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1 Corinthians 14:4

Fellowship and the church

2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
KJV
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
WEB
He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.
ASV
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
DARBY
He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies [the] assembly.
BLB
The one speaking in a tongue edifies himself, but the one prophesying edifies the church.
ÅB
Den som taler med tunge, oppbygger seg selv; men den som taler profetisk, oppbygger menigheten.
OTB
Den som taler med tunger, oppbygger seg selv, men den som profeterer, oppbygger menigheten.
B1930
Den som taler med tunge, opbygger sig selv; men den som taler profetisk, opbygger menigheten.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Corinthians 14:22

    Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

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  • 1 Corinthians 14:26

    What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

    Read in context

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

    Read in context

  • 1 Corinthians 14:17–19

    You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.

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  • 1 Corinthians 14:3

    But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

    Read in context

  • 1 Corinthians 14:5

    I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

    Read in context

  • 1 Corinthians 13:2

    If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

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  • 1 Corinthians 14:12

    It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

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