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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 14:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/46_1Co_14_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:5 - Prophecy and Tongues" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/14-5.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/14-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/14-4.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:4">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:5 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:6">►</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> I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now I desire you all to speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy. Now the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, unless he should interpret, so that the church might receive edification. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a> I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. And greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he translates, so that the church may receive edification. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now I wish that all of you spoke in unknown tongues, but even more [I wish] that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater [and more useful] than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he translates or explains [what he says], so that the church may be edified [instructed, improved, strengthened]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am glad for you to speak unknown languages, although I prefer that you would prophesy. In fact, prophesying does much more good than speaking unknown languages, unless someone can help the church by explaining what you mean. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I wish that all of you could speak in other languages, but especially that you could speak what God has revealed. The person who speaks what God has revealed is more important than the person who speaks in other languages. This is true unless he can interpret what he says to help the church grow. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> I would like for all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues--unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now I wish that all of you could speak in foreign languages, but especially that you could prophesy. The person who prophesies is more important than the person who speaks in a foreign language, unless he interprets it so that the church may be built up. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a> I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now I would like you all to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy, and he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the church may be built up. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I would that ye all spoke in languages, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh in languages, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I should be right glad were you all to speak in 'tongues,' but yet more glad were you all to prophesy. And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in 'tongues,' except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get a blessing. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that you may prophesy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the Assembly may receive edification. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now I desire you all to speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy. Now the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, unless he should interpret, so that the church might receive edification. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the assembly may receive edification. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I will ye all to speak with tongues, and rather that ye prophesy; for greater he prophesying, than he speaking with tongues, unless he interpret accurately, that the church receive building up.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but more so to prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless perhaps he interprets, so that the Church may receive edification. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I would that you all spoke various tongues, but I would rather that you prophesied: for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks various tongues, unless he interpret; however, if he interpret it, he edifies the church. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I wish that all of you might speak in languages, but all the more that you may prophesy, for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in languages, unless he translates; but if he translates, he edifies the church.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I am willing, indeed, that you should all speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy; for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, in order that the church may receive instruction.<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But I wish you all to speak with tongues, but rather that you may prophesy: but greater is the one prophesying, than the one speaking with tongues, unless he may interpret, in order that the church may receive edification. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now I could wish that you all spake with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret also, that the church may receive edification. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I should be right glad were you all to speak in 'tongues,' but yet more glad were you all to prophesy. And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in 'tongues,' except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get a blessing. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now I wish you all to speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy; and greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edifying. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I could wish 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 edification. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-5.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=2906" 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> …4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: Thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I wish that</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantas (Adj-AMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">of you</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.">could speak</a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssais (N-DFP) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">in tongues,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">I would rather</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.">have</a> <a href="/greek/4395.htm" title="4395: prophēteuēte (V-PSA-2P) -- From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.">you prophesy.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">He who</a> <a href="/greek/4395.htm" title="4395: prophēteuōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.">prophesies</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">is greater</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">one who</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speaks</a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssais (N-DFP) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">in tongues,</a> <a href="/greek/1622.htm" title="1622: ektos (Adv) -- From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.">unless</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></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."></a> <a href="/greek/1329.htm" title="1329: diermēneuē (V-PSA-3S) -- To translate, interpret, explain. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate.">he interprets</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.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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: ekklēsia (N-NFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labē (V-ASA-3S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">may be</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.">edified.</a> 6Now, 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?…<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="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Acts 19:6</a> And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28-30</a> 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. / Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? / Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1</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. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1-4</a> Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. / 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. / But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">1 Corinthians 14:6-12</a> 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? / 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? / Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? ... <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">1 Corinthians 14:13-19</a> Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. / For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. / What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">1 Corinthians 14:22-25</a> Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. / So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? / But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, ... <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39</a> So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6</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; <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a> 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, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-20.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:20</a> Do not treat prophecies with contempt, <a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28-29</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/11-25.htm">Numbers 11:25-29</a> Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. / Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.would.<a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28-30</a> And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues… <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4</a> Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,<a href="/numbers/11-28.htm">Numbers 11:28,29</a> And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them… for.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1,3</a> Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy… except.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12,13,26-28</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="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10,30</a> To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-16.