1 Corinthians 14:20

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1 Corinthians 14:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

King James Version KJV

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

American Standard Version ASV

Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.

Bible in Basic English BBE

My brothers, do not be children in mind: in evil be as little children, but in mind be of full growth.

Free Bible Version FBV

Brothers and sisters, don't think like children. Be as innocent as babies in regard to evil, but be grown up in your understanding.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Brethren, be not children in vnderstanding, but as concerning maliciousnes be children, but in vnderstanding be of a ripe age.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Brethren, become not children in the understanding, but in the evil be ye babes, and in the understanding become ye perfect;

World English Bible WEB

Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Brethren, be not children in understanding: yet in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Brethren, do not become children in sense: but in malice be children, and in sense be perfect.

Translation for Translators T4T

My fellow believers, stop being like little children in the way that you think about these abilities that God’s Spirit gives. Instead, think about them in a mature way. If you really want to be like little children, do as few wicked things as babies do!

Plain English Version PEV

My Christian friends, don’t be like little kids in the way you think. You know, little kids don’t know much about anything. They don’t understand really bad things. So whenever you think about bad things, be like little kids. But whenever you think about anything else, be grown up people. Think properly and understand things properly.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 14:20

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Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 14:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αδελφοι μη παιδια γινεσθε ταις φρεσιν αλλα τη κακια νηπιαζετε ταις δε φρεσιν τελειοι γινεσθε

αδελφοι adelphos G80 brother Noun-VPM

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

παιδια paidion G3813 child Noun-NPN

γινεσθε ginomai G1096 to be Verb-PNM-2P

ταις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPF

φρεσιν phrēn G5424 thinking Noun-DPF

αλλα alla G235 but Conj

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

κακια kakia G2549 evil Noun-DSF

νηπιαζετε nēpiazō G3515 be childlike Verb-PAM-2P

ταις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPF

δε de G1161 then Conj

φρεσιν phrēn G5424 thinking Noun-DPF

τελειοι teleios G5046 perfect Adj-NPM

γινεσθε ginomai G1096 to be Verb-PNM-2P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 14:20

αδελφοι adelphos G80 "brother" Noun-VPM

The Greek word for brother refers to a male sibling or a fellow Christian, as seen in Matthew 1:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:1. It implies a close relationship.

Definition: ἀδελφός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀ- copul., δελφύς, womb), in cl., a brother, born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja., 102f.), for אָח ;] __1. lit. of a brother (Gen.4:2, al.). __2. Of a neighbour (Lev.19:17). __3. Of a member of the same nation (Exo.2:14, Deu.15:3). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mat.1:2, al.; 2. Mat.7:3; 3. Rom.9:3) and also, __4. of a fellow-Christian: 1Co.1:1, Act.9:30. This usage finds illustration in π., where ἀ. is used of members of a pagan religious community (M, Th., I, 1:4; MM, VGT, see word). The ἀδελφοὶ τ. Κυρίου (Mat.12:46-49 13:55 28:10, Mrk.3:31-34, Luk.8:19-21, Jhn.2:12 7:3, 5 10 20:17, Act.1:14, 1Co.9:5) may have been sons of Joseph and Mary (Mayor, Ja., Intr. viff.; DB, i, 320ff.) or of Joseph by a former marriage (Lft., Gal., 252ff.; DCG, i, 232ff.), but the view of Jerome, which makes ἀ. equivalent to ἀνεψιός, is inconsistent with Greek usage. (Cremer, 66.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 318 NT verses. KJV: brother See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:37; 1 Peter 5:12.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

παιδια paidion G3813 "child" Noun-NPN

A child refers to a young person, either a boy or girl, who is still in the early stages of development, as seen in Matthew 2:8-9 and Luke 1:59. This term can also be used to describe an immature Christian.

Definition: παιδίον, -ου, τό dimin, of παῖς, [in LXX chiefly for יֶלֶד, also for נַעַר, בֵּן, etc., frequently in To in ref. to full-grown youth ;] a young child, a little one: Mat.2:8-9, 11, ff., Luk.1:59, 66 1:76, 80 2:17, 27 2:40, Jhn.16:21, Heb.11:23; of older children, Mat.18:2, 4-5, Mrk.5:39-41 7:30 9:24, 36, Luk.9:47-48 18:17, Jhn.4:49; in pl., Mat.11:16 14:21 15:38 18:3 19:13-14, Mrk.7:28 10:13 ff., Luk.7:32 11:7 18:16, Heb.2:13-14 Metaphorical, 1Co.14:20. Colloq. in familiar address (as Eng. colloq., "lads "-see M, Pr., 170n and Irish use of "boys"): Jhn.21:5, 1Jn.2:13 Jn 2:18 Jn 3:7 † SYN.: see: παῖς (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 48 NT verses. KJV: (little, young) child, damsel See also: 1 Corinthians 14:20; Mark 5:41; Hebrews 2:13.

