1 Corinthians 14:5
3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
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?
7 Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- 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.
- KJV
- I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
- WEB
- Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.
- ASV
- Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
- DARBY
- Now I desire that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy. But greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.
- BLB
- Now I wish [for] all of you⁺ to speak in tongues, but rather that you⁺ may prophesy. And the one prophesying [is] greater than the one speaking in tongues, except if he may interpret, so that the church might receive edification.
- ÅB
- Allikevel ønsker jeg at dere alle talte med tunger, men heller at dere talte profetisk; den som taler profetisk, er større enn den som taler med tunger, medmindre han tyder det, så at menigheten kan få oppbyggelse av det.
- OTB
- Jeg skulle ønske at dere alle talte med tunger, men enda mer at dere profeterte; større er den som profeterer enn den som taler med tunger, med mindre noen tolker, så menigheten kan bli oppbygget.
- B1930
- Allikevel ønsker jeg at I alle talte med tunger, men heller at I talte profetisk; den som taler profetisk, er større enn den som taler med tunger, medmindre han tyder det, så at menigheten kan få opbyggelse av det.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
Read in context1 Corinthians 12:28–30
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Read in context1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
Read in contextNumbers 11:28–29
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
Read in contextMark 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 context1 Corinthians 14:3–4
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
Read in context1 Corinthians 14:12–13
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Read in context1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Read in context