What then…? represents the same Greek phrase that is translated “What am I to do?” in verse 15. Most translations agree with Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible that the expression refers to action in verse 15, and to the course of the argument in verse 26. The reason for this is no doubt that verse 15b mentions something Paul will do, while in the present passage, verse 26b contains a brief description of the situation. Recommendations for action begin only at verse 27. However, An American Translation (“then what is the right course, brothers?”) and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible think that Paul refers to action here; similarly New Revised Standard Version “What should be done, then, my friends?” Such an interpretation is possible, since the general tone of the section is practical. Moffatt‘s translation “Very well then” leaves the matter open in both places.
Brethren refers to “fellow Christians,” not to actual family members.
Good News Bible adds the words “for worship” after come together (“meet”). Translators can also do this, as the rest of the verse and also verse 23 strongly suggest that Paul has a full church meeting in mind.
The hymn would probably be, not an Old Testament psalm, but a Christian hymn as in Eph 5.19. Has a hymn may be rendered as “sings a hymn.”
A lesson (Good News Bible‘s “teaching”) is rather awkward in English. Another possible translation is “something to teach” or “teaches something.” Paul does not mention Christian prophecy in this verse. This may indicate that the meanings of “prophecy” and “teaching” overlap. Prophecy in a Christian setting is inspired teaching.
A revelation: “from God” (Good News Bible) is implied. For the meaning of revelation, see the comments on 1 Cor. 14.6. There is no suggestion here of revelation at the end of time. In some languages it may be preferable to say “something to reveal from God” or “speaks a message that God has revealed.”
A tongue: see the comments on 1 Cor. 14.6. One may render this phrase as “speaks a message in strange sounds.”
An interpretation is really “an explanation” (Good News Bible). This clause may also be rendered as “can explain what is said in the strange sounds.”
Let all things be done for edification can be rendered as “you should do everything in order to help and build up the believers.”
Good News Bible‘s linking words “one person … another … and still another” probably bring out the meaning more clearly than Revised Standard Version‘s literal each one. However, throughout this passage (verses 23, 24, 26, 31) Paul insists strongly that all the Corinthian Christians have, or at least can and should have, spiritual gifts. The translation should therefore avoid giving the impression that if a Christian had one spiritual gift, he could not have other gifts.
Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .