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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 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/46_1Co_14_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:4 - Prophecy and Tongues" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but the one who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church [promotes growth in spiritual wisdom, devotion, holiness, and joy].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The person who speaks in another language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />By speaking languages that others don't know, you help only yourself. But by prophesying you help everyone in the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When a person speaks in another language, he helps himself grow. But when a person speaks what God has revealed, he helps the church grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The person who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, but the person who prophesies builds up the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that speaketh in an unknown language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself, but he who prophesies does good to the Church.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue, edifies himself, and he who is prophesying, edifies the Assembly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> speaking in a tongue edifies himself, but the <i>one</i> prophesying edifies <i>the</i> church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> he who is speaking in an unknown tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he speaking in a tongue builds himself; and he prophesying builds the church.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that speaketh in a tongue, edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever speaks in tongues edifies himself. But whoever prophesies edifies the Church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but whoever prophesies builds up the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he who prophesies edifies the church.<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 />He who speaks in languages builds himself up, and he who prophesies builds the church up.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself; but he that prophesies, edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />The one speaking with a tongue edifies himself; but the one prophesying edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself alone: but he that expounds, edifies the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself, but he who prophesies does good to the Church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies <i>the</i> assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />He, that speaketh in an <i>unknown</i> tongue, edifieth himself: but he, that prophesieth, edifieth the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-4.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=2898" 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">Prophecy and Tongues</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><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.">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: glōssē (N-DFS) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">in a tongue</a> <a href="/greek/3618.htm" title="3618: oikodomei (V-PIA-3S) -- From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.">edifies</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</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.">the one 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/3618.htm" title="3618: oikodomei (V-PIA-3S) -- From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.">edifies</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsian (N-AFS) -- 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> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>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.…<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/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a></span><br />And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a></span><br />So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12</a></span><br />to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-20.htm">Jude 1:20</a></span><br />But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a></span><br />Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7-10</a></span><br />Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. / To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, / to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a></span><br />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.<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/14-26.htm">1 Corinthians 14:26</a></span><br />What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39</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="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-9.htm">1 Corinthians 13:9-10</a></span><br />For we know in part and we prophesy in part, / but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a></span><br />Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">1 Corinthians 10:23</a></span><br />“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">2 Corinthians 12:19</a></span><br />Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.</p><p class="hdg">edifieth himself.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">1 Corinthians 14:14</a></b></br> For if I pray in an <i>unknown</i> tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.</p><p class="hdg">edifieth the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3,18,19</a></b></br> But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men <i>to</i> edification, and exhortation, and comfort… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Edifies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Edifieth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">Edify</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Prophesies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Prophesieth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Prophesying</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Unknown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Edifies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Edifieth</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">Edify</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-8.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-11.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Prophesies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Prophesieth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Prophesying</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Unknown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Word</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>The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself</b><br>In the early church, speaking in tongues was a spiritual gift that involved speaking in a language unknown to the speaker. This gift was first manifested at Pentecost (<a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a>) and served as a sign for unbelievers (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">1 Corinthians 14:22</a>). The phrase "edifies himself" suggests that speaking in tongues primarily benefits the individual spiritually, as it is a form of personal prayer and communion with God (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">1 Corinthians 14:2</a>). This self-edification is important for personal spiritual growth, but it lacks the communal benefit that other gifts, like prophecy, provide. The emphasis on self-edification highlights the need for balance between personal spiritual experiences and the edification of the church body.<p><b>but the one who prophesies edifies the church</b><br>Prophecy in the New Testament context refers to speaking forth the word of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Unlike speaking in tongues, prophecy is intelligible to the congregation and serves to build up, encourage, and comfort the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3</a>). The communal aspect of prophecy aligns with the broader biblical principle of love and service to others (1 Corinthians 13). Prophecy's role in edifying the church underscores the importance of spiritual gifts being used for the common good (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7</a>). This reflects the early church's emphasis on unity and mutual edification, as seen in the communal life of the believers in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a>. The contrast between self-edification and church edification in this verse calls believers to prioritize the latter, aligning with the teachings of Jesus on serving others (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding spiritual gifts and their proper use within the church community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, which presented unique challenges and opportunities for the early Christian church.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts.<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 unless interpreted for the church.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a></b><br>A spiritual gift involving speaking forth God's message to edify, exhort, and comfort the church community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_edification_vs._corporate_edification.htm">Personal Edification vs. Corporate Edification</a></b><br>Speaking in tongues primarily benefits the individual, while prophecy serves to build up the entire church. Believers should prioritize gifts that edify the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purpose_of_spiritual_gifts.htm">Purpose of Spiritual Gifts</a></b><br>Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of strengthening the church. Believers should seek to use their gifts in ways that promote unity and growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_worship.htm">Discernment in Worship</a></b><br>The church should exercise discernment in the use of spiritual gifts during worship, ensuring that all practices contribute to the edification of the congregation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_love_and_edification.htm">Pursuing Love and Edification</a></b><br>In the context of spiritual gifts, love should be the guiding principle. Believers are encouraged to pursue love and seek gifts that edify others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_personal_and_corporate_spiritual_life.htm">Balancing Personal and Corporate Spiritual Life</a></b><br>While personal spiritual growth is important, believers are called to balance it with a commitment to the growth and edification of the church community.<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/how_to_show_daily_compassion.htm">What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/charles_parham__bio,_beliefs,_influence.htm">What were Charles Parham's biography, beliefs, and influence?</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><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>(4) <span class= "bld">He that speaketh in an unknown tongue.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">He that speaketh in a tongue.</span> The introduction of the word "unknown" destroys the whole force of the passage. All tongues--as distinct from languages--were unknown, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> unintelligible. The gift of prophecy is superior in usefulness to that of tongues, and therefore to be preferred. The use of the word "edify," as applied to an individual solely, as distinct from the individual as a part of the whole Church, is unusual with St. Paul (see Note on <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm" title="Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.">1Corinthians 8:1</a>), but is introduced so as to make the antithesis verbally as well as logically more striking.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Edifieth himself.</span> When the "tongue" was genuine, and under due control (ver. 32); when it avoided the physical and orgiastic manifestations by which a sort of spiritual possession was indicated in the ancient oracular shrines; when the self consciousness was not wholly obliterated, - a sense of ennobling conviction would be produced by this spiritual outpouring. Those who have experienced the emotion describe this very result. They felt enlarged and elevated - their whole being was for a time expanded - by this emotion. <span class="cmt_word">The Church</span>. Primarily the body of assembled Christians which he is addressing, and through them the Church of God in general. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-4.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">The [one who]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaks</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλῶν</span> <span class="translit">(lalōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<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 a tongue</span><br /><span class="grk">γλώσσῃ</span> <span class="translit">(glōssē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<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 /><br /><span class="word">edifies</span><br /><span class="grk">οἰκοδομεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(oikodomei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3618.htm">Strong's 3618: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">himself,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(heauton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the [one who]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophesies</span><br /><span class="grk">προφητεύων</span> <span class="translit">(prophēteuōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<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">edifies</span><br /><span class="grk">οἰκοδομεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(oikodomei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3618.htm">Strong's 3618: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] church.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκκλησίαν</span> <span class="translit">(ekklēsian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">1 Corinthians 14:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in another language edifies (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:5" /></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>