For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
For {G1063} thou {G4771} verily {G3303} givest thanks {G2168} well {G2573}, but {G235} the other {G2087} is {G3618} not {G3756} edified {G3618}.
For undoubtedly you are giving thanks very nicely, but the other person is not being edified.
You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
-
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?
Context
First Corinthians chapter 14 is a crucial part of Paul's extensive teaching on spiritual gifts, following his profound discourse on Christian love in 1 Corinthians 13. The Corinthian church was grappling with disorder, particularly concerning the public exercise of speaking in tongues and prophecy. Many were emphasizing personal spiritual experiences over the communal good. In this chapter, Paul addresses the primary purpose of spiritual gifts within the assembly: the edification of the church. Verse 17 specifically highlights the contrast between an individual's personal spiritual experience (giving thanks in tongues) and the lack of benefit or understanding for others present.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "thou verily givest thanks well" comes from the Greek eucharisteis kalōs (εὐχαριστεῖς καλῶς). This confirms that Paul is not condemning the act of giving thanks in tongues itself; he affirms that it is done "well" or "beautifully" from the perspective of the speaker's personal devotion to God. The issue is not the sincerity or legitimacy of the act, but its impact on the assembled congregation.
The key word "edified" translates the Greek oikodomeō (οἰκοδομέω), which literally means "to build a house." In a spiritual sense, it refers to the act of building up, strengthening, instructing, or improving someone spiritually. The metaphor of building is consistently used by Paul to describe the growth and maturation of believers and the church as a whole. If someone speaks in tongues without interpretation, others cannot say "Amen" to the prayer of thanks, and thus are not built up (1 Corinthians 14:16).
Practical Application
1 Corinthians 14:17 offers timeless wisdom for Christian worship and ministry today:
Reflection
Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:17 serves as a powerful reminder that while our personal devotion and expression of faith are vital, the ultimate measure of their value in a communal setting is their capacity to edify others. A truly spiritual act, according to Paul, is one that not only blesses the individual but also contributes to the spiritual growth and understanding of the entire church. It encourages us to always consider the impact of our worship on the body of Christ, ensuring that love and mutual upbuilding remain at the heart of our gatherings.