1 Corinthians

1611 King James Version (KJV)

1 Corinthians 14:20

“Brethren, bee not children in vnderstanding: how be it, in malice be yee children, but in vnderstanding be men.”

1611 King James Version (KJV)




Viewing the original 1611 KJV with archaic English spelling.
Click to switch to the Standard KJV.

Other Translations for 1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
- King James Version

Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
- American Standard Version (1901)

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

Brethren, be not children in [your] minds, but in malice be babes; but in [your] minds be grown [men].
- Darby Bible

Brethren, be not children in understanding: yet in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
- Webster's Bible

Brethren, do not prove yourselves to be children in your minds. As regards evil, indeed, be utter babes, but as regards your minds prove yourselves to be men of ripe years.
- Weymouth Bible

Brothers, don't be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.
- World English Bible

Britheren, nyle ye be maad children in wittis, but in malice be ye children; but in wittis be ye parfit.
- Wycliffe Bible

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

Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:20

Wesley's Notes for 1 Corinthians 14:20

14:20 Be not children in understanding - This is an admirable stroke of true oratory! to bring down the height of their spirits, by representing that wherein they prided themselves most, as mere folly and childishness. In wickedness be ye infants - Have all the innocence of that tender age. But in understanding be ye grown men - Knowing religion was not designed to destroy any of our natural faculties, but to exalt and improve them, our reason in particular.


People's Bible Notes for 1 Corinthians 14:20


1Co 14:20 Be not children in understanding. Use manly good sense and judgment in the church. To babble in an unknown tongue is like a child. Howbeit in malice be ye children. To vainly choose a course that would merely excite wonder, and not edify, would seem to partake of malice rather than love.

Bible Options

Sponsored Links