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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/46_1Co_14_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:12 - Prophecy and Tongues" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/14-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/14-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:11">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:12 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New International Version</a> So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, search for the edification of the church, that you should cause it to abound. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a> Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So you too, since you are eager to possess spiritual gifts, strive to excel for the edification of the church. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So it is with you, since you are so very eager to have spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in ways that will build up the church [spiritually]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you really want spiritual gifts, choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the same way, since you're eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in them so that you help the church grow. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Since you are eager to have the gifts of the Spirit, you must try above everything else to make greater use of those which help to build up the church. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the same way, since you're so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for building up the church. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a> It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the church. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore, seeing that you are ambitious for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in them so as to benefit the Church. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a> So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> so you also, since you are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, seek for the building up of the Assembly that you may abound; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, search for the edification of the church, that you should cause it to abound. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so also ye, since ye are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, for the building up of the assembly seek that ye may abound; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> So also ye, since ye are zealous of spirits, for the building up of the church seek that ye may abound.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So it is with you also. And since you are zealous for what is spiritual, seek the edification of the Church, so that you may abound. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a> So with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the church. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Likewise you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, seek that you may excel in these gifts. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> So also you, because you are zealous of the gifts of The Spirit, seek to excel for the edification of the church.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> So, also, do you, since you greatly desire spiritual gifts, seek to excel to the building up of the church. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> So also you, since you are zealots of spirits, seek that you may abound unto the edification of the church. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> So also ye, if ye zealously affect spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them for the edification of the church. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> But since there is emulation among you concerning spiritual gifts, seek to abound in the exercise of such gifts as tend most to the edification of the church. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore, seeing that you are ambitious for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in them so as to benefit the Church. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> So also ye, since ye are eager for spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them with a view to the edification of the assembly. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> So ye also, since ye are so desirous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound in them to the edification of the church. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=2982" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Prophecy and Tongues</a> …11If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12<a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: Houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">It is the same</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">with you.</a> <a href="/greek/1893.htm" title="1893: epei (Conj) -- Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.">Since</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you are</a> <a href="/greek/2207.htm" title="2207: zēlōtai (N-NMP) -- One who is eagerly devoted to a person or a thing, a zealot. From zeloo; a zealot.">eager to have</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumatōn (N-GNP) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spiritual gifts,</a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: zēteite (V-PMA-2P) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">strive</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4052.htm" title="4052: perisseuēte (V-PSA-2P) -- From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.">excel</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in gifts that</a> <a href="/greek/3619.htm" title="3619: oikodomēn (N-AFS) -- Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.">build up</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsias (N-GFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church.</a> 13Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7</a> Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12</a> to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a> But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-2</a> 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. / 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a> There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ... <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16</a> From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a> Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a> Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14</a> Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6</a> For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Romans 1:11</a> For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a> Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-24.htm">1 Corinthians 10:24</a> No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Even so you, for as much as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.forasmuch.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1</a> Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.<a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7,31</a> But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal… <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Titus 2:14</a> Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.spiritual gifts.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-32.htm">1 Corinthians 14:32</a> And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.seek.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3,4,26</a> But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/15-13.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Building</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/acts/27-43.htm">Desirous</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Edification</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Excel</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Manifestations</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">Try</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Yourselves</a> <a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Zealous</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/1-5.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-15.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Building</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Church</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-2.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">Desirous</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-8.htm">Edification</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Excel</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-30.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-24.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Manifestations</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-32.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-32.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">Try</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">Yourselves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">Zealous</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 14</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Prophecy is commended,</a> 2. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">and preferred before speaking in tongues,</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Both must be referred to edification,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">as to their true and proper end.</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">The true use of each is taught,</a> 27. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">and the abuse rebuked.</a> 34. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Women in the churches.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>It is the same with you. Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, drawing a parallel between their situation and the principles he has been discussing. The Corinthian believers were known for their enthusiasm for spiritual experiences, but Paul emphasizes the need for order and edification. This phrase connects to the broader theme of unity and love in the body of Christ, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/12.htm">1 Corinthians 12-13</a>, where Paul discusses the diversity of gifts and the supremacy of love.Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, The Corinthians were zealous for spiritual manifestations, particularly the more spectacular gifts like speaking in tongues. This eagerness reflects the cultural context of Corinth, a city known for its diversity and fascination with spiritual phenomena. Paul acknowledges their desire but redirects their focus towards a more constructive use of these gifts. This eagerness is reminiscent of the early church's experiences in <a href="/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>, where the Holy Spirit's outpouring was accompanied by various gifts.strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. Paul encourages the Corinthians to prioritize gifts that edify the church community, such as prophecy, teaching, and wisdom. This instruction aligns with the overarching biblical principle of love and service to others, as highlighted in <a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13</a>. The emphasis on building up the church reflects the New Testament's focus on the church as the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>). This call to edification is also seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-16</a>, where the purpose of spiritual gifts is to equip the saints and build up the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is providing guidance on the use of spiritual gifts within the church. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A diverse and dynamic early Christian community known for its spiritual enthusiasm but also for its challenges, including issues related to the use of spiritual gifts. 3. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_gifts.htm">Spiritual Gifts</a> Special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the church. In the context of Corinth, these included gifts like prophecy, tongues, and interpretation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/pursue_edification.htm">Pursue Edification</a> The primary goal of spiritual gifts should be the edification of the church. Believers are encouraged to focus on how their gifts can serve and build up others rather than seeking personal recognition or status. <a href="/topical/e/eagerness_for_gifts.htm">Eagerness for Gifts</a> While it is good to desire spiritual gifts, the motivation should be to contribute positively to the community of believers. This aligns with the Greek word (zelotai), meaning to be zealous or eager, but with the right intent. <a href="/topical/s/strive_for_excellence.htm">Strive for Excellence</a> The Greek word (perisseuete) implies an abundance or excelling. Believers should aim to excel in their gifts, not for personal gain, but to enhance the spiritual growth and unity of the church. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> Recognize that each member of the church has unique gifts, and when used collectively, they contribute to the overall health and mission of the church. This reflects the body metaphor Paul uses in <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/12.htm">1 Corinthians 12</a>. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_the_foundation.htm">Love as the Foundation</a> As emphasized in <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13</a>, love should be the foundation of all actions and the use of spiritual gifts. Without love, even the most impressive gifts are meaningless.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14</a> <a href="/q/what_is_speaking_in_tongues.htm">What is the gift of speaking in tongues?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_a_sin_tax.htm">What is the meaning of Corpus Christi?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'god_isn't_author_of_confusion'.htm">What does "God is not the author of confusion" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_church's_mission_today.htm">What is the Church's mission in the world today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Even so ye.--Here follows the practical application of the previous teaching and illustration. The "ye" of <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm" title="So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air.">1Corinthians 14:9</a> was addressed to them as human beings generally; but here the Apostle returns to the immediate subject in hand, viz., the exaltation of particular spiritual gifts in the Corinthian Church. He passes now from the contrast between prophecy and tongues to give practical instruction (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/14-12.htm" title="Even so you, for as much as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.">1Corinthians 14:12-19</a>) as to how they should seek to use the gift of tongues. The word for "spiritual gifts" is, in the Greek, literally spirits, but is evidently meant to imply the gifts, and especially that one under consideration--the gift of tongues.Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.--Better, seek, then, to the edifying of the Church, that ye may abound. The point cannot be that they were to seek to excel in spiritual gifts, that so they might edify the Church, for the next verse explains how the gift is to be sought so that it may edify others; but the force of the passage here is as given above--they are to seek this gift for the benefit of others, and so they will themselves, by serving others, abound yet more and more (<a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm" title="However, there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol to this hour eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.">1Corinthians 8:7</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm" title="Furthermore then we beseech you, brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.">1Thessalonians 4:1</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Even so ye. A general form of conclusion from the previous remarks. Of spiritual gifts; literally, since ye are zealots of spirits. That ye may excel to the edifying of the Church; rather, seek them to the edifying of the Church, that ye may abound. The same word is used in <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a> ("exceed"); <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">1 Corinthians 8:8</a> ("are we the better"). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>It is the same Οὕτως (Houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). with you. ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Since ἐπεὶ (epei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since. you are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. eager to have ζηλωταί (zēlōtai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2207.htm">Strong's 2207: </a> One who is eagerly devoted to a person or a thing, a zealot. From zeloo; a 'zealot'. spiritual gifts, πνευμάτων (pneumatōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. strive ζητεῖτε (zēteite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. excel περισσεύητε (perisseuēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4052.htm">Strong's 4052: </a> From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel. [in gifts that] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. build up οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3619.htm">Strong's 3619: </a> Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church. ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:12 So also you since you are zealous (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>