1 Corinthians 4 · Verse 20

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
1 Corinthians 4:20, King James Version

1 Corinthians 4:20 in other translations

BSBFor the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
WEBFor God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.
ASVFor the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
YLTfor not in word is the reign of God, but in power?
DARBYFor the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
BBEFor the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
WebsterFor the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

What does 1 Corinthians 4:20 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
20. kingdom of God is not in word--Translate, as in 1Co 4:19, to which the reference is "speech." Not empty "speeches," but the manifest "power" of the Spirit attests the presence of "the kingdom of God" (the reign of the Gospel spiritually), in a church or in an individual (compare 1Co 2:1, 4; 1Th 1:5).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 20. For the kingdom of God. The reign of God in the church, Mt 3:2; meaning here, probably, the power or authority which was to be exercised in the government and discipline of the church. Or it may refer to the manner in which the church had been established. "It has not been set up by empty boasting; by pompous pretensions; by confident assertions. Such empty boasts would do little in the great work of founding, governing, and preserving the church; and unless men have some higher powers than this, they are not qualified to be religious teachers and guides."

But in power.

(1.) In the miraculous power by which the church was established--the power of the Saviour and of the apostles in working miracles.

(2.) In the power of the Holy Ghost in the gift of tongues, and in his influence on the heart in converting men. 1Cor 1:18.

(3.) In the continual power which is needful to protect, defend, and govern the church. Unless teachers showed that they had such power, they were not qualified for their office.

(c) "kingdom of God" Rom 14:17 (|) "word" "speech"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 20 For the kingdom of God - The religion of the Lord Jesus is not in word - in human eloquence, excellence of speech, or even in doctrines; but in power, εν δυναμει, in the mighty energy of the Holy Spirit; enlightening, quickening, converting, and sanctifying believers; and all his genuine apostles are enabled, on all necessary occasions, to demonstrate the truth of their calling by miracles; for this the original word often means.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and…

Read the full comment on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 →

1 Corinthians 4:20 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

οὐouNotG3756
γὰρgarforG1063
ἐνeninG1722
λόγῳlogōwordG3056
ἡhētheG3588
βασιλείαbasileiakingdomG932
τοῦtou<the>G3588
θεοῦtheouof God [is]G2316
ἀλλ᾽all᾽butG235
ἐνeninG1722
δυνάμει.¶dunameipower.G1411

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 1 Corinthians 4:20

  • 1 Corinthians 2:4

    And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5

    For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

    (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

  • Romans 14:17

    For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

  • Romans 1:16

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  • Romans 15:19

    Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24

    But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1:24; 2:4; Ro 1:16; 14:17; 15:19; 2Co 10:4,5; 1Th 1:5

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • 1 Corinthians 4:19

    But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:20

    For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:21

    What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Read all of 1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:20 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Porque el reino de Dios no consiste en palabras, sino en virtud.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Car le royaume de Dieu n’est pas en parole, mais en puissance.
German
Elberfelder 1871		denn das Reich Gottes besteht nicht im Worte, sondern in Kraft.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Non enim in sermone est regnum Dei, sed in virtute.