1 Corinthians 14 39

1 Corinthians 14:39 kjv

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:39 nkjv

Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:39 niv

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:39 esv

So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:39 nlt

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14 verses

1 Corinthians 14 39 Meaning

This verse serves as a summary injunction and a balanced conclusion to Paul's extensive discourse on spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church, particularly concerning tongues and prophecy. It commands believers to intensely desire the gift of prophecy due to its clear edifying function for the church, while simultaneously prohibiting the outright suppression or forbidding of speaking in tongues. It underscores a principle of orderly yet active pursuit of spiritual gifts, with edification and order being the guiding principles for public worship.

1 Corinthians 14 39 Context

First Corinthians chapter 14 is part of a larger discussion (chapters 12-14) in which the apostle Paul addresses the exercise of spiritual gifts within the church at Corinth. The Corinthians were a church rich in spiritual manifestations but lacked order and understanding in their usage, particularly prioritizing the more outwardly spectacular gift of tongues over the more edifying gift of prophecy. Paul's primary goal in this chapter is to correct this imbalance, emphasize that love is the ultimate context for all gifts (1 Cor 13), and establish clear guidelines for the orderly and edifying practice of gifts, especially in public assembly. The chapter begins by urging them to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (1 Cor 14:1) and ends with a concluding summary on proper conduct ("Let all things be done decently and in order," 1 Cor 14:40). Verse 39, therefore, encapsulates the main tension and the resolved directive: value prophecy more because it builds up the church, but do not dismiss tongues entirely since it is still a Spirit-given gift.

1 Corinthians 14 39 Word analysis

• Therefore (Greek: hóste, ὥστε): This is a strong connective adverb meaning "so then," "consequently," or "wherefore." It indicates that the verse serves as a summary and logical conclusion based on all the arguments, exhortations, and regulations presented in the preceding parts of chapter 14 regarding tongues and prophecy.
• my brethren (Greek: adelphoi mou, ἀδελφοί μου): A warm, affectionate address Paul frequently uses, indicating his pastoral care and treating the recipients as fellow believers in the family of God. It reinforces that his instructions are given out of love and concern for their well-being and the church's health.
• earnestly desire (Greek: zeloúte, ζηλοῦτε): This is a present imperative verb, indicating a continuous command to have fervent, zealous longing or pursuit. It implies active, diligent seeking and not a passive wish. The verb has strong connotations of ambition or passion. This strong emphasis on desire signifies the importance Paul places on the gift of prophecy.
• to prophesy (Greek: prophēteúein, προφητεύειν): This infinitive verb refers to the act of speaking forth the mind and counsel of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. While it can include foretelling, its primary New Testament meaning, especially in 1 Corinthians 14, is "forth-telling" — speaking to people for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3).
• and (Greek: kai, καί): A simple conjunction connecting the two commands, yet crucial in demonstrating the balanced nature of Paul's instruction. It implies "as well as," indicating that both injunctions are simultaneously valid.
• forbid not (Greek: mē kōlýete, μὴ κωλύετε): A prohibitive negative command in the present imperative. Kōlýete means to hinder, restrain, prevent, or forbid. The construction mē kōlýete thus means "stop hindering" or "do not continue to forbid." This demonstrates that there may have been a tendency among some in Corinth, perhaps out of exasperation with the disorder, to suppress the gift of tongues entirely. Paul here commands them not to do so.
• to speak with tongues (Greek: lalein glossais, λαλεῖν γλώσσαις): This infinitive phrase refers to the exercise of the gift of speaking in glossa, which means "languages" or "tongues." As discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14, this could refer to supernatural utterance in human languages previously unknown to the speaker, or Spirit-inspired utterances that require interpretation. Paul clarifies that even though it requires regulation and interpretation for public benefit, the gift itself should not be suppressed.

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore, my brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy": This part represents Paul's primary and most fervent command. It stems directly from the preceding arguments that prophecy is superior for church edification (1 Cor 14:3-5), brings conviction to unbelievers (1 Cor 14:24-25), and is given for the "profit of all" (1 Cor 12:7). The "earnest desire" highlights a proactive pursuit of what is most beneficial for the community of faith.
• "and forbid not to speak with tongues": This second clause acts as an important counterbalance to the first. While prophecy is prioritized for its communal benefits, Paul avoids the extreme of prohibiting a genuine spiritual gift. It recognizes that speaking in tongues is indeed a gift of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:10) and has its place, even if primarily for personal edification or regulated public use with interpretation. It prohibits outright suppression or demonizing the gift itself. This reflects a comprehensive pastoral approach that upholds spiritual manifestations while insisting on order and edification.

1 Corinthians 14 39 Bonus section

• The tension Paul resolves in this verse suggests there might have been two extremes in Corinth: those who wildly promoted tongues above all else, leading to chaos, and those who, in response, sought to shut down the gift entirely. Paul avoids both pitfalls, advocating for regulated, Spirit-led activity.
• "Earnestly desire" (zeloúte) implies that believers should cultivate an atmosphere where spiritual gifts, particularly those that edify others, are valued and pursued. This desire comes from a love for God and His church.
• The instruction implies ongoing availability of these gifts in the church; Paul does not suggest their cessation. Instead, he guides their continuation and proper application.
• The verb "kōlýete" (forbid) can also carry the nuance of actively "hindering" or "preventing" someone from speaking in tongues, possibly out of a judgmental or dismissive attitude. Paul warns against such suppression of a valid Spirit-given expression.
• This verse underpins the importance of balancing the experiential and the edifying in corporate worship, prioritizing clear communication of God's word (prophecy) for the benefit of all, while not extinguishing legitimate manifestations of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14 39 Commentary

Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:39 is the capstone of his teaching on the exercise of spiritual gifts, emphasizing both strong aspiration and careful preservation. It encapsulates the core principles he established: order and edification must govern all church practices. The command to "earnestly desire to prophesy" is a call to actively seek and value the gift that most directly builds up, instructs, and comforts the entire gathered body. Prophecy, as forth-telling God's word, promotes understanding and spiritual growth for everyone present. Conversely, the negative command, "forbid not to speak with tongues," acknowledges the legitimate origin of this gift from the Holy Spirit. Despite the potential for disorder and self-edification (when not interpreted), tongues are not to be utterly rejected or forbidden. Paul provides regulations earlier in the chapter for their proper use (two or three, in turn, with an interpreter) (1 Cor 14:27-28), indicating that the gift has a rightful, albeit regulated, place within the church. This balanced directive encourages an environment where all spiritual gifts can flourish appropriately, without chaos or suppression, all for the glory of God and the edification of His people. The verse is a foundational text for understanding the "continuation" of spiritual gifts in the church today, alongside the necessity of orderly, purposeful use guided by love and a desire for corporate benefit.