1 Corinthians 14:1 kjv
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1 nkjv
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1 niv
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:1 esv
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1 nlt
Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives ? especially the ability to prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 14:1 | Desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially that ye may prophesy. | Desire for spiritual gifts |
| 1 Cor 14:2 | ...he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification... | Purpose of prophecy |
| 1 Cor 14:3 | ...he that prophesieth edification, and exhortation, and comfort. | Benefits of prophecy |
| 1 Cor 12:31 | Covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. | Priority of love |
| Rom 12:6 | Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us... | Gifts are according to grace |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists... for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: | Gifts for building up the church |
| 1 Thess 5:20 | Despise not prophesyings. | Value of prophecy |
| Acts 2:17-18 | And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy... | Promise of prophetic gift in latter days |
| Acts 11:28 | And there stood up one of them named Agabus, signifying by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world... | Prophecy for guidance |
| 1 Cor 12:10 | To another the working of miracles; and to another prophecy... | Listing of spiritual gifts |
| 1 Cor 12:28 | And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets... | Roles in the church |
| Gal 3:5 | He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit doth he it by the hearing of faith? | The Spirit works through hearing |
| Col 2:7 | Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught... | Growth through teaching |
| Acts 15:32 | And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. | Prophets encouraging believers |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. | Unity in the church |
| 1 Cor 14:5 | 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 may interpret, that the church may receive edifying. | Prophecy's superiority for edification |
| 1 Cor 14:22 | Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not... | Purpose of tongues |
| 1 Cor 14:24 | But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: | Impact of prophecy on unbelievers |
| Rom 15:2 | Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. | Edifying one another |
| John 14:26 | But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. | The Holy Spirit as teacher |
| Acts 4:31 | And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. | The Holy Spirit enabling bold speech |
1 Corinthians 14 verses
1 Corinthians 14 1 Meaning
This verse instructs believers to passionately pursue spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, for the spiritual edification of the church. The contrast is drawn between speaking in unknown languages, which benefits only the speaker unless interpreted, and prophecy, which directly benefits the listeners by building them up.
1 Corinthians 14 1 Context
First Corinthians chapter 14 addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, within the church gathering. Paul is correcting the Corinthians for mismanaging these gifts, leading to disorder and self-glorification. Chapter 13, preceding this, emphasizes the primacy of love. Chapter 14, verse 1, transitions from the supremacy of love to the practical application of spiritual gifts, urging believers to pursue those that build up the church body. Historically, the Corinthian church was experiencing significant disruption due to uncontrolled and perhaps ostentatious displays of the gift of tongues. Paul's aim is to bring order and purpose to their worship services, ensuring that all is done for the edification of the community.
1 Corinthians 14 1 Word Analysis
"Zurēte" (ζηλoutez): (present imperative, 2nd person plural). From the verb "zeloō" (ζηλόω), meaning to be zealous, to desire earnestly, to be fervent, or even to be jealous. The imperative mood indicates a command or exhortation. This is not a passive wish but an active pursuit. It suggests a deep longing and a striving towards something. The intensity implied is significant.
"Tōn pneumatikōn" (τῶν πνευματικῶν): (genitive plural of the adjective pneumatikos). "Pneumatikos" refers to things pertaining to the Spirit, spiritual things, or spiritual gifts. The definite article "tōn" (the) specifies "the spiritual gifts." This shows it is not about any spiritual thing, but specifically the endowments given by the Holy Spirit.
"Prophēteia" (προφητεία): (accusative singular). The noun for prophecy. Prophecy in the New Testament context generally refers to inspired utterances from God, conveying His message for the purpose of building up, exhorting, and comforting the church. It is God-breathed speech that edifies.
"M Talon" (μᾶλλον): (adverb). "Rather," "especially," "more." This word signals a comparison or preference, indicating a superior or more desirable option.
"Hina" (ἵνα): (conjunction). "So that," "in order that." This introduces a purpose clause, explaining why they should desire the spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy.
"Propheteuēte" (προφητεύητε): (present subjunctive, 2nd person plural). From the verb "prophēteuō" (προφητεύω), to prophesy. The subjunctive mood here, linked with "hina," indicates the desired outcome or purpose. It is the active practice of prophecy.
Word Group Analysis
- "Pursue spiritual gifts, especially prophecy": The structure here, "desire earnestly the spiritual gifts, rather that you may prophesy," emphasizes the object of their pursuit. The "rather" (μᾶλλον) points to a comparative value; prophecy is presented as a higher, more beneficial gift for the corporate assembly than other spiritual manifestations without interpretation. It’s an instruction to covet the best gifts for the community. The ultimate purpose is not self-satisfaction but church edification. The command is directed at the entire church, calling for a unified focus on what builds up the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 14 1 Bonus Section
The directive to "desire earnestly" highlights that spiritual gifts are to be sought through intentional effort and dependence on the Holy Spirit. This is balanced by the preceding chapter's emphasis on love; even the most impactful gift, like prophecy, is worthless without love as its foundation and motivation. Paul's instruction reflects his concern for orderly worship and the spiritual well-being of all present. He does not diminish other gifts but elevates prophecy due to its immediate, understandable, and beneficial impact on the gathered church, thereby fostering unity and spiritual growth. This passage counters any tendencies toward pride or disorder associated with some of the spiritual manifestations at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 14 1 Commentary
Paul, having just celebrated love as the most excellent way in chapter 13, now guides the Corinthian believers in the practical application of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. The Greek word "zeloō" (desire earnestly) implies an active, fervent pursuit, not mere casual wishing. The gifts of the Spirit are important, but the believers are to be especially fervent about the gift of prophecy. This is because prophecy, when exercised correctly, speaks directly to people's minds and hearts, leading to building up, encouragement, and comfort—essential for the growth and health of the body of Christ. The emphasis is on intelligible communication that nourishes the congregation, in contrast to speaking in unknown tongues which, without interpretation, edifies only the speaker. This verse sets the tone for the chapter, prioritizing gifts that promote mutual understanding and spiritual development within the church community.