Note 25 at 1 Cor. 14:37: The Greek word here is "pneumatikos" and is translated "spiritual" 26 times in the King James Version. Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon states that "pneumatikos" in this verse as well as in 1 Corinthians 2:15 and Galatians 6:1 means "one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God" (Thayer). Lawrence O. Richards states, "It's (pneumatikos) basic function is to identify the thing described as belonging to the realm of the Spirit...When the adjective (pneumatikos) is used as a noun, it may be translated 'that which is spiritual'" (EDBW, p. 577).

Pneumatikos is used to describe spiritual gifts (Rom. 1:11; 1 Cor. 12:1; 14:1), the law (Rom. 7:14), spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), spiritual truths (1 Cor. 2:13), spiritual persons (1 Cor. 2:15; 3:1; Gal. 6:1), spiritual things (1 Cor. 9:11), spiritual food and drink (1 Cor. 10:3-4), the resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:44, 46), spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), spiritual wickedness (Eph. 6:12), spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9), and a spiritual house (1 Pet. 2:5).

Note 26 at 1 Cor. 14:37: Paul is claiming that his instructions are in fact "the commandments of the Lord." His claim to divine inspiration is a fact that should not be overlooked.

Many people when thinking about "commandments" only think in terms of restriction, , barriers, etc., but in truth God's principles are the guidelines between "life and death, blessing and cursing" (Dt. 30:15-19).

Many Old and New Testament Greek and Hebrew words are translated into our English words "command" or "commandments." Of the most outstanding in Hebrew is "Peh," "tsavah," and "mitsvah." "Peh" is found over 500 times in the Old Testament and carries the idea that God is Lord and speaks with authority, He's the God that communicates and speaks to His people. "Tsavah" means to command, charge, or give orders. "Mitsvah" is used in translating our English word "commandments" in most cases. As to the Greek usage, "entold" (noun) and "entellomai" (verb) are some of the most important. "Entole" is the word that Paul uses in this passage (v. 37), and has a general meaning of "an injunction, charge, precept, commandment. It is the most frequent term, and is used of moral and religious precepts" (W.E. Vine). Here, Paul is using "entole" to give directions as an apostle and states that those who are spiritual will recognize his apostolic authority, that he is speaking the very commandments of the Lord.

Just as there is a new covenant to replace the old, there are new commands that are now to guide the believer. Whereas, the old covenant commands were much more explicit-to regulate how to worship, what day to worship, what to eat, what not to eat-the new covenant believer is guided much more by principles than by detailed instructions. He is now indwelt by the Holy Spirit and is governed by love as a guiding principle (see note 4 at Jn. 13:35, p. 483; see note 3 at Rom. 12:10, p. 830). The New Testament commands are principles, showing the believer how to manifest and express the love that God has placed in his heart by the Holy Spirit (1 Jn. 5:3; 2 Jn. 6). While the Old Testament commandments dealt only with outward behavior, the new covenant looks at the motives of the heart and has empowered us, through the reality of a renewed heart and a new spirit (Ezek. 36:26-27).