1 Corinthians 14:22

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.

Berean Standard Bible:

Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

American Standard Version:

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Wherefore^{G5620} tongues^{G1100} are^{G1526} for^{G1519} a sign^{G4592}, not^{G3756} to them that believe^{G4100}, but^{G235} to them that believe not^{G571}: but^{G1161} prophesying^{G4394} serveth not^{G3756} for them that believe not^{G571}, but^{G235} for them which believe^{G4100}.

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Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:22

1 Corinthians 14:22 is a verse from the First Epistle to the Corinthians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian community in Corinth, Greece. In this verse, Paul is addressing the issue of speaking in tongues (glossolalia) and prophecy within the worship practices of the Corinthian church.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian experience of spiritual gifts, which included the ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, a phenomenon often referred to as "speaking in tongues." This gift was one of many charismata (spiritual gifts) that the early Christians believed were given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church and as a sign of God's power.

In the verse, Paul makes a distinction between the purpose of tongues and prophecy. He argues that speaking in tongues serves as a sign primarily for unbelievers—it is a miraculous demonstration of the Spirit's power that can capture the attention of those outside the faith and potentially lead them to belief. In contrast, prophecy, which involves speaking a message inspired by God, is directed towards those who already believe. Prophecy serves to edify, exhort, and console believers, helping them to grow in their faith and understanding.

Paul's emphasis on prophecy over tongues in the broader context of 1 Corinthians 14 reflects his concern for orderly worship and the importance of intelligibility in the congregation. He encourages the Corinthians to prioritize spiritual gifts that build up the church, rather than those that might cause confusion or division.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 14:22 highlights the different functions of spiritual gifts within the early Christian community. Speaking in tongues is seen as a sign to unbelievers, potentially drawing them to the faith, while prophecy is valued for its role in strengthening and guiding those who already believe. Paul's teaching aims to balance the use of these gifts for the common good and the effectiveness of the church's witness and ministry.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5620
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὥστε
   Transliteration: hṓste
   Pronunciation: hoce'-teh
   Description: from ὡς and τέ; so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow):--(insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1100
   There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γλῶσσα
   Transliteration: glōssa
   Pronunciation: gloce-sah'
   Description: of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):--tongue.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1526
   There are 146 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰσί
   Transliteration: eisí
   Pronunciation: i-see'
   Description: 3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί; they are:--agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
5. Strong's Number: G4592
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σημεῖον
   Transliteration: sēmeîon
   Pronunciation: say-mi'-on
   Description: neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of σημαίνω; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:--miracle, sign, token, wonder.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4100
   There are 220 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πιστεύω
   Transliteration: pisteúō
   Pronunciation: pist-yoo'-o
   Description: from πίστις; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
   
8. Strong's Number: G235
   There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀλλά
   Transliteration: allá
   Pronunciation: al-lah'
   Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
   
9. Strong's Number: G571
   There are 2855 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄπιστος
   Transliteration: ápistos
   Pronunciation: ap'-is-tos
   Description: from Α (as a negative particle) and πιστός; (actively) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing):--that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever(-ing).
   
10. Strong's Number: G1161
    There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέ
    Transliteration: dé
    Pronunciation: deh
    Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
    
11. Strong's Number: G4394
    There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: προφητεία
    Transliteration: prophēteía
    Pronunciation: prof-ay-ti'-ah
    Description: from προφήτης ("prophecy"); prediction (scriptural or other):--prophecy, prophesying.