The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:31 Explained

1 Corinthians 14:31

KJV: For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

YLT: for ye are able, one by one, all to prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted,

Darby: For ye can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all be encouraged.

ASV: For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  ye may  all  prophesy  one by one,  that  all  may learn,  and  all  may be comforted. 

What does 1 Corinthians 14:31 Mean?

Context Summary

1Corinthians 14:26-40 - Order Of Church Services
Again the Apostle sums up his directions in two simple rules: 1. Let all things be done unto edifying; that is, to building up individual character, and to fitting each member as a brick or stone into the rising fabric of the Church. Hence the stress laid on prophesying or speaking under the impulse of God's Spirit. All who had that gift should certainly have a chance to use it, because the whole Church would be thereby profited and enriched. 2. Let all things be done decently and in order: decently, so as not to interrupt the dignity and gravity of the services; in order, not by hazard or impulse, but by design and arrangement.
The Apostle's ideal is that of the calm and simple majesty which should mark all solemn assemblies, as distinct from fanatical and frenzied excitement. Hence he discountenances the disuse of the Eastern veil (the badge of modesty), the speaking of women in public, and the interruption of speakers by each other. That the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets is a truth of universal application. It condemns every impulse of a religious character which is not under the intelligent control of those who display it. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1Corinthians 14

1  Prophecy is commended,
2  and preferred before speaking in tongues,
6  by a comparison drawn from musical instruments
12  Both must be referred to edification,
22  as to their true and proper end
26  The true use of each is taught,
27  and the abuse rebuked
34  Women in the churches

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:31

One by one [κατ ενα]
Regular idiom. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 14:31 mean?

You are able for [one] by one all to prophesy so that may learn and may be exhorted
δύνασθε γὰρ καθ’ ἕνα πάντες προφητεύειν ἵνα μανθάνωσιν καὶ παρακαλῶνται

δύνασθε  You  are  able 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: δύναμαι  
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
καθ’  [one]  by 
Parse: Preposition
Root: κατά 
Sense: down from, through out.
ἕνα  one 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
προφητεύειν  to  prophesy 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: προφητεύω  
Sense: to prophesy, to be a prophet, speak forth by divine inspirations, to predict.
ἵνα  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
μανθάνωσιν  may  learn 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: μανθάνω  
Sense: to learn, be appraised.
παρακαλῶνται  may  be  exhorted 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: παρακαλέω  
Sense: to call to one’s side, call for, summon.