TheWay BibleHome›Bible›1 Corinthians›1 Corinthians 14›1 Corinthians 14:4-5
1 Corinthians 14:4-5 KJV
1 Corinthians · chapter 14 · verses 4–5
4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5I 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 14:4-5 · King James Version
1 Corinthians 14:4-5 in context
2For 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.
3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5I 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.
6Now, 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?
7And 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?
Read all of 1 Corinthians 14 →
Commentary
Cross references
Key words (Strong's)
- prophesiethprophēteuōto prophesy, to be a prophet, speak forth by divine inspirations, to predict, to…G4395 →
- interpretdiermēneuōto unfold the meaning of what is said, explain, expound, to translate into one s native…G1329 →
- speakethlaleōto utter a voice or emit a sound, to speak, to use the tongue or the faculty of speech…G2980 →
- edifiethoikodomeōto build a house, erect a building, to build , to restore by building, to rebuild…G3618 →
- himselfheautouhimself, herself, itself, themselvesG1438 →
- greatermeizōngreater, larger, elder, strongerG3187 →
- receivelambanōto take, to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it, to…G2983 →
- tongueglōssathe tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech, a tongue, the language or dialect…G1100 →
Keep reading in TheWay Bible App
Read, study, memorize, journal, and pray — tap any word for its Greek or Hebrew definition, save verses to memorize, and keep a journal. Free on the web and iOS.
The apostle, in the foregoing chapter, had himself preferred, and advised the Corinthians to prefer, Christian charity to all spiritual gifts. Here he teaches them, among spiritual gifts, which they should prefer, and by what rules they should make comparison. He begins the chapter, I.
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 1-5