1 Corinthians 14 5

1 Corinthians 14:5 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.

1 Corinthians 14:5 nkjv

I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

1 Corinthians 14:5 niv

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 someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

1 Corinthians 14:5 esv

Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 14:5 nlt

I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.

1 Corinthians 14 verses

1 Corinthians 14 5 Meaning

The Apostle Paul affirms that the prophet speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort. This gift of prophecy, when exercised in the assembly, is distinctly beneficial to the community, contributing to their spiritual edification.

1 Corinthians 14 5 Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in 1 Corinthians 14 by the Apostle Paul addressing the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy, within the gathered church. Paul contrasts these gifts, emphasizing that while speaking in tongues edifies the individual speaker, prophecy edifies the entire church. He is guiding the Corinthian believers, who were demonstrating an imbalanced emphasis on the more ecstatic, unintelligible gift of tongues, towards a more orderly and communal exercise of spiritual power. The historical context involves a church struggling with immature understanding and practice of these spiritual manifestations, leading to disorder and potential division. Paul’s primary aim is to foster love and ensure that all activities in the church serve the purpose of building up the body of Christ in a way that is comprehensible to all.

1 Corinthians 14 5 Word analysis

• O de (o de): This is a conjunction meaning "but" or "however." It introduces a contrast to the preceding statement about speaking in tongues.
• ho (ho): This is the masculine singular nominative article, functioning here to specify or point to the subject of the sentence, which is "the one who prophesies."
• prophētōn (prophētōn): From "prophētēs" (προφήτης), meaning "one who speaks forth," a prophet. It signifies someone who speaks under divine inspiration, conveying God's message.
• tois (tois): The masculine plural dative article, indicating the recipients of the action.
• anthrōpois (anthrōpois): From "anthrōpos" (ἄνθρωπος), meaning "man," "human being," or "people" (plural).
• lalōn (lalōn): Present participle active of "laleō" (λαλέω), meaning "to speak," "to talk," or "to say." Here, "speaking."
• oikodomēn (oikodomēn): Accusative singular of "oikodomē" (οἰκοδομή), meaning "building up," "edification," "instruction," or "strengthening." It comes from "oikos" (house) and "domē" (building). It implies spiritual construction and development.
• erchetai (erchetai): Present tense indicative middle of "erchemai" (ἔρχομαι), meaning "to come" or "to go." Here, it conveys the idea of bringing forth or causing something to come about.
• kai (kai): A common conjunction meaning "and." It links the different aspects of the prophet's speech.
• paraklēsis (paraklēsis): From "parakaleō" (παρακαλέω), meaning "to call to one's side," "to urge," "to exhort," "to comfort," or "to encourage." This highlights the uplifting and strengthening aspect.
• kai (kai): "and."
• paramythia (paramythia): From "paramythēsis" (παραμυθέω), meaning "consolation," "comfort," or "encouragement," particularly in times of sorrow or difficulty. This term carries a sense of soothing and alleviating distress.

Group Analysis:

• "ho prophētōn tois anthrōpois lalōn" - "the one speaking prophesies to men." This structure emphasizes the act of prophesying directed towards people.
• "oikodomēn kai paraklēsin kai paramythian erchetai" - "brings building up and exhortation and comfort." This tripartite description outlines the positive, constructive effects of prophecy. The Greek grammar shows these are the results or outcomes of the prophetic utterance.

1 Corinthians 14 5 Bonus section

The threefold benefit of prophecy (strengthening, encouragement, comfort) echoes the attributes of God himself, who is our strength, the source of encouragement, and the great Comforter (e.g., Ps 18:1-2, 2 Cor 1:3-4). The apostle's teaching here implies a standard for all spiritual expressions in the church – they must be comprehensible and edifying. This stands in contrast to spiritual experiences that might be sensational but lack the element of clear communication for the building up of others. The emphasis on "building up" (oikodomēn) connects to the imagery of a temple, where each believer is a stone built into Christ the cornerstone (Eph 2:20-22). Prophecy plays a crucial role in ensuring this construction proceeds soundly and according to God's plan.

1 Corinthians 14 5 Commentary

Paul asserts that the gift of prophecy is intrinsically beneficial for the corporate body of believers. Unlike speaking in tongues, which might be an utterance in a language unknown to the listeners and thus only edifies the speaker, prophecy is understood speech that is divinely inspired and delivered to the people. The three-fold purpose outlined – strengthening (oikodomēn), encouragement (paraklēsin), and comfort (paramythia) – covers the essential spiritual needs of the congregation. This means that any gift exercised in the church should aim at constructively building up the believers, motivating them towards godly living, and providing solace during trials. This verse is foundational for understanding the purpose and practice of spiritual gifts within the church, prioritizing intelligibility and communal edification. It sets a clear standard: whatever is spoken or done in worship must serve to uplift and mature the entire body of Christ.