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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 14:19 But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/46_1Co_14_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:19 - Prophecy and Tongues" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." /><script 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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/14-18.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:18">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:19 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:20">►</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> But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But in the church, I desire to speak five words with my mind, that also I might instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a> Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a> yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> nevertheless, in church I prefer to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> nevertheless, in public worship I would rather say five understandable words in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue [which others cannot understand]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in another language. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But words that make sense can help the church. This is why in church I would rather speak five words that make sense than to speak 10,000 words in a language that others don't know. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Yet, in order to teach others in church, I would rather say five words that can be understood than ten thousand words in another language. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> But in church worship I would rather speak five words that can be understood, in order to teach others, than speak thousands of words in strange tongues. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> But in church I would rather speak five words with my mind to instruct others than 10,000 words in a foreign language. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a> but in the church I want to speak five words with my mind to instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> However in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown language. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but in the Church I would rather speak five words with my understanding--so as to instruct others also--than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a> However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but I wish to speak five words in an assembly through my understanding, that I also may instruct others, rather than myriads of words in an [unknown] tongue. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But in the church, I desire to speak five words with my mind, that also I might instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but in an assembly I wish to speak five words through my understanding, that others also I may instruct, rather than myriads of words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But in the church, I will to speak five words by my mind, that I might also sound in the ears of others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also; than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But in the Church, I prefer to speak five words from my mind, so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in tongues. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a> but in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, so as to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, so that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, than 10,000 words in languages.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but I would rather speak five words in the church with my understanding, so that I may indeed teach others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> yet in the church I had rather speak five words that convey my meaning to the instruction of others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but in the Church I would rather speak five words with my understanding--so as to instruct others also--than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but in an assembly I prefer to speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But in a public assembly I had rather speak five words to be understood, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-19.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=3041" 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> …18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">the church,</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I would rather</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalēsai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speak</a> <a href="/greek/4002.htm" title="4002: pente (Adj-AMP) -- Five. A primary number; five.">five</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3563.htm" title="3563: noi (N-DMS) -- Probably from the base of ginosko; the intellect, i.e. Mind; by implication, meaning.">coherent</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logous (N-AMP) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">words</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/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2727.htm" title="2727: katēchēsō (V-ASA-1S) -- To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of.">instruct</a> <a href="/greek/243.htm" title="243: allous (Adj-AMP) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">others</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/3463.htm" title="3463: myrious (Adj-AMP) -- Plural of an apparently primary word; ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many.">ten thousand</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logous (N-AMP) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">words</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssē (N-DFS) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">a tongue.</a> 20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.…<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 2:4-11</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. / Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. ... <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/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="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a> So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. <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_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a> Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">1 Timothy 4:13</a> Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a> All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, <a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1-2</a> Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Matthew 6:7</a> And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/mark/16-17.htm">Mark 16:17</a> And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a> However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.in the.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4,21,22</a> He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Five</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-16.htm">Instruct</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Intelligible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-15.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/micah/6-7.htm">Myriads</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-11.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-17.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-18.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-14.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-18.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-15.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Unknown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-18.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-16.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-25.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-6.htm">Five</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Instruct</a> <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Intelligible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Myriads</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-25.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/jude/1-14.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Unknown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">Use</a> <a href="/galatians/4-20.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Words</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>But in the church The term "church" here refers to the assembly of believers, the body of Christ gathered for worship and edification. In the early Christian context, the church was often a small group meeting in homes. The focus is on communal worship and the edification of the body, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and instruction within the community of believers.I would rather speak five coherent words Paul emphasizes the value of clarity and understanding in communication. The number "five" is symbolic of simplicity and sufficiency, contrasting with the excessive and potentially confusing use of tongues. This reflects the principle that effective communication in the church should be clear and edifying, aligning with the broader biblical theme of wisdom and understanding (<a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>).to instruct others The purpose of speaking in the church is to instruct and edify others, highlighting the importance of teaching and discipleship. This aligns with the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where Jesus commands His followers to teach others. The focus is on building up the body of Christ through clear and understandable teaching.than ten thousand words in a tongue The hyperbolic contrast between "five" and "ten thousand" underscores the futility of speaking in tongues without interpretation. In the cultural context of Corinth, where spiritual gifts were highly valued, Paul redirects the focus from personal edification to communal benefit. This echoes the teaching in <a href="/1_corinthians/12.htm">1 Corinthians 12-14</a>, where Paul discusses the proper use of spiritual gifts for the common good.<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 emphasizing the importance of intelligibility in worship for the edification of the church. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and misunderstanding regarding spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues. 3. <a href="/topical/s/speaking_in_tongues.htm">Speaking in Tongues</a> A spiritual gift that was causing division and confusion in the Corinthian church. Paul addresses its proper use and the need for interpretation. 4. <a href="/topical/e/edification_of_the_church.htm">Edification of the Church</a> A central theme in this passage, highlighting the importance of building up the church through understandable teaching. 5. <a href="/topical/i/instruction_and_understanding.htm">Instruction and Understanding</a> Paul prioritizes clear communication that leads to understanding and growth in the faith community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_priority_of_edification.htm">The Priority of Edification</a> In the church setting, communication should aim to build up and instruct others. This requires clarity and understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_gifts.htm">The Role of Spiritual Gifts</a> Spiritual gifts are given for the common good. They should be exercised in a way that benefits the entire congregation, not just the individual. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_understanding.htm">The Importance of Understanding</a> Effective teaching in the church requires that the message be understandable. This ensures that all members can grow in their faith. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_spiritual_experience_with_order.htm">Balancing Spiritual Experience with Order</a> While spiritual experiences are valuable, they should not disrupt the order and edification of the church community. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_few_words_with_meaning.htm">The Value of Few Words with Meaning</a> A few well-chosen words that instruct and edify are more valuable than many words that do not contribute to understanding.<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's_the_lord's_prayer's_meaning.htm">Is speaking in tongues required for Christian salvation?</a> <a href="/q/when_will_the_gift_of_tongues_end.htm">When will the gift of tongues end?</a> <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> <a href="/q/what_is_glossolalia.htm">What is glossolalia?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - Yet in the Church. In any public assembly of Christians. Five words. No disparagement of the prominence given to glossolaly could be more emphatic. "Rather half of ten of the edifying sort than a thousand times ten of the other" (Besser). That... I might [may] teach others also. The word rendered "teach" is rather instruct, the root of our "catechize" (<a href="/luke/1-4.htm">Luke 1:4</a>; <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Romans 2:8</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Galatians 6:6</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] church, ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia) Noun - Dative 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. I would rather 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. speak λαλῆσαι (lalēsai) Verb - Aorist 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. five πέντε (pente) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4002.htm">Strong's 4002: </a> Five. A primary number; 'five'. coherent νοΐ (noi) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3563.htm">Strong's 3563: </a> Probably from the base of ginosko; the intellect, i.e. Mind; by implication, meaning. words λόγους (logous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. 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. instruct κατηχήσω (katēchēsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2727.htm">Strong's 2727: </a> To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of. others ἄλλους (allous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. 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. ten thousand μυρίους (myrious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3463.htm">Strong's 3463: </a> Plural of an apparently primary word; ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many. words λόγους (logous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. a tongue. γλώσσῃ (glōssē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> The tongue; by implication, a language. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:19 However in the assembly I would rather (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:20" /></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>