1 Corinthians 14:5

Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

World English Bible
Learn

Your notes

Private to you. Anything you write on this verse, here or while reading, shows up here and in My study.

Other translations

WEBBE

Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

BSB

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.

KJV

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

ASV

Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

BBE

Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.

Original Greek

Look up a word

Tap a word to see what it means and everywhere else it's used.

Θέλω Thelō I desire G2309 δὲ de now G1161 πάντας pantas all G3956 ὑμᾶς humas you G4771 λαλεῖν lalein to speak G2980 γλώσσαις glōssais in tongues G1100 μᾶλλον mallon rather G3123 δὲ de however G1161 ἵνα ina that G2443 προφητεύητε prophēteuēte you may prophesy G4395 μείζων meizōn greater [is] G3173 δὲ de now G1161 ὁ ho the [one] G3588 προφητεύων prophēteuōn prophesying G4395 ἢ ē than G2228 ὁ ho the [one] G3588 λαλῶν lalōn speaking G2980 γλώσσαις glōssais in tongues G1100 ἐκτὸς ektos except G1622 εἰ ei only G1487 μὴ mē unless G3361 διερμηνεύῃ diermēneuē he shall interpret G1329 ἵνα ina so that G2443 ἡ hē the G3588 ἐκκλησία ekklēsia church G1577 οἰκοδομὴν oikodomēn edification G3619 λάβῃ.¶ labē may receive G2983

The early church

Next, lest they should suppose that in envy to them he depresses the tongues, (for the more part had this gift,) to correct their suspicion he saith, "I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the Church may receive edifying." But "rather" and "greater," do not mark opposition, but superiority. So that hence also it is evident that he is not disparaging the gift, but leading them to better things, displaying both his carefulness on their behalf, and a spirit free from all envy. For neither did he say, "I would that two or three," but, "that ye all spake with tongues" and not this only, but also, "that ye prophesied;" and this rather than that; "for greater is he that prophesieth." For since he hath established and proved it, he next proceeds also to assert it; not however simply, but with a qualification. Accordingly he adds, "except he interpret;" since if he be able to do this, I mean the interpreting, "he hath become equal unto the prophet," so he speaks, "because then there are many who reap the advantage of it;" a thing to be especially observed, how this throughout, before all else, is his object.
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 1 Corinthians

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 1–5

Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in language such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent, spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, else men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote.

Read Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14 →

Cross-references

11

Topics

Interpreter

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.