1 Corinthians 14:1

KJV

¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Follow {G1377} after charity {G26}, and {G1161} desire {G2206} spiritual {G4152} gifts, but {G1161} rather {G3123} that {G2443} ye may prophesy {G4395}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pursue love!

However, keep on eagerly seeking the things of the Spirit; and especially seek to be able to prophesy.

Berean Standard Bible

Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

American Standard Version

Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:1 serves as a foundational exhortation from the Apostle Paul, bridging his sublime teaching on the supremacy of love in chapter 13 with practical instructions for the proper exercise of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Paul commands believers to actively pursue divine, selfless love as the ultimate guiding principle for all spiritual endeavors, while simultaneously encouraging a fervent desire for spiritual manifestations. However, he establishes a clear preference for the gift of prophecy due to its superior capacity to edify, exhort, and comfort the entire assembly, thereby promoting order and growth within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial transition from Paul's profound discourse on _agape_ love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love") to his detailed regulations concerning spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, in [1 Corinthians 14](/1-corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"). Chapter 12 introduces the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that all gifts are from the same Spirit and are for the common good. Chapter 13 then interjects a powerful argument that love is the "most excellent way" (as stated in [1 Corinthians 12:31](/1-corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way")), without which all spiritual gifts are meaningless. Thus, [1 Corinthians 14:1](/1-corinthians/14-1 "1 Corinthians 14:1 - Pursue Love and Prophecy") immediately follows this climax on love, ensuring that the pursuit and exercise of gifts are always governed by love. The subsequent verses in [1 Corinthians 14](/1-corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") then elaborate on why prophecy is superior to uninterpreted tongues for corporate worship, providing practical guidelines for their use.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman city known for its wealth, diverse pagan cults, and moral laxity. This environment likely contributed to the Corinthians' enthusiasm for outward, spectacular spiritual manifestations, which they may have equated with spiritual maturity or status, mirroring the ecstatic experiences found in some pagan religions. There was a clear lack of order and understanding regarding the purpose and proper use of spiritual gifts, leading to confusion and disunity. Paul's letters address these issues, seeking to correct their misconceptions and bring divine order to their worship practices. His emphasis on love and the edification of the community directly counters their self-centered and chaotic approach to spiritual expressions, providing a corrective theological framework for a church struggling with internal divisions and external cultural pressures.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 14:1](/1-corinthians/14-1 "1 Corinthians 14:1 - Pursue Love and Prophecy") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Corinthian correspondence. Foremost is the **Primacy of Love**, which Paul unequivocally establishes as the essential pursuit that must inform all Christian conduct and the exercise of spiritual gifts. This theme is the direct continuation of [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"), where love is described as the "most excellent way" and the enduring virtue that outlasts all gifts. Another key theme is the **Purpose and Proper Use of Spiritual Gifts**, particularly the tension between gifts that edify the individual (like uninterpreted tongues, as discussed in [1 Corinthians 14:4](/1-corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Edification of the Speaker")) and those that edify the entire church (like prophecy, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1-corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy Edifies the Church")). Paul guides the Corinthians towards a corporate-minded approach to worship, emphasizing **Order and Edification in Worship** as paramount principles, ensuring that all activities contribute to the spiritual growth and understanding of the entire assembly, rather than promoting individual display or chaos.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Follow (Greek, _diṓkō_):** This verb implies an active, zealous pursuit, like chasing after something or someone. It suggests a determined, persistent effort, not a passive waiting. In this context, it means to "pursue with diligence," "strive for," or "press onward towards" charity. It's a strong imperative, demanding intentionality in the pursuit of love.
* **charity (Greek, _agápē_):** This is the profound, selfless, unconditional, and divine love described in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"). It is distinct from other forms of love (like _philia_ for friendship or _eros_ for romantic love) in that it is volitional, sacrificial, and seeks the highest good of the beloved, even at personal cost. Paul places this love as the supreme virtue that must govern all spiritual expression and Christian living.
* **prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō_):** In the New Testament, this term primarily means "to speak forth" or "to declare" a message from God under divine inspiration. While it can include foretelling the future, its primary function in the church context is to edify, exhort, and comfort the assembly ([1 Corinthians 14:3](/1-corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy for Edification")). It involves communicating God's truth in a way that builds up the faith and understanding of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Follow after charity":** This is an imperative command, urging believers to actively and diligently pursue _agape_ love. It signifies that love is not merely a feeling but a virtue to be cultivated and practiced with intentionality. Paul positions love as the foundational and overarching principle that must govern all spiritual life and ministry, especially the exercise of spiritual gifts.
* **"and desire spiritual [gifts]":** This clause provides a complementary instruction. While love is paramount, Paul does not negate the value of spiritual gifts. Instead, he encourages believers to earnestly "desire" or "covet" these endowments from the Holy Spirit. The word "gifts" is supplied by translators; the Greek literally refers to "spiritual things" or "manifestations of the Spirit" (_pneumatika_), indicating their divine origin and purpose for the church.
* **"but rather that ye may prophesy":** This phrase introduces a crucial qualification and preference. The conjunction "but rather" (_mallon_) indicates a strong preference or priority. While all spiritual gifts are legitimate, Paul directs their desire specifically towards prophecy. This preference is rooted in the practical benefit of prophecy for the entire congregation, as it directly communicates God's truth in an understandable way, leading to edification, exhortation, and comfort for all present, unlike uninterpreted tongues which primarily edify the speaker.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective **Literary Devices** in this concise verse. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as seen in "Follow after charity" and "desire spiritual [gifts]," which conveys a direct command and strong exhortation to the Corinthian believers. This highlights the urgency and importance of his instructions. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the general desire for spiritual gifts and the specific preference for prophecy. The phrase "but rather" (_mallon_) acts as a strong **Emphasis** marker, redirecting the Corinthians' perhaps indiscriminate zeal for all gifts towards the one that offers the most communal benefit. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the pursuit of love immediately before the desire for gifts, subtly reinforcing the idea that love must be the governing principle for all spiritual manifestations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the essential relationship between Christian character (love) and Christian service (spiritual gifts). Theologically, it asserts that the Holy Spirit's endowments are not for self-aggrandizement or chaotic display, but for the edification of the body of Christ, always flowing from and constrained by divine love. Love is not just one virtue among many; it is the "more excellent way" that gives meaning and efficacy to all spiritual expressions. Without _agape_, even the most spectacular gifts are "nothing" ([1 Corinthians 13:2](/1-corinthians/13-2 "1 Corinthians 13:2 - Gifts Without Love Are Nothing")). The preference for prophecy underscores the value of intelligible, truth-proclaiming ministry that builds up the faith and understanding of the entire community, aligning with God's desire for order and clarity in worship.

