I Corinthians 14:37 · Bible study
1 Corinthians 14:37 Commentary: Recognizing the Lord's Command
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Paul asserts his writings are the Lord's command. Those who are truly spiritual will recognize this authority.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul asserts that his apostolic writings are the Lord's command; those who are truly spiritual will recognize this.
- Key words: δοκεῖ (thinks/considers), ἐπιγινωσκέτω (recognize fully), ἐντολή (command).
- Main debate: Whether Paul claims direct divine dictation or that his teaching carries Christ's authority by extension.
- Theological theme: Apostolic authority as a test of genuine spirituality.
- Best use: Teaching on the authority of Scripture, discernment of spiritual claims, and the importance of submission to apostolic teaching.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.
WEB World English Bible 2000
If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
if any one doth think to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge the things that I write to you--that of the Lord they are commands;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
If any one thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognise the things that I write to you, that it is [the] Lord's commandment.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
If any seem to be a prophet or spiritual, let him know the things that I write to you, that they are the commandments of the Lord.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Si alguno á su parecer, es profeta, ó espiritual, reconozca lo que os escribo, porque son mandamientos del Señor.
Se alguém pensa ser profeta, ou espiritual, reconheça que as coisas que escrevo são mandamento do Senhor.
Si quelqu’ un croit être prophète ou inspiré, qu’ il reconnaisse que ce que je vous écris est un commandement du Seigneur.
So sich jemand läßt dünken, er sei ein Prophet oder geistlich, der erkenne, was ich euch schreibe; denn es sind des HERRN Gebote.
Indien iemand meent een profeet te zijn, of geestelijke, die erkenne, dat, hetgeen ik u schrijf, des Heeren geboden zijn.
Se qualcuno si stima esser profeta o spirituale, riconosca che le cose che io vi scrivo son comandamenti del Signore.
Izali kto zda się być prorokiem albo duchownym, niech uzna, iż te rzeczy, które wam piszę, są Pańskiem rozkazaniem.
Если кто почитает себя пророком или духовным, тот да разумеет, что я пишу вам, ибо это заповеди Господни.
若 有人 以為 自己是 先知，或 是屬靈的，就該知道，我所 寫 給你們 的 是 主 的命令。
If any man seems to himself to be a prophet or to have the Spirit, let him take note of the things which I am writing to you, as being the word of the Lord.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Corinthians 14:37
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Paul here makes a bold claim: his apostolic writings carry the authority of Christ himself. Barnes notes that δοκεῖ (dokei) can mean 'seems to be' or 'thinks himself to be', Paul addresses those who claim the title of prophet or spiritual person. The verb ἐπιγινωσκέτω (epiginōsketō) means to recognize fully, to know thoroughly (Thayer). Gill states that a true prophet will see that the things Paul write 'are perfectly agreeable to the commands of Christ, and are to be esteemed as such.' The Cambridge Bible identifies 'the commandments of the Lord' as the commands of Christ himself. Calvin adds that Paul takes it upon himself to prescribe what sentence they ought to pronounce. JFB calls this 'a direct assertion of inspiration.' The consensus is clear: Paul demands that those who claim to be spiritually gifted must prove it by submitting to his apostolic teaching, because that teaching is the word of the Lord.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Direct divine inspiration view: Commentators like Calvin and JFB see this as a direct assertion that Paul's words are of the same nature as Old Testament prophecy – the Lord's command.
- Apostolic authority view: Barnes, Gill and others emphasize that Paul speaks with the authority of Christ, but not necessarily every word is dictated; the command of the Lord refers to the teaching that aligns with Christ's will.
- Discernment test view: Matthew Henry and others focus on the pastoral function: the verse tests whether someone is truly spiritual by their response to Paul's teaching.
What is clear: Paul claims that his apostolic writing carries the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that genuine spirituality will acknowledge this.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The authority of Paul's writings | Christians agree that Paul's writings here carry the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. | Some traditions understand this as direct divine dictation (every word inspired), while others see it as Paul's authoritative apostolic teaching that aligns with Christ's will. |
| Meaning of 'prophet or spiritual' | The phrase refers to those with spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and discernment. | Whether this includes all believers who are spiritually mature or only those with special offices like prophets. |
| Consequences for rejecting Paul | To reject Paul's teaching is to show oneself spiritually ignorant. | Whether this ignorance is final judgment or a pastoral warning that can be repented of. |
| Relationship to Christ's commands | Paul's command is consistent with the teaching of Jesus and the earlier apostles. | Whether Paul claims a new revelation from Christ or simply applies the existing teaching of Jesus to the Corinthian situation. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Corinthian church was blessed with an abundance of spiritual gifts, but also plagued by pride and disorder. In chapter 14, Paul addresses the misuse of speaking in tongues and prophecy in worship. The surrounding verses show his frustration: 'What!? Was it from you that the word of God went out?' (v.36). The Corinthians acted as if they had no need for instruction from an apostle. They prided themselves on being 'spiritual' (πνευματικός), a term Paul has used earlier to distinguish those with the Spirit from the merely natural man (1 Cor 2:15). But their behavior contradicted that claim. Paul therefore lays down a test: if you are truly a prophet or spiritual person, you will recognize that what I write is the Lord's command. This echoes Christ's own words in Luke 10:16: 'Whoever listens to you listens to me.' Paul is not inventing new authority; he is exercising the authority Christ gave him as an apostle. In the ancient Mediterranean world, prophets were seen as mouthpieces of the gods. Some Corinthians may have thought their direct revelations superseded Paul's authority. Paul counters by asserting that his own apostolic teaching is the ultimate revelation. He does not ask them to evaluate his teaching neutrally; he tells them that if they are genuine, they will already recognize it. The verb ἐπιγινωσκέτω implies a recognition that comes from being spiritually attuned. As Poole writes, a true prophet first consults the mind and will of God, then faithfully communicates it. Paul is saying that his teaching matches the mind of God, and any truly spiritual person will see that. This is a high claim, but one Paul makes because his authority comes from the Lord whom he serves.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Greek text is stable across the major manuscript families. In a few later manuscripts the case endings vary, but these do not affect the meaning.
