was the people's way of making a prayer their own, adding their voice to the thanksgiving offered. But one cannot affirm what one cannot follow. Paul cares about that uninstructed listener, the outsider, the one who longs to join in. Worship that leaves him silent has missed something. The gifts are meant to gather every voice into one Amen, so that the whole body praises God together.
1 Corinthians 14:16 in the Original Language
amēn (ἀμήν), 'Amen' -- a word of firm agreement, 'so be it,' by which hearers make a spoken prayer their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 14:16
What does 1 Corinthians 14:16 mean?
If you bless God only in the spirit, the uninstructed person cannot say Amen, since he does not understand your thanksgiving.