1 Corinthians 14:17

KJV

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} thou {G4771} verily {G3303} givest thanks {G2168} well {G2573}, but {G235} the other {G2087} is {G3618} not {G3756} edified {G3618}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For undoubtedly you are giving thanks very nicely, but the other person is not being edified.

Berean Standard Bible

You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.

American Standard Version

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:17 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's core concern regarding the public exercise of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, within the Corinthian church. While acknowledging the validity and even the inherent goodness of personal spiritual expressions like giving thanks in tongues, Paul sharply contrasts this individual benefit with the absence of communal edification. The verse highlights that if an act of worship, however well-intentioned or spiritually profound for the individual, fails to build up, instruct, or benefit other believers in the assembly, its public utility is negated, thereby undermining the primary purpose of corporate worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse (1 Corinthians 12-14) where Paul addresses the proper understanding and exercise of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Chapter 12 introduces the diversity of gifts and the unity of the Spirit, emphasizing that all gifts are for the common good. Chapter 13, the famous "love chapter," serves as the supreme interpretive lens through which all gifts must be exercised, prioritizing love above all else. Chapter 14 then applies these principles directly to the chaotic situation in Corinth, where the gift of tongues was being overemphasized and misused in public gatherings, leading to disorder and a lack of understanding. Verse 17 specifically follows Paul's discussion in [1 Corinthians 14:1-16](/1_corinthians/14-1-16 "1 Corinthians 14:1-16 - Prophecy vs. Tongues") about the superiority of prophecy (intelligible speech) over uninterpreted tongues for the purpose of edification, even acknowledging that giving thanks in tongues is "well" done from the perspective of the speaker.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a hub of trade, philosophy, and diverse religious practices, including various mystery cults that often featured ecstatic utterances. This environment likely influenced the Corinthian believers, who might have associated uninterpreted tongues with powerful, mystical experiences, leading them to value it above more intelligible gifts. They were a church grappling with internal divisions, pride, and a misunderstanding of Christian liberty, as evidenced throughout Paul's letter. Paul's emphasis on order, understanding, and communal edification was a direct counter-cultural corrective to both the surrounding pagan practices and the internal spiritual immaturity that prioritized individual display over corporate spiritual growth. His instructions were vital for establishing healthy, Christ-honoring worship practices in a young, diverse church.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") is dominated by several interconnected themes. Firstly, **Edification of the Church** is paramount; Paul repeatedly stresses that all spiritual expressions in public must build up the entire body of believers (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy Edifies")). Secondly, the theme of **Order and Understanding** is crucial, as Paul insists on intelligibility in worship to prevent confusion and allow for corporate participation (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")). Thirdly, the **Purpose of Spiritual Gifts** is clarified: they are given by the Holy Spirit not for personal display or self-exaltation, but for the common good and the spiritual growth of others, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good"). Finally, the overarching theme of **Love** from [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love") serves as the foundation, ensuring that even the most impressive spiritual gifts are rendered meaningless without a loving concern for others' spiritual benefit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **givest thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** From _eucháristos_, meaning "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude." Specifically, it refers to giving thanks or saying grace. Paul uses this word to describe the act of the speaker in tongues, indicating that their personal expression of gratitude to God is genuinely performed and even done "well." The issue is not the sincerity or spiritual validity of the individual's act, but its impact on the community.
* **well (Greek, _kalōs'_):** An adverb from _kalós_, meaning "well," "good," or "beautifully," often with a moral connotation. Paul's affirmation "givest thanks well" is significant. It confirms that the individual's act of giving thanks in tongues is indeed a proper and acceptable form of personal worship before God. This word underscores that Paul is not condemning the gift of tongues itself, nor the act of giving thanks, but rather its inappropriate public exercise without interpretation.
* **edified (Greek, _oikodoméō'_):** From the same root as _oikodomē_ (building), this verb literally means "to build a house" or "to construct." Figuratively, in a spiritual sense, it means to build up, strengthen, instruct, or confirm. Paul's argument hinges on this concept: if others cannot understand what is being said, they cannot be spiritually built up or strengthened by it. This highlights the communal, constructive purpose of public spiritual expression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou verily givest thanks well":** This clause acknowledges the personal validity and spiritual sincerity of the individual who is speaking in tongues and giving thanks to God. Paul affirms that from the speaker's perspective, and in their private devotion, this act is indeed "well" done, pleasing to God, and a legitimate expression of gratitude. It implies that the individual is genuinely communing with God.
* **"but the other is not edified":** This contrasting clause immediately shifts the focus from the individual's experience to the communal impact. The conjunction "but" (Greek _allá_) introduces a strong counterpoint. Despite the personal benefit, the "other" (referring to anyone else present in the assembly who does not understand) receives no spiritual building up, instruction, or benefit. Their spiritual growth is not advanced because they cannot comprehend or affirm what is being said. This lack of edification for the community renders the public exercise of the gift ineffective for its corporate purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in this verse, sharply juxtaposing the individual's spiritual experience ("thou verily givest thanks well") with the community's lack of benefit ("but the other is not edified"). This contrast underscores his central argument in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") that private spiritual acts, however valid, must yield to the greater good of communal edification in public worship. He also uses **Metaphor**, specifically the **Building Metaphor**, through the word "edified" (_oikodoméō_), which literally means "to build." This consistent imagery throughout Paul's letters emphasizes the church as a spiritual structure that needs to be built up, strengthened, and grown through intelligible and beneficial spiritual contributions. The absence of edification implies a failure to contribute to this communal construction project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a foundational text for understanding the purpose of spiritual gifts in corporate worship: they are primarily for the edification of the body, not for individual display or self-gratification. Paul consistently teaches that while personal spiritual experiences are valid, their public expression must always be evaluated by their capacity to build up, instruct, and unify the church. The principle extends beyond the specific gift of tongues, applying to all forms of communication and ministry within the assembly. If an act of worship or teaching does not contribute to the understanding and spiritual growth of the hearers, it falls short of its divine intention for the gathered saints. This emphasis on mutual benefit and intelligibility ensures that worship remains accessible and transformative for all participants, fostering unity and maturity rather than confusion or division.