γινεσθε ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-PNM-2P

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

ταις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φρεσιν phrēn G5424 "thinking" Noun-DPF

In biblical Greek, this word refers to the mind or thoughts, as in 1 Corinthians 14:20, where it describes spiritual understanding.

Definition: φρήν genitive, φρενός, ἡ, [in LXX most frequently in Pr (Pro.6:32, al.) and chiefly for לֵב; also 3Ma.4:16 3Mac 5:47 ;] chiefly in Hom. and Trag., but also in Plat., al., both sing. and pl.; __1. in physical sense, the parts about the heart, midriff. __2. heart, mind, thought: pl., 1Co.14:20 (see Edwards, Eng.-Gr. Lex., App., 1).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: understanding See also: 1 Corinthians 14:20.

αλλα alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κακια kakia G2549 "evil" Noun-DSF

This word means 'evil', describing badness or wickedness, as in Acts 8:22 and Romans 1:29. It refers to moral depravity or trouble. This concept is opposed to goodness and virtue.

Definition: κακία, -ας, ἡ (κακός), [in LXX chiefly for רָאָה ;] __1. badness in quality (opposite to ἀρετή, excellence). __2. wickedness, depravity, malignity: Act.8:22, Rom.1:29, 1Co.5:8 14:20, Eph.4:31, Col.3:8, Tit.3:3, Jas.1:21, 1Pe.2:1 2:16. __3. In late Gk., evil, trouble, affliction (Amo.3:6, 1Ki.6:9, Ecc.7:15, Sir.19:6, al.): Mat.6:34 (cf. MM, Exp., xv).† SYN.: (πονηρία) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: evil, malice(-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness See also: 1 Corinthians 5:8; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1.

νηπιαζετε nēpiazō G3515 "be childlike" Verb-PAM-2P

To be childlike means acting innocently and sincerely, like a baby, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:20. It's about being genuine and humble. This concept is important in Christian teachings.

Definition: νηπιάζω (νήπιος), (Hippocr., = νηπιαχεύω, Hom.) to be a babe: 1Co.14:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: be a child See also: 1 Corinthians 14:20.

ταις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

φρεσιν phrēn G5424 "thinking" Noun-DPF

In biblical Greek, this word refers to the mind or thoughts, as in 1 Corinthians 14:20, where it describes spiritual understanding.

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: understanding See also: 1 Corinthians 14:20.

τελειοι teleios G5046 "perfect" Adj-NPM

This word describes something or someone as complete or mature, like a fully grown person. In Philippians 3:15, it refers to being spiritually mature, and in Hebrews 5:14, it describes those who are mature in their faith.

Definition: τέλειος, -α, -ον (τέλος), [in LXX chiefly for שָׁלֵם, תָּמִים and cogn. forms ;] having reached its end, finished, mature, complete, perfect; __1. of persons, primarily of physical development, __(a) full-grown, mature: Heb.5:14; ethically: Php.3:15; opposite to νήπιος (-άζειν), 1Co.2:6 14:20, Eph.4:13; τ. καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι, Col.4:12; τ. ἐν Χριστῷ, Col.1:28; __(b) complete, perfect (expressing the simple idea of complete goodness, without reference either to maturity or to the philosophical idea of a τέλος; see Hort on Jas.1:4): Mat.5:48 19:21, Jas.1:4 3:2; of God, Mat.5:48. __2. Of things, complete, perfect: Rom.12:2; ἔργον, Jas.1:4; νόμος, Jas.1:25; δώρημα, Jas.1:17; ἀγάπη, 1Jn.4:18; τὸ τ., 1Co.13:10; compar., τελειοτέρα (σκηνή), Heb.9:11. (There is probably no reference in St. Paul's usage to the use of this term in the ancient mysteries; cf. ICC on Col.1:28; but see also Lft., in l, and Notes, 173 f.) † SYN.: see: ὁλόκληρος (and cf. Rendall, He., 158 ff.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: of full age, man, perfect See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 5:14.

γινεσθε ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-PNM-2P

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 14:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:20

Context — Prophecy and Tongues

18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

21It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.” 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 2:2	Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
2	1 Corinthians 13:11	When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.
3	Romans 16:19	Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
4	Matthew 18:3	“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
5	Ephesians 4:14–15	Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.
6	Philippians 1:9	And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
7	Mark 10:15	Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
8	1 Corinthians 2:6	Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
9	2 Peter 3:18	But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
10	Matthew 11:25	At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

1 Corinthians 14:20 Summary

[This verse is encouraging us to grow up in our faith and to think more maturely about our relationship with God. It's not about being naive or unaware of the world, but about being innocent and pure in our hearts, like a child. As we seek to mature in our thinking, we can look to Scripture for guidance, such as in Psalms 119:97-100, where the psalmist talks about the joy of meditating on God's Word. By seeking to understand and apply God's Word to our lives, we can become more mature in our thinking and live a life that honors Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to stop thinking like children?

This means to leave behind immature and simplistic thinking, instead embracing a more mature and thoughtful approach to faith, as seen in Ephesians 4:14-15 where we are called to grow up in our faith.

