What did Paul mean when he said that “God is not the author of confusion?” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
When people say that “God is not the author of confusion,” they are quoting from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 14:33. I think we overuse this verse as a way to justify that if something someone says is confusing to us, then it must be from the enemy because “God would never cause confusion on His people.” This is what many Christians believe.
I’d like to take some time to examine this verse and put it into context, because this verse in particular is often used as a way to dismiss someone’s exhortation to deeper understanding because it challenges others in a way that may be unfamiliar to them. Of course, that can be confusing.
But...Is confusion always from the enemy? Is it possible for the Most High to cause confusion?
Let’s highlight some Scriptures that point to a time in which Yahuah (God) has caused confusion among people.
“Let us go down and confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”
Genesis 11:7
“Thus saith Yahuah, ‘Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land...and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.’”
Jeremiah 13:13
“For Yahuah has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes...”
Isaiah 29:10
(Referring to the partial hardening of Israel until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled): “Elohim (God) has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; until this day."
Romans 11:8
"Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations. I will also choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none answered. When I spoke, none listened. But they did evil before my eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not."
Isaiah 66:3-4
"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause, Elohim (God) shall send them a strong delusion that they should believe the lie."
2 Thessalonians 2:10-11
A common theme we see through studying these verses is that confusion is an act of judgment. Because people choose disobedience, Yahuah warns that He will bring upon them “spiritual drunkenness, delusions, spiritual slumber, etc.” The only way to come out of this confusion is through obedience and seeking Him with all of your heart. And if we choose our own ways instead of His, He will choose our delusions. He puts up stumbling blocks so that we see that our way leads us to destruction. He does this so that we will learn who He is, repent and return to Him and His ways. In doing so, it gives us a clean heart and eyes to see. This is why 2 Thessalonians is a warning to us today. There is a strong delusion that is sent to those who are deceived by unrighteousness and refuse to love the truth.
So, back to Paul.
We see in Scripture that Yahuah does indeed cause confusion, so what does Paul mean by saying that “God is not the author of confusion?”
As with all Scriptures, we need to take into consideration the entire epistle in order to put this verse in context.
Paul is writing this letter to the assembly in Corinth, and one of the big themes here is that Paul is addressing proper behavior among believers in the assembly (church). He is addressing things like headship, immorality with the body of the assembly, the gift of tongues, etc.
So, when we get to that verse (1 Cor. 14:33) it says, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all assemblies of the saints,” it is best understood that Paul is referring to orderly worship within the congregation.
The word ‘confusion’ in Greek is ‘akatastasia’ and it means disorder, commotion, or instability, but it can also mean confusion as well.
A better translation of this that would help us understand the meaning, would be “God is not the author of disorder, but of peace, as in all assemblies of the saints.”
Remember—he is talking to the assembly. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, as you can read for yourself, really highlights the need for order and proper conduct within the congregation (assembly) of the saints.
I don’t believe that this verse has been “mistranslated,” but I do believe that we have taken this verse out of context and misapplied it to the character of our Father, when Paul was actually using that verse to describe order within the body. The reason I say this is because although Yahuah doesn’t want us to be confused, He actually will and does cause confusion. This is not to insinuate or indicate that His character is not good, but it helps us to better understand how He uses confusion among people to execute judgment when we choose rebellion over obedience. We are stubborn children and He loves us and will not stop doing what it takes to get our attention off of this world and in a direction postured to seek His face.
I can only speak for myself, but I am grateful for the stumbling blocks that led me to Him, because the more I sought Him, the more He cleared that path.
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of Elohim and man. Trust in Yahuah with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:1-6
With love,
Stephanie