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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 14:1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-1.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_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:1 - Prophecy and Tongues" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." /><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/14-1.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/14-1.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 1</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="/ad1.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/13-13.htm" title="1 Corinthians 13:13">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:1 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:2">►</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> Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Earnestly pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you might prophesy. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a> Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Love should be your guide. Be eager to have the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of speaking what God has revealed. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Keep on pursuing love, and keep on desiring spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual things, and especially that you may prophesy. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestly ambitious for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may prophesy. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Pursue love, and earnestly seek the spiritual things, and rather that you may prophesy, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Earnestly pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you might prophesy. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy, <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Pursue love, and be emulous of spiritual things, and rather that ye might prophesy.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> FOLLOW after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Pursue charity. Be zealous for spiritual things, but only so that you may prophesy. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Pursue love, but strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> FOLLOW after love, and desire spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Run after love and be zealous for the gifts of The Spirit, but especially that you may prophesy.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Cultivate love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Follow after divine love; and seek the spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> FOLLOW earnestly after love, and zealously seek spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Cultivate social virtue; then desire spiritual gifts, but chiefly that of explaining the prophetical writings. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestly ambitious for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may prophesy. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Pursue love; and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Labour after charity, and be desirous of spiritual gifts: but especially that ye may prophesy. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-1.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=2872" 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> 1<a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: Diōkete (V-PMA-2P) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">Earnestly pursue</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/2206.htm" title="2206: zēloute (V-PMA-2P) -- From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against.">eagerly desire</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4152.htm" title="4152: pneumatika (Adj-ANP) -- Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.">spiritual gifts,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">especially</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.">the gift</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.">of prophecy.</a> 2For 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a> But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-2</a> If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-8.htm">1 Corinthians 13:8-10</a> Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. / For we know in part and we prophesy in part, / but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">1 Corinthians 13:13</a> And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/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/5-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:19-20</a> Do not extinguish the Spirit. / Do not treat prophecies with contempt, <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10-11</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17-18</a> ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. <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="/numbers/11-29.htm">Numbers 11:29</a> But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” <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="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-11</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ... <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a> Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.Follow.<a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Proverbs 15:9</a> The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.<a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21</a> He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.<a href="/isaiah/51-1.htm">Isaiah 51:1</a> Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.charity.<a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-8,13</a> Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal… <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a> Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<a href="/2_peter/1-7.htm">2 Peter 1:7</a> And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.desire.<a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">1 Corinthians 12:1,31</a> Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant… <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3</a> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:prophesy.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3-5,24,25,37,39</a> But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort… <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2,9</a> And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing… <a href="/numbers/11-25.htm">Numbers 11:25-29</a> And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-26.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">Charity</a> <a href="/romans/3-2.htm">Chiefly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Eagerly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">Emulous</a> <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Especially</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-8.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-9.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Manifestations</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-7.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-9.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-9.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-9.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-22.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-14.htm">Charity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Chiefly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Eagerly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">Emulous</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">Especially</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-14.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Manifestations</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Prophecy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-4.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Way</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>Earnestly pursue love The call to "earnestly pursue love" is a continuation of the themes from <a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13</a>, often referred to as the "Love Chapter." Love is presented as the highest virtue and the foundation for all Christian conduct. In the Greco-Roman world, love (agape) was not commonly emphasized as a virtue, making Paul's exhortation counter-cultural. This love is selfless and sacrificial, reflecting the love of Christ (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>). The pursuit of love is not passive but active, requiring intentional effort and commitment, aligning with Jesus' command to love God and neighbor (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>).and eagerly desire spiritual gifts The Corinthian church was known for its spiritual gifts, but Paul emphasizes the need for proper motivation and use. Spiritual gifts (charismata) are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7</a>). The term "eagerly desire" suggests a zealous and earnest longing, indicating that spiritual gifts are valuable and should be sought after. However, the desire for these gifts must be rooted in love and aimed at building up the body of Christ (<a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a>). This reflects the early church's understanding of the gifts as tools for ministry and service, not personal status.especially the gift of prophecy Prophecy is highlighted as particularly desirable because it edifies, exhorts, and comforts the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm">1 Corinthians 14:3</a>). Unlike speaking in tongues, which may require interpretation, prophecy is immediately understandable and beneficial to the congregation. In the Old Testament, prophets were God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to the people (<a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a>). In the New Testament context, prophecy involves speaking forth God's truth, often with insight into His will and purposes. This gift is seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate Prophet, revealing God's will and truth (<a href="/hebrews/1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a>). The emphasis on prophecy underscores the importance of clear and direct communication of God's word for the strengthening of the church community.<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 is addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance on spiritual gifts and the importance of love. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A diverse and dynamic early Christian community known for its spiritual gifts but also for its challenges, including divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual matters. 3. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_gifts.htm">Spiritual Gifts</a> Special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church, such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, and healing. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a> A spiritual gift emphasized by Paul in this passage, involving speaking forth God's message to edify, encourage, and comfort the church. 5. <a href="/topical/l/love.htm">Love (Agape)</a> The highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice, which Paul highlights as the foundation for all spiritual gifts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/pursue_love_as_a_priority.htm">Pursue Love as a Priority</a> Love should be the driving force behind the desire and use of spiritual gifts. Without love, gifts can become self-serving rather than edifying. <a href="/topical/d/desire_spiritual_gifts.htm">Desire Spiritual Gifts</a> It is good and encouraged to desire spiritual gifts, as they are given for the common good and the building up of the church. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prophecy.htm">The Importance of Prophecy</a> Prophecy is highlighted as a particularly valuable gift because it directly edifies, encourages, and comforts the church community. <a href="/topical/b/balance_and_discernment.htm">Balance and Discernment</a> While desiring spiritual gifts, believers should seek balance and discernment, ensuring that their use aligns with God's purposes and the edification of others. <a href="/topical/a/active_participation_in_the_church.htm">Active Participation in the Church</a> Believers are encouraged to actively participate in the life of the church, using their gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14</a> <a href="/q/what_is_continuationism.htm">What is Continuationism?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_charismatic_movement.htm">What defines the Charismatic Movement?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_prophetic_prayer.htm">What is Prophetic Prayer?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_prophecy.htm">What does the Bible say about predicting the future?</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>XIV.(1) Follow after charity.--Better, Follow after love. The preceding chapter is parenthetical, and the Apostle here returns to the subject with which he had been immediately occupied before he branched off into that great Psalm of Love. He has spoken enthusiastically in praise of the superiority of love as the greatest amongst graces, and of all graces as superior to all gifts; but still, though we are to "do this," we are not to leave the other undone. Spiritual gifts are to be "earnestly striven for." As there was a priority in graces, so there is in gifts. To prophesy is the greatest gift; it is so, as we see afterwards, because it makes us useful to our brethren; therefore it is to be striven for rather than any other gift.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-25. - The gift of preaching superior to the gift tongues. Verse 1. - Follow after charity; literally, chase; pursue. The word is one of which St. Paul is fond (<a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30, 31</a>; <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a>; <a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12, 14</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">1 Timothy 6:11</a>, etc.). And desire; rather, yet be zealous for. But rather that ye may prophesy; and yet more strive after the gift of sacred preaching. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Earnestly pursue Διώκετε (Diōkete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. love ἀγάπην (agapēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. eagerly desire ζηλοῦτε (zēloute) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2206.htm">Strong's 2206: </a> From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against. spiritual gifts, πνευματικά (pneumatika) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4152.htm">Strong's 4152: </a> Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious. especially 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. [the gift] 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. of prophecy. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 13:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 13:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:2" /></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>