Why should we be infants in regard to evil?

Being infants in evil means being innocent and unaware of evil, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:3, where He says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven, with a childlike trust and humility.

How can we be mature in our thinking?

To be mature in thinking means to have a deep understanding of God's Word and to apply it to our lives, as seen in Hebrews 5:14, where solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Is this verse talking about spiritual gifts or spiritual maturity?

While the surrounding context discusses spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy, this specific verse is focused on spiritual maturity, encouraging believers to grow up in their faith and thinking, as also taught in 1 Peter 2:2-3.

Reflection Questions

What areas of my life am I still thinking like a child, and how can I seek maturity in those areas?
In what ways can I cultivate a childlike innocence in regard to evil, while still being aware of the dangers of the world?
How can I balance being mature in my thinking with being humble and dependent on God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
What are some practical steps I can take to train myself to distinguish good from evil, and to grow in spiritual maturity?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding,.... There are some things in children in which it is reproachful for believers to be like them; as nonproficiency in knowledge, want of capacity to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. Brethren - an appellation to conciliate their favourable attention.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20

Be not children in understanding; in understanding the differences of gifts, and which are more excellent, or of the right use of gifts. Howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men; you are commanded indeed in something to be like little children, , but it is not to be understood with relation to knowledge and understanding, but with reference to innocence and malice, which is opposite to it; ye ought to study to be men in understanding, though with respect to innocence ye ought to be as little children.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. Ver. 20. Be not children] Mentibus scilicet, sed moribus, Matthew 18:3. In malice be ye children] In innocence and ignoscence. In understanding be men] Is it not a shame to have no more understanding at 80 than at eight years of age?

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20

(20) Howbeit in malice be ye children.—Better, however in evil be ye infants. There are three grades spoken of here in the original—infants, children, full-grown men. Their conduct in exalting these “tongues,” against which he has been warning them, is a proof that they are yet children in knowledge. They ought to be full-grown; the only thing in which they ought to be children is evil, and in that they cannot be too young, too inexperienced; they should be merely “infants.” (A similar thought occurs in 1 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 13:10-11.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20

Verse 20. Be not children in understanding] There are three words here to which we must endeavour to affix the proper sense. 1. παιδια signifies children in general, but particularly such as are grown up, so as to be fit to send to school in order to receive instruction; 2. νηπιος, from νη, not, and ειπω, I speak, signifies an infant; one that cannot yet speak, and is in the lowest stage of infancy; 3. τελειοι, from τελεω, I complete or perfect, signifies those who are arrived at perfect maturity, both of growth and understanding. We shall now see the apostle's meaning: Brethren, be not, παιδια, as little children, just beginning to go to school, in order to learn the first elements of their mother tongue, and with an understanding only sufficient to apprehend those elements. In malice] κακια, In wickedness, νηπιαζετε, be ye as infants, who neither speak, do, nor purpose evil. But in understanding] τελειοιγινεσθε, Be ye perfect men, whose vigour of body, and energy of mind show a complete growth, and a well cultivated understanding.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:20

20. howbeit in malice be ye children] This is subjoined lest the Apostle should be charged with contradicting his Master. There is a sense in which all Christians must be children. What it is the Apostle tells us. They were to be children in malice, or rather perhaps vice. Compare on the one hand St Matthew 11:25; Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:14; 1 Peter 2:2; on the other, ch. 1 Corinthians 3:1; Ephesians 4:14; and Hebrews 5:12. See also St Matthew 10:16; Romans 16:19.men] Literally, perfect, i.e. of ripe age. Cf. ch. 1 Corinthians 2:6; Philippians 3:15; Hebrews 5:14.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding - Be not childish; do not behave like little children. They admire, and are astonished at what is striking, novel, and what may be of no real utility.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:20

20. Brethren—Beginning on another key, with an affectionate confidential undertone, yet of reproof. Children—They were like children preferring profitless sound to profitable thought.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:20

	Sermon	Description
	What to Forget and What to Remember by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again in order to enter God's kingdom. He shares the story of D.L. Moody, a renowned evangelist, who preached th
	The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our minds. He lists seven or eight things that we should avoid in order to cultivate a love for God. Th
	New Year Message 2 of 4 :Be Like a Little Child by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of becoming like little children in God's kingdom, focusing on humility, dependence on God, transparency, teachability, and freedom from criti
	The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Ceased by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 11. The speaker mentions that Paul had many companions during his missionary journeys, including Silas, Timothy
	The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God's Word, highlighting the need to diligently study the Bible to grow in heavenly wisdom. It stresses the significanc
	God's Program for Maturity by Derek Prince	Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of coming under the discipline of God-given ministries listed in Ephesians 4:11, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teache
	Break Up Your Fallow Ground by Richard E. Bieber	Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of breaking up the fallow ground in our lives, which represents areas of stagnation and unproductivity. He emphasizes that often, it ta