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-24.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Edified</a> <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">Except</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-20.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-17.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-30.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Interprets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">Languages</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/acts/21-9.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Prophesies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Prophesieth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">Want</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-16.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-17.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-17.htm">Edified</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Except</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-6.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Interprets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Languages</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-7.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-20.htm">Prophesies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">Prophesieth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Want</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Word</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'; 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This gift, often seen as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence, was particularly significant in the context of the early Christian community, which was diverse and multilingual. Speaking in tongues served as a miraculous sign to unbelievers and a means of personal edification. However, Paul emphasizes that this gift should not be the primary focus of the church's spiritual life.but I would rather have you prophesy Paul prioritizes prophecy over speaking in tongues, highlighting its greater value for the church. Prophecy, in this context, refers to speaking forth God's message to the people, which includes teaching, exhortation, and encouragement. This gift is more beneficial for the congregation as it builds up the church, providing clear and understandable communication of God's will. The emphasis on prophecy aligns with the broader biblical narrative, where prophets played crucial roles in guiding and correcting God's people.He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues Paul establishes a hierarchy of spiritual gifts based on their utility for edification. Prophecy is considered greater because it directly benefits the entire church body, unlike tongues, which primarily edify the individual unless interpreted. This statement reflects the principle that spiritual gifts should be exercised for the common good, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7</a>, where Paul discusses the purpose of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ.unless he interprets so that the church may be edified The condition of interpretation underscores the importance of understanding and clarity in worship. When tongues are interpreted, they can serve a similar purpose to prophecy by conveying a message that edifies the church. This requirement for interpretation ensures that all spiritual gifts contribute to the building up of the church, aligning with Paul's broader teaching on order and edification in worship, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">1 Corinthians 14:26-33</a>.<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, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and extensive writings that form a significant portion of the New Testament. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> A diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its spiritual gifts but also for its divisions and moral challenges. 3. <a href="/topical/s/speaking_in_tongues.htm">Speaking in Tongues</a> A spiritual gift involving speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, often seen as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a> Another spiritual gift, involving speaking messages from God for the edification, encouragement, and comfort of the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_prophecy_for_edification.htm">The Superiority of Prophecy for Edification</a> Paul emphasizes that prophecy is more beneficial to the church than speaking in tongues unless there is interpretation. This underscores the importance of edification in the church community. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_understanding_in_worship.htm">The Role of Understanding in Worship</a> Worship should be intelligible and edifying to all members of the congregation. This principle encourages believers to seek clarity and understanding in their expressions of faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_love_in_exercising_gifts.htm">The Pursuit of Love in Exercising Gifts</a> Spiritual gifts should be exercised in love, aiming to build up others rather than seeking personal spiritual experiences or recognition. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_order_in_worship.htm">The Importance of Order in Worship</a> Paul’s teaching encourages orderly worship that prioritizes the spiritual growth and understanding of the entire church body. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_desire_spiritual_gifts.htm">Encouragement to Desire Spiritual Gifts</a> Believers are encouraged to desire spiritual gifts, especially those that edify the church, such as prophecy, highlighting the active role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.<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/why_interpret_tongues.htm">What is the purpose of interpreting tongues?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_glossolalia.htm">What is glossolalia?</a> <a href="/q/why_speak_in_tongues.htm">What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?</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>(5) I would that ye all spake with tongues.--To avoid danger of misunderstanding or misrepresentation the Apostle emphatically asserts here that the error which he is combating is the undue exaltation of the gift of tongues to the depreciation of other gifts. The teacher of religious truth to others, who thereby builds up the whole edifice of the body of Christ, is a greater one than he who is himself benefited by being possessed of profound but uncommunicable emotion.Except he interpret.--The gift of interpreting might therefore belong to the same person who had the gift of tongues: and if he had this power of articulating for the benefit of others the emotion which he incoherently expresses in reverie, then the gift of tongues was useful to the Church at large, and so was as valuable as prophecy.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - I would that ye all spake with tongues. The language of relative disparagement which St. Paul uses throughout these chapters may lead us to regard this with surprise. Yet it is perfectly intelligible. Montanus truly said that each human spirit is like a harp, which the Holy Spirit strikes as with a plectrum, and which yields itself to the mighty hand by which the chords are swept. We have seen all along - and history has in various ages confirmed the impression, on every occasion when these phenomena have been reproduced in seasons of great spiritual revival - that the external symptoms may be imitated with most dangerous and objectionable results both to the speaker and to others. But when the expression is genuine, the fact that the tides of the Spirit can thus sweep through the narrow channels of individuality is in itself a sign that the spirit of the man is alive and not dead; and thus he is an evidence of God's power both to himself and to others. Those who have heard "the tongue" have told me that its force, melody, and penetrative quality produced an impression not to be forgotten. When we see the stuffed and stopped-up hearts and lives of thousands of frivolous and worldly money worshippers, we might well echo St. Paul's wish. Greater. Not of necessity greater absolutely or morally, but greater in the fact of his wider and deeper usefulness. Except he interpret. From this we infer that sometimes, when the passion had spent its force, the speaker in the tongue could give rational explanation of the thoughts and feelings to which he had given ecstatic utterance. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I wish that Θέλω (Thelō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. all πάντας (pantas) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. of you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. could speak λαλεῖν (lalein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in tongues, γλώσσαις (glōssais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> The tongue; by implication, a language. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. {I would} rather μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. have 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. you prophesy. προφητεύητε (prophēteuēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4395.htm">Strong's 4395: </a> From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. He who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. prophesies προφητεύων (prophēteuōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4395.htm">Strong's 4395: </a> From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. [is] greater μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. speaks λαλῶν (lalōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in tongues, γλώσσαις (glōssais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> The tongue; by implication, a language. unless ἐκτὸς (ektos) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1622.htm">Strong's 1622: </a> From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides. he interprets, διερμηνεύῃ (diermēneuē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1329.htm">Strong's 1329: </a> To translate, interpret, explain. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate. so that 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. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative 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 ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) Noun - Nominative 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. may be λάβῃ (labē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. edified. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">1 Corinthians 14:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:5 Now I desire to have you all (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:6" /></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>