1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
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 interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
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:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Overview of 1 Corinthians Chapter 14
1 Corinthians Chapter 14 focuses primarily on the use of spiritual gifts within the church, particularly the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues. Paul emphasizes the importance of order, clarity, and edification in worship, urging the Corinthian church to prioritize gifts that build up the community rather than create confusion.
Key Themes
- Edification of the Church: Paul stresses that the primary purpose of spiritual gifts should be the edification of the church community.
- Prophecy vs. Tongues: The chapter contrasts the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues, highlighting the greater value of prophecy for communal understanding.
- Order in Worship: Paul calls for orderly worship practices, ensuring that all things are done for the edification and clarity of the congregation.
- Understanding and Clarity: Emphasis is placed on the need for understanding in worship, as it is essential for spiritual growth and unity.
Detailed Analysis
1. Edification of the Church (Verses 1-5)
Paul begins the chapter by encouraging the Corinthians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. He explains that while speaking in tongues is a valuable gift, it does not edify the church unless interpreted. In contrast, prophecy builds up, encourages, and comforts the congregation.
- Desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
- Speaking in tongues is beneficial for personal edification but requires interpretation to benefit the church.
- Prophecy is superior because it directly communicates God’s message to the people.
2. The Importance of Understanding (Verses 6-12)
Paul argues that without understanding, spiritual gifts become meaningless. He uses the analogy of musical instruments to illustrate that clarity is essential for communication. The church should seek to use gifts that promote understanding and build up the community.
- Gifts should be used to convey clear messages.
- Clarity in communication leads to greater understanding and unity.
3. Speaking in Tongues (Verses 13-19)
In this section, Paul discusses the practice of speaking in tongues, emphasizing that one should pray for the ability to interpret. He acknowledges the value of tongues for personal prayer but insists that in a congregational setting, intelligible speech is more beneficial for collective growth.
- Pray for the ability to interpret tongues.
- Public worship should prioritize clarity over personal experience.
4. The Role of Prophecy (Verses 20-25)
Paul encourages maturity in understanding and warns against being like children in faith. He highlights that prophecy serves as a sign for unbelievers, as it reveals God’s truth and leads to conviction. This reinforces the idea that prophecy is crucial for outreach and evangelism.
- Maturity in faith leads to better understanding of spiritual gifts.
- Prophecy can lead to the conversion of unbelievers.
5. Orderly Worship (Verses 26-33)
Paul provides guidelines for worship, emphasizing that everything should be done for the edification of the church. He encourages orderly participation, suggesting that only a few should speak in tongues or prophesy at a time, and that all should be done in a way that promotes peace and clarity.
- Encourage orderly participation in worship.
- Limit the number of speakers to avoid confusion.
- Promote peace and clarity in worship settings.
6. Women in Worship (Verses 34-35)
Paul addresses the role of women in the church, instructing them to remain silent during worship and to ask questions at home. This passage has been the subject of much debate regarding cultural context and application in contemporary settings.
- Women should not speak in church but can ask questions at home.
- This instruction reflects the cultural norms of the time.
7. Conclusion and Summary (Verses 36-40)
Paul concludes the chapter by reaffirming the authority of his teachings and encouraging the church to pursue all things decently and in order. He emphasizes that the practice of spiritual gifts should always align with the principles of love, edification, and clarity.
- Affirm the authority of the teachings given.
- Encourage orderly and loving practices in worship.