* [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good") - "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints") - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
* [Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Edification") - "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:17 serves as a crucial reminder for contemporary believers and churches that the ultimate measure of public spiritual expression is its impact on the community. It challenges us to critically evaluate our contributions to corporate worship and ministry: are they truly building up others, or are they primarily serving our own spiritual preferences or desires for self-expression? This verse calls us to move beyond a purely individualistic understanding of faith and embrace a communal perspective, where love for our brothers and sisters compels us to communicate God's truth in ways that are clear, understandable, and spiritually nourishing for everyone present. It encourages humility in the exercise of our gifts, prioritizing the spiritual growth and understanding of the entire body of Christ above personal display or private spiritual experiences in public settings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my participation in corporate worship contribute to the edification of others?**
* **Am I more concerned with my personal spiritual experience during a church gathering, or with how my actions and expressions might benefit the entire congregation?**
* **In what ways can I ensure that my communication of spiritual truths, whether in formal ministry or informal conversations, is clear and understandable to those I am seeking to edify?**
* **What practical steps can our church take to ensure that all aspects of our corporate worship are primarily focused on building up every member of the body?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 14:17 forbid speaking in tongues?**

Answer: No, 1 Corinthians 14:17 does not forbid speaking in tongues. Paul explicitly states that the individual "givest thanks well," acknowledging the personal validity and spiritual goodness of the act itself. The issue Paul addresses throughout [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") is the *public exercise* of uninterpreted tongues in a corporate gathering. He argues that while speaking in tongues may be personally edifying and a valid form of prayer to God, its public utility is negated if no one else understands, because it fails to edify the community. Paul encourages the use of tongues with interpretation (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:5](/1_corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Tongues with Interpretation")), or for personal prayer (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:28](/1_corinthians/14-28 "1 Corinthians 14:28 - Private Tongues")), but insists on intelligibility for corporate worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of edification, so central to [1 Corinthians 14:17](/1_corinthians/14-17 "1 Corinthians 14:17 - Edification of Others"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very nature and purpose of the Church as the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and His mission was to build His church (e.g., [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). Every spiritual gift, including the ability to give thanks, is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, who is given by Christ to empower believers for ministry (e.g., [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Spirit as Helper")). Therefore, when Paul insists that spiritual expressions in public must edify others, he is aligning the church's practice with Christ's own heart for His body. Christ poured out His life not for His own benefit, but for the salvation and spiritual growth of His people (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The church, as His continuing presence on earth, is called to mirror this self-giving love, ensuring that all its functions, including worship and the exercise of gifts, serve to build up one another into the full stature of Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing into Christ")). Thus, the communal edification championed in this verse is not merely a practical guideline but a profound reflection of Christ's own sacrificial love and His ongoing work to perfect His bride.

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 14:4

He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:6

¶ 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?