CINXE.COM

<!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 14:39 So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/46_1Co_14_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:39 - Orderly Worship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues." /><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/14-39.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/14-39.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 39</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="/ad19.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/14-38.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:38">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:39 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-40.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:40">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers <i>and sisters,</i> earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, believers, desire earnestly to prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people], and do not forbid speaking in <i>unknown</i> tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My friends, be eager to prophesy and don't stop anyone from speaking languages that others don't know. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So, brothers and sisters, desire to speak what God has revealed, and don't keep anyone from speaking in other languages.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, my friends, set your heart on proclaiming God's message, but do not forbid the speaking in strange tongues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers, desire the ability to prophesy, and do not prevent others from speaking in foreign languages. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So, brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak in languages.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The conclusion, my brethren, is this. Be earnestly ambitious to prophesy, and do not check speaking with tongues;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />so that, brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so that, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy, and hinder not to speak in tongues.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy; and forbid not to speak with tongues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, brothers, be zealous to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So, [my] brothers, strive eagerly to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So, my friends, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in unknown tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Be zealous therefore, my brethren, to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in languages.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />So, my brethren, be zealous to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />wherefore, brethren, zealously exercise the gift of prophecy, and don't prohibit those that speak in an unknown language.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The conclusion, my brethren, is this. Be earnestly ambitious to prophesy, and do not check speaking with tongues;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />So then, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, <i>my</i> brethren, be <i>most</i> desirous to prophesy, and <i>yet</i> forbid not to speak with tongues:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=3227" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Orderly Worship</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">38</span>But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored. <span class="reftext">39</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: Hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">So,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/2206.htm" title="2206: zēloute (V-PMA-2P) -- From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against.">be eager</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4395.htm" title="4395: prophēteuein (V-PNA) -- From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.">to prophesy,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/2967.htm" title="2967: kōlyete (V-PMA-2P) -- To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.">forbid</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalein (V-PNA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speaking</a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssais (N-DFP) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">in tongues.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">40</span>But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17-18</a></span><br />‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:19-20</a></span><br />Do not extinguish the Spirit. / Do not treat prophecies with contempt,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28-29</a></span><br />And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/11-29.htm">Numbers 11:29</a></span><br />But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a></span><br />But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1</a></span><br />Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12</a></span><br />It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">1 Corinthians 14:24-25</a></span><br />But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, / and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-31.htm">1 Corinthians 14:31</a></span><br />For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">1 Corinthians 14:37</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-40.htm">1 Corinthians 14:40</a></span><br />But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10-11</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a></span><br />And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why, brothers, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.</p><p class="hdg">covet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1,3,5,24,25</a></b></br> Follow after charity, and desire spiritual <i>gifts</i>, but rather that ye may prophesy… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a></b></br> But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-20.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:20</a></b></br> Despise not prophesyings.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-10.htm">Check</a> <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Conclusion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Covet</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Languages</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-31.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-32.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Using</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Check</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">Conclusion</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">Covet</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-2.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Languages</a> <a href="/jude/1-14.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-10.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Using</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Prophecy is commended,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">and preferred before speaking in tongues,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Both must be referred to edification,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">as to their true and proper end.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">The true use of each is taught,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">and the abuse rebuked.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Women in the churches.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So, my brothers</b><br>The term "brothers" indicates a familial relationship among believers, emphasizing unity and equality within the body of Christ. This reflects the early Christian community's practice of addressing each other as family, which was counter-cultural in a society divided by class and ethnicity. The use of "brothers" also underscores the apostle Paul's pastoral care and authority as he addresses the Corinthian church.<p><b>be eager to prophesy</b><br>Prophecy in the New Testament context refers to speaking forth God's message, often for edification, encouragement, and consolation of the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3</a>). This exhortation highlights the importance of prophecy as a spiritual gift that builds up the church. The emphasis on eagerness suggests a proactive desire to seek and exercise this gift, aligning with Paul's broader teaching on spiritual gifts in <a href="/1_corinthians/12.htm">1 Corinthians 12-14</a>. Prophecy is seen as a means of revealing God's will and truth, and it is valued for its ability to instruct and strengthen the community of believers.<p><b>and do not forbid speaking in tongues</b><br>Speaking in tongues, or glossolalia, is another spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament, characterized by speaking in languages unknown to the speaker. In the Corinthian church, this gift was both valued and controversial, leading to disorderly worship practices. Paul's instruction not to forbid it acknowledges its legitimacy and value when used appropriately. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that spiritual gifts should be exercised in an orderly and edifying manner (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27-28</a>). The balance between prophecy and tongues reflects the need for both intelligibility and spiritual expression in worship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on spiritual gifts.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a></b><br>A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of order and unity in worship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a></b><br>A spiritual gift involving speaking forth God's message for edification, encouragement, and comfort.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/speaking_in_tongues.htm">Speaking in Tongues</a></b><br>A spiritual gift involving speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, intended for personal edification and, when interpreted, for the edification of the church.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its cultural diversity and moral challenges, which influenced the church's dynamics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/eagerness_for_edification.htm">Eagerness for Edification</a></b><br>Believers should desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, because it builds up the church. This eagerness should be motivated by love and a desire to edify others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/order_in_worship.htm">Order in Worship</a></b><br>While spiritual gifts are valuable, they must be exercised in an orderly manner to ensure that worship services are edifying and not chaotic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balance_of_gifts.htm">Balance of Gifts</a></b><br>Paul encourages a balance between prophecy and tongues, recognizing the value of both but prioritizing what edifies the church as a whole.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/testing_and_discernment.htm">Testing and Discernment</a></b><br>Prophecies should be tested and discerned to ensure they align with Scripture and the character of God. This requires wisdom and maturity in the faith community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The diversity of gifts should lead to unity, not division. Each gift, including tongues and prophecy, should be used to serve and strengthen the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_glossolalia.htm">What is glossolalia?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_validate_tongues_without_science.htm">How can speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2) be validated if it has no observable or scientific basis?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_tongues_for_unbelievers,_yet_used_by_believers.htm">Why does Paul claim tongues are a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22), yet many modern churches practice them mostly among believers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_will_the_gift_of_tongues_end.htm">When will the gift of tongues end?</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>(39) <span class= "bld">Wherefore, brethren.</span>--The practical summing up of the whole matter. Seek earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. The phraseology intimates the relative importance of the two gifts in the estimation of the Apostle, which was inverted by those to whom he wrote at Corinth. This ought you to do, but not leave the other undone.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 39.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore.</span> The final conclusion. <span class="cmt_word">Covet... forbid not.</span> The power to preach is to be desired; all that can be said of glossolaly is that it is not to be absolutely forbidden so long as the conditions which St. Paul has laid down for its regulation are observed. But glossolaly is hardly possible under conditions of order, decorum, and self suppression, and we are not surprised that we hear no more of it in the Church, but only in the wild excitement of fanatical sects. The suppression, however, of the startling manifestation by no means necessarily involves any enfeeblement of the inspiring conviction from which it sprang. The brawling torrent which "foams its madness off" is lost in the calm and majestic flow of the deep river. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὥστε</span> <span class="translit">(Hōste)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> </span><span class="str2">So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brothers,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφοί</span> <span class="translit">(adelphoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be eager</span><br /><span class="grk">ζηλοῦτε</span> <span class="translit">(zēloute)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2206.htm">Strong's 2206: </a> </span><span class="str2">From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to prophesy</span><br /><span class="grk">προφητεύειν</span> <span class="translit">(prophēteuein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4395.htm">Strong's 4395: </a> </span><span class="str2">From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">{do} not</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forbid</span><br /><span class="grk">κωλύετε</span> <span class="translit">(kōlyete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2967.htm">Strong's 2967: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaking</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(lalein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in tongues.</span><br /><span class="grk">γλώσσαις</span> <span class="translit">(glōssais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue; by implication, a language.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore brothers desire earnestly to prophesy (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:40" /></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>