* [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1-corinthians/13-1-3 "Love is the Foundation for All Gifts")
* [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1-corinthians/14-3 "Prophecy Edifies, Exhorts, and Comforts")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Diversity of Gifts for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:1 offers profound and timeless guidance for believers and the church today. It calls us to a dual pursuit: an unwavering commitment to cultivating _agape_ love and an earnest desire for spiritual gifts that build up the body of Christ. In a world often driven by self-interest and outward display, Paul's instruction reminds us that the true measure of spiritual maturity is not the spectacular nature of our gifts, but the depth of our love for God and others. We are challenged to examine our motivations: do we seek spiritual experiences for personal validation or for the genuine edification of our community? This verse encourages us to prioritize ministries that clearly communicate God's truth, bring comfort, and exhort believers to greater faithfulness, fostering an environment where all can grow in Christ. It's a call to active, loving participation in the life of the church, always seeking the good of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my pursuit of spiritual growth and ministry reflect the "charity" (love) described in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love")?**
* **What spiritual gifts do I desire, and what are my motivations for desiring them? Are they primarily for my own benefit or for the edification of the church?**
* **In what ways can I "prophesy" (speak forth God's truth, encourage, comfort) in my daily life, both within and outside the church, for the benefit of others?**

### FAQ
**What does "charity" mean in this context, and why is it so important?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "charity" translates the Greek word _agápē_ (G26), which signifies a selfless, unconditional, divine love. It's not merely an emotion or affection but a volitional act of seeking the highest good of others, even at personal cost. Paul dedicates the entire preceding chapter, [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), to describing this love, calling it the "most excellent way." Its importance here is paramount because Paul asserts that without _agápē_, all spiritual gifts—no matter how impressive—are meaningless, noisy, and ineffective ([1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1-corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Gifts Without Love Are Nothing")). Love provides the proper motivation, context, and purpose for the exercise of any spiritual gift, ensuring that gifts are used to build up, not to tear down or promote self.

**Why does Paul prefer "prophesy" over other spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues?**

Answer: Paul's preference for prophecy is rooted in its ability to edify the entire church assembly, whereas uninterpreted speaking in tongues primarily edifies the individual speaker ([1 Corinthians 14:4](/1-corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Edification of the Speaker")). Prophecy, in the New Testament context, means "to speak forth" a message from God, which includes teaching, exhortation, comfort, and revelation that is understandable and directly beneficial to all who hear ([1 Corinthians 14:3](/1-corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy Edifies, Exhorts, and Comforts")). While Paul acknowledges the legitimacy of tongues, he emphasizes that in public worship, intelligibility and communal benefit are crucial for order and spiritual growth ([1 Corinthians 14:19](/1-corinthians/14-19 "1 Corinthians 14:19 - Five Words with Understanding")). Therefore, he encourages the Corinthians to prioritize the gift that most effectively builds up the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exhortation in [1 Corinthians 14:1](/1-corinthians/14-1 "1 Corinthians 14:1 - Pursue Love and Prophecy") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who "followed after charity," perfectly demonstrating _agape_ love in every aspect of His life and ministry. From His incarnation, humbling Himself to take on human form ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")), to His sacrificial death on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), Christ's entire existence was a manifestation of selfless, divine love for humanity. Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, the one through whom God spoke His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). He "prophesied" not only by foretelling future events but, more profoundly, by declaring the very words of God, revealing the Father's will, and bringing comfort, exhortation, and salvation to all who would listen ([John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - My Teaching Is Not My Own")). As believers, we are called to imitate Christ's love ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love")) and to participate in His prophetic ministry by speaking forth God's truth, empowered by the same Spirit who dwelt in Him, always with the aim of building up the church, His body ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for Building Up the Body")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

1 Corinthians 12:1

¶ Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all your things be done with charity.

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.

1 Corinthians 14:3

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.