Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. Berean Literal Bible Now I desire you all to speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy. Now the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, unless he should interpret, so that the church might receive edification. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification. NASB 1995 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. NASB 1977 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. Legacy Standard Bible But I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. And greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he translates, so that the church may receive edification. Amplified Bible Now I wish that all of you spoke in unknown tongues, but even more [I wish] that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater [and more useful] than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he translates or explains [what he says], so that the church may be edified [instructed, improved, strengthened]. Christian Standard Bible I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. Holman Christian Standard Bible I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. American Standard Version Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Contemporary English Version I am glad for you to speak unknown languages, although I prefer that you would prophesy. In fact, prophesying does much more good than speaking unknown languages, unless someone can help the church by explaining what you mean. English Revised Version Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. GOD'S WORD® Translation I wish that all of you could speak in other languages, but especially that you could speak what God has revealed. The person who speaks what God has revealed is more important than the person who speaks in other languages. This is true unless he can interpret what he says to help the church grow. Good News Translation I would like for all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues--unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped. International Standard Version Now I wish that all of you could speak in foreign languages, but especially that you could prophesy. The person who prophesies is more important than the person who speaks in a foreign language, unless he interprets it so that the church may be built up. Majority Standard Bible I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. NET Bible I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened. New Heart English Bible Now I would like you all to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy, and he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the church may be built up. Webster's Bible Translation I would that ye all spoke in languages, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh in languages, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Weymouth New Testament I should be right glad were you all to speak in 'tongues,' but yet more glad were you all to prophesy. And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in 'tongues,' except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get a blessing. World English Bible Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that you may prophesy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the Assembly may receive edification. Berean Literal Bible Now I desire you all to speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy. Now the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, unless he should interpret, so that the church might receive edification. Young's Literal Translation and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the assembly may receive edification. Smith's Literal Translation And I will ye all to speak with tongues, and rather that ye prophesy; for greater he prophesying, than he speaking with tongues, unless he interpret accurately, that the church receive building up. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification. Catholic Public Domain Version Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but more so to prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless perhaps he interprets, so that the Church may receive edification. New American Bible Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up. New Revised Standard Version Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI would that you all spoke various tongues, but I would rather that you prophesied: for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks various tongues, unless he interpret; however, if he interpret it, he edifies the church. Aramaic Bible in Plain English I wish that all of you might speak in languages, but all the more that you may prophesy, for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in languages, unless he translates; but if he translates, he edifies the church. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI am willing, indeed, that you should all speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy; for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, in order that the church may receive instruction. Godbey New Testament But I wish you all to speak with tongues, but rather that you may prophesy: but greater is the one prophesying, than the one speaking with tongues, unless he may interpret, in order that the church may receive edification. Haweis New Testament Now I could wish that you all spake with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret also, that the church may receive edification. Mace New Testament I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it. Weymouth New Testament I should be right glad were you all to speak in 'tongues,' but yet more glad were you all to prophesy. And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in 'tongues,' except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get a blessing. Worrell New Testament Now I wish you all to speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy; and greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edifying. Worsley New Testament I could wish 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 edification. Audio Bible Context Prophecy and Tongues…4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?… Cross References Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. / Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? / Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 14:1-4 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. / For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. / But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. ... 1 Corinthians 14:6-12 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? / Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct? / Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? ... 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. / For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. / What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. ... 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. / So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? / But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, ... 1 Corinthians 14:39 So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. Romans 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; Ephesians 4:11-12 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt, Joel 2:28-29 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Numbers 11:25-29 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. / Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” ... Treasury of Scripture I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. would. 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues… 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Numbers 11:28,29 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them… for. 1 Corinthians 14:1,3 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy… except. 1 Corinthians 14:12,13,26-28 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church… 1 Corinthians 12:10,30 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: … Jump to Previous Assembly Blessing Built Church Desire Edified Edifying Except Fact Greater Hearing Interpret Interprets Languages Order Pleasure Power Prophesied Prophesies Prophesieth Prophesy Prophet's Rather Receive Right Speak Speaketh Speaks Tongues Unless Want WordJump to Next Assembly Blessing Built Church Desire Edified Edifying Except Fact Greater Hearing Interpret Interprets Languages Order Pleasure Power Prophesied Prophesies Prophesieth Prophesy Prophet's Rather Receive Right Speak Speaketh Speaks Tongues Unless Want Word1 Corinthians 14 1. Prophecy is commended,2. and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments. 12. Both must be referred to edification, 22. as to their true and proper end. 26. The true use of each is taught, 27. and the abuse rebuked. 34. Women in the churches. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues The Apostle Paul begins this verse with a personal desire, emphasizing the value he places on the gift of tongues. The Greek word for "wish" is "thelō," which conveys a strong desire or intention. This reflects Paul's pastoral heart and his longing for the Corinthian church to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit's gifts. The phrase "speak in tongues" refers to the spiritual gift of glossolalia, where believers speak in languages unknown to them. Historically, this gift was a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and was first manifested at Pentecost (Acts 2). Paul acknowledges the benefit of this gift for personal edification and spiritual connection with God. but I would rather have you prophesy He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues unless he interprets so that the church may be edified Except he interpret.--The gift of interpreting might therefore belong to the same person who had the gift of tongues: and if he had this power of articulating for the benefit of others the emotion which he incoherently expresses in reverie, then the gift of tongues was useful to the Church at large, and so was as valuable as prophecy. Verse 5. - I would that ye all spake with tongues. The language of relative disparagement which St. Paul uses throughout these chapters may lead us to regard this with surprise. Yet it is perfectly intelligible. Montanus truly said that each human spirit is like a harp, which the Holy Spirit strikes as with a plectrum, and which yields itself to the mighty hand by which the chords are swept. We have seen all along - and history has in various ages confirmed the impression, on every occasion when these phenomena have been reproduced in seasons of great spiritual revival - that the external symptoms may be imitated with most dangerous and objectionable results both to the speaker and to others. But when the expression is genuine, the fact that the tides of the Spirit can thus sweep through the narrow channels of individuality is in itself a sign that the spirit of the man is alive and not dead; and thus he is an evidence of God's power both to himself and to others. Those who have heard "the tongue" have told me that its force, melody, and penetrative quality produced an impression not to be forgotten. When we see the stuffed and stopped-up hearts and lives of thousands of frivolous and worldly money worshippers, we might well echo St. Paul's wish. Greater. Not of necessity greater absolutely or morally, but greater in the fact of his wider and deeper usefulness. Except he interpret. From this we infer that sometimes, when the passion had spent its force, the speaker in the tongue could give rational explanation of the thoughts and feelings to which he had given ecstatic utterance.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek I wish thatΘέλω (Thelō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. all πάντας (pantas) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. of you ὑ Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. could speak Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in tongues, γλώσσαις (glōssais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language. but Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. {I would} rather Adverb Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. have ἵ Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. you prophesy. προφητεύητε (prophēteuēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4395: From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. He who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prophesies προφητεύων (prophēteuōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4395: From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. [is] greater μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. speaks Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in tongues, γλώσσαις (glōssais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language. unless ἐ Adverb Strong's 1622: From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides. he interprets, διερμηνεύῃ (diermēneuē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1329: To translate, interpret, explain. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate. so that ἵ Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. may be λάβῃ (labē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. edified. Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3619: Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation. Links 1 Corinthians 14:5 NIV1 Corinthians 14:5 NLT 1 Corinthians 14:5 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:5 NASB 1 Corinthians 14:5 KJV 1 Corinthians 14:5 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 14:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 14:5 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 14:5 French Bible 1 Corinthians 14:5 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:5 Now I desire to have you all (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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