1 Corinthians 4:20
New International Version
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

New Living Translation
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

English Standard Version
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.

Berean Standard Bible
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

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

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

New King James Version
For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

New American Standard Bible
For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.

NASB 1995
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.

NASB 1977
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.

Amplified Bible
For the kingdom of God is not based on talk but on power.

Christian Standard Bible
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

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

Contemporary English Version
God's kingdom isn't just a lot of words. It is power.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God's kingdom is not just talk, it is power.

Good News Translation
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words but of power.

International Standard Version
for the kingdom of God isn't just talk, but also power.

Majority Standard Bible
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

NET Bible
For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power.

New Heart English Bible
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Weymouth New Testament
For Apostolic authority is not a thing of words, but of power.

World English Bible
For God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for not in word is the Kingdom of God, but in power.

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

Young's Literal Translation
for not in word is the reign of God, but in power?

Smith's Literal Translation
For the kingdom of God not in word, but in power.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For the kingdom of God is not in speech, but in power.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in virtue.

New American Bible
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

New Revised Standard Version
For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the kingdom of God is not in the word, but in power.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For The Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For the kingdom of God is not in speech, but in power.

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

Haweis New Testament
For the kingdom of God is not in talk, but in power.

Mace New Testament
for the gospel dispensation does not consist in talk, but in power.

Weymouth New Testament
For Apostolic authority is not a thing of words, but of power.

Worrell New Testament
for the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Worsley New Testament
for the kingdom of God consisteth not in speech, but in power.
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Warns his Children
19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have. 20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?…

Cross References
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Luke 17:20-21
When asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. / Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

1 Thessalonians 1:5
because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.

Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Matthew 12:28
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

John 3:3-5
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

Ephesians 3:16-17
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, / so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Daniel 2:44
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.


Treasury of Scripture

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

1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

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:

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.

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Apostolic Authority Consist Kingdom Matter Power Reign Talk Word Words
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Apostolic Authority Consist Kingdom Matter Power Reign Talk Word Words
1 Corinthians 4
1. In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.
7. We have nothing which we have not received.
9. The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men;
13. the filth and offscouring of the world;
15. yet our fathers in Christ;
16. whom we ought to follow.














For
The word "for" serves as a conjunction that connects this verse to the preceding context. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses the Corinthians' pride and divisions, emphasizing the need for humility and unity. The use of "for" indicates that what follows is a reason or explanation for his previous statements. It sets the stage for understanding the nature of God's kingdom, contrasting it with mere human wisdom or eloquence.

the kingdom of God
This phrase refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future eschatological fulfillment. In Greek, "kingdom" is "basileia," which implies sovereignty and authority. The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's active rule in the hearts of believers and His ultimate dominion over all creation. Historically, the Jewish expectation of God's kingdom was a political and nationalistic hope, but Jesus redefined it as a spiritual reality that transcends earthly power.

is not a matter of talk
The Greek word for "talk" is "logos," which can mean word, speech, or reason. Here, Paul contrasts empty rhetoric with genuine spiritual authority. In the Corinthian context, there were many who prided themselves on eloquent speech and philosophical debate. However, Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not about persuasive words or intellectual arguments. This serves as a reminder that true Christian faith is not demonstrated through mere verbal expression but through the transformative power of God.

but of power
The word "power" in Greek is "dynamis," which denotes strength, ability, and miraculous power. This power is the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, enabling them to live out the gospel with authenticity and impact. Historically, the early church experienced this power through signs, wonders, and the bold proclamation of the gospel, which led to the rapid spread of Christianity despite persecution. Scripturally, this power is evident in the resurrection of Christ, the greatest demonstration of God's power over sin and death. For believers, it is a call to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than human strength, allowing God's power to manifest in their lives and communities.

Verse 20. - The kingdom of God. The Christian life, with all its attainments and all its hopes. Is not in word, but in power. It is not a matter of profession, or of eloquence, or of phrases, but of transforming efficacy. St. Paul always appeals for the corroboration of his authority to the signs and power of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 10:45; Romans 15:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:5), to the "demonstration" of which he has already referred (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλεία (basileia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God [is]
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

a matter of
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

talk
λόγῳ (logō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

of
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

power.
δυνάμει (dynamei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 4:19
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