1 Corinthians 14:4 kjv
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4 nkjv
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4 niv
Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4 esv
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:4 nlt
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
1 Corinthians 14 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 14:3 | ...but the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. | Direct amplification |
| 1 Cor 14:5 | I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless the latter speaks so that the church may be strengthened. | Comparison with tongues |
| 1 Cor 14:12 | So with you, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. | Purpose of spiritual gifts |
| 1 Cor 14:19 | However, in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. | Importance of understandable speech |
| 1 Cor 14:24-25 | But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or a layman enters, he is convinced by all, he is judged by all, and the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and thus he will fall down at God's feet and worship God, declaring that God is truly among you. | Effect of prophecy on unbelievers |
| Rom 14:19 | So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. | Principle of edification |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, | Spiritual gifts for building up |
| 1 Thess 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing. | Mutual encouragement |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | God's word provides guidance |
| Jer 23:29 | Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? | Power of God's word |
| Isa 61:3 | and provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of mourning, oil of gladness instead of a spirit of heaviness, trees of righteousness, planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. | Ministry of comfort |
| Luke 3:8 | Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. | Fruitfulness of right living |
| John 14:26 | But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. | Holy Spirit as teacher/reminder |
| Acts 2:4, 17-18 | And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ... And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. | Prophecy as a manifestation of Spirit |
| 1 Cor 12:8-10 | For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. | Spiritual gifts listed |
| Heb 10:24-25 | And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. | Corporate encouragement |
| Acts 15:32 | And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. | Prophets encouraging believers |
| 1 Cor 8:1 | Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up. | Love builds up |
| 1 Thess 4:18 | Therefore encourage one another with these words. | Exhortation for comfort |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. | God's guidance |
1 Corinthians 14 verses
1 Corinthians 14 4 Meaning
The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14 4 Context
This verse is found within a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 about spiritual gifts, particularly the contrast between speaking in tongues and prophecy. Paul is addressing the misuse of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church, where emphasis was being placed on tongues with less concern for understandable communication. His aim is to establish order and edification within corporate worship. He emphasizes that gifts are given for the common good and that prophecy, being understandable speech inspired by God, is more beneficial for the church's growth.
1 Corinthians 14 4 Word Analysis
- Host (ou= lw ): This Greek word, hos (who), acts as a relative pronoun, introducing the subject of the clause. It directly points to "the one who prophesies."
- Prophesies (profhtevw ): The Greek word prophēteuō means to speak forth, to declare something revealed by divine influence, to prophesy. It's not limited to predicting the future but encompasses speaking God's message for edification, exhortation, and comfort in the present. It involves being God's spokesperson.
- Speaks (lalw ): This verb lalēō signifies to speak, talk, or utter. It is the act of vocal communication. In this context, it highlights the audible and comprehensible nature of prophecy.
- To men (la,loun- ): This phrase, laleis (speaks), implicitly directed towards "men" or people, signifying that the audience is the congregation. The emphasis is on communicated speech.
- Edification (oikodomh,n ): The Greek word oikodomē literally means "building up a house." In a spiritual sense, it refers to the process of spiritual growth, strengthening, and the building up of the church, the body of Christ. This is the primary purpose of this form of prophetic speech.
- Exhortation (paravklhsiv ): Paraklēsis is a multifaceted Greek word. It conveys urging, entreating, comforting, or encouraging. It implies a speaking alongside someone to support or admonish them.
- Comfort (paramuqivan ): Paramythia means consolation, solace, or comfort. It specifically addresses providing relief or cheer to those who are distressed or grieving.
1 Corinthians 14 4 Bonus Section
The emphasis on "edification" (oikodome) is central to Paul's argument. He contrasts this with the potential for disruption or self-aggrandizement that can occur when gifts like speaking in tongues are exercised without order or understandable expression. Prophecy, by its nature, fulfills the directive found throughout Scripture to "build each other up" (1 Thess. 5:11) and "pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (Rom. 14:19). This verse highlights a crucial criterion for assessing spiritual manifestations: their contribution to the spiritual maturity and well-being of the church.
1 Corinthians 14 4 Commentary
Paul asserts that prophecy serves the specific purpose of edifying, exhorting, and comforting believers within the church community. Unlike tongues, which without interpretation can be unintelligible, prophecy is understood speech that directly addresses the congregation. This means prophecy builds up the faith of individuals and the corporate body by strengthening them (edification), motivating them towards godly action (exhortation), and offering solace in times of trouble (comfort). This principle underscores that the primary function of spiritual gifts in corporate worship should be the common good and spiritual growth of all present.
- Practical Application: When teaching or speaking prophetically, the focus should be on how the message will help others grow in their faith, be motivated to live according to God's word, or find peace and reassurance. This requires considering the needs and spiritual condition of the audience.