Reception History
In the early church, this verse was used to affirm that Paul's letters carry apostolic authority equal to the Old Testament. Irenaeus and Tertullian cited Paul's writings as Scripture, and this verse underpinned that view. During the Reformation, both Protestant and Catholic interpreters agreed that Paul claims his teaching is from the Lord, though they differed on how that authority is mediated today. In the charismatic renewal of the twentieth century, this verse became a key text for testing prophecy: a true prophetic word will always align with Scripture. Most recently, it has been used in discussions about the role of women in ministry, as the immediate context includes restrictions on women speaking in church. However, the verse itself has been read consistently as a claim of divine authority for Paul's apostolic instruction.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Claim of Authority: Paul states that his writings are the Lord's command.
- The Test of Spirituality: True prophets and spiritual people will recognize this.
- The Consequence of Rejection: To be ignorant of this is to prove oneself not spiritual (v.38).
Five-point outline
- Paul addresses those who consider themselves prophets or spiritual.
- He calls them to recognize his apostolic authority.
- His authority is not merely human; it is the Lord's command.
- Recognition is a mark of genuine spirituality.
- Rejection reveals ignorance (applying v.38).
Illustration hooks
- A master musician who insists on following the composer's score, while amateur players improvise and claim it's more spiritual.
- A medical student who thinks he knows better than the textbook, ignoring the professor's instructions. He may be enthusiastic, but he is not truly learned.
- A gifted public speaker who speaks extemporaneously but refuses to follow the agreed outline; the team questions his commitment to the mission.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How do I know if my spiritual experience is genuine or just emotional?
- Should I submit to church leaders even when I think I have a direct word from God?
- What does it mean for Paul's words to be the commandment of the Lord, does that apply to the whole Bible?
Leading a Discussion
This verse challenges the Corinthians' pride and calls them to measure their spirituality by their submission to apostolic authority. It raises an uncomfortable question for us as well: do we submit to Scripture even when it confronts our own spiritual experiences?
Discussion questions
- What does it mean for Paul to say his writings are 'the commandment of the Lord'?
- Why do you think Paul uses the phrase 'if any man thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual'?
- According to this verse, what is the test of a true prophet or spiritual person?
- How does this verse connect to Paul's larger argument about order in worship (vv.26-40)?
- In what ways might we be tempted to prioritize our own spiritual experiences over the clear teaching of Scripture?
- How can we cultivate humility so that we recognize God's authority in the Bible and in godly leaders?
- What does this verse teach us about the relationship between spiritual gifts and submission to God's word?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Numbers 24:3 | He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; |
| Numbers 24:4 | he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: |
| Numbers 24:16 | he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: |
| Luke 10:16 | Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” |
| Romans 12:3 | For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. |
| I Corinthians 7:25 | Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy. |
| I Corinthians 7:40 | But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God’s Spirit. |
| I Corinthians 8:2 | But if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he doesn’t yet know as he ought to know. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke insists that a person who is genuinely spiritual and qualified to teach will recognise that Paul's instructions come from the same Holy Spirit. Such a person accepts Paul's writings as God's own commands that must be obeyed.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes argues that the true test of someone claiming to be a prophet or spiritually gifted is their willingness to submit to Paul's apostolic authority. Those truly influenced by the Holy Spirit will acknowledge Paul's commands as the Lord's and obey them. Genuine religious zeal always shows itself by a sacred regard for Scripture and church order; zeal that disregards these is false.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses that Paul's boldness to pronounce judgment on those who reject his teaching comes from his certain knowledge that his words are directly from God. This confidence is not for every teacher to claim, but only for one who, like Paul, is a true instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that being a prophet was not a matter of official appointment or ordination, but of actually possessing the prophetic gift. The real test of such a claim was a person’s willingness to submit to Christ’s commands as the appointed ruler of the Church.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note stresses that Paul makes a decisive claim: his writings carry divine authority. Anyone who considers themselves a prophet or spiritually mature must submit to this test, acknowledging that Paul's instructions are the Lord's own commands. True spiritual discernment bows to apostolic Scripture.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill argues that a genuine prophet or spiritually gifted person will recognize Paul's instructions as Christ's own commands, not merely human opinions. True spiritual discernment leads to acknowledging apostolic authority, because what the apostles wrote under inspiration carries the same weight as if Christ himself had spoken it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that when Paul calls his own writings the Lord's commandments, he makes a direct claim to divine inspiration. He then appeals to the entire Corinthian church as witnesses that they received the Spirit's power through his ministry, that miraculous gifts were real among them, and that their prophets could recognize his letter as Scripture.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues that speaking in tongues operates solely in the spirit, bypassing the understanding, so it can only edify the speaker unless interpreted. Prophecy, by contrast, engages the understanding and directly builds up the whole church through intelligible words. Therefore, he insists that the congregation's edification must take priority over any personal spiritual experience.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees Paul rebuking the Corinthians for their arrogant and disruptive use of spiritual gifts. He stresses that the gospel did not originate with them nor is it limited to them, so they must not abandon the orderly practices of all other churches. Paul's instructions are the Lord's command, and any true spiritual person will acknowledge this.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley argues that the true test of someone claiming to be spiritual is whether they acknowledge the apostle's words as written by the Spirit. Extraordinary gifts must be proven by submission to this divine authority.