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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 verses 15–20
The apostle here sums up the argument hitherto, and,
I. Directs them how they should sing and pray in public (Co1 14:15): What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, etc. He does not forbid their praying or singing under a divine afflatus, or when they were inspired for this purpose, or had such a spiritual gift communicated to them; but he would have them perform both so as to be understood by others, that others might join with them. Note, Public worship should be performed so as to be understood.
II. He enforces the argument with several reasons.
1.That otherwise the unlearned could not say Amen to their prayers or thanksgivings, could not join in the worship, for they did not understand it, Co1 14:16. He who fills up or occupies the place of the unlearned, that is, as the ancients interpret it, the body of the people, who, in most Christian assemblies, are illiterate; how should they say Amen to prayers in an unknown tongue? How should they declare their consent and concurrence? This is saying Amen, So be it. God grant the thing we have requested; or, We join in the confession that has been made of sin, and in the acknowledgment that has been made of divine mercies and favours. This is the import of saying Amen. All should say Amen inwardly; and it is not improper to testify this inward concurrence in public prayers and devotions, by an audible Amen. The ancient Christians said Amen aloud. Vide Just. Mart. apol. 2. prop fin. Now, how should the people say Amen to what they did not understand? Note, There can be no concurrence in those prayers that are not understood. The intention of public devotions is therefore entirely destroyed if they are performed in an unknown tongue. He who performs may pray well, and give thanks well, but not in that time and place, because others are not, cannot be, edified (Co1 14:17) by what they understand not.
2.He alleges his own example, to make the greater impression, concerning which observe, (1.) That he did not come behind any of them in this spiritual gift: "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all (Co1 14:18); not only more than any single person among you, but more than all together." It was not envy at their better furniture that made Paul depreciate what they so highly valued and so much vaunted of; he surpassed them all in this very gift of tongues, and did not vilify their gift because he had it not. This spirit of envy is too common in the world. But the apostle took care to guard against this misconstruction of his purpose, by letting them know there was more ground for them to envy him upon this head than for him to envy them. Note, When we beat down men's unreasonable value for themselves, or any of their possessions or attainments, we should let them see, if possible, that this does not proceed from an envious and grudging spirit. We miss our aim if they can fairly give our conduct this invidious turn. Paul could not be justly censured, nor suspected for any such principle in this whole argument. He spoke more language than they all. Yet, (2.) He had rather speak five words with understanding, that is, so as to be understood, and instruct and edify others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue, Co1 14:19. He was so far from valuing himself upon talking languages, or making ostentation of his talents of this kind, that he had rather speak five intelligible words, to benefit others, than make a thousand, ten thousand fine discourses, that would do no one else any good, because they did not understand them. Note, A truly Christian minister will value himself much more upon doing the least spiritual good to men's souls than upon procuring the greatest applause and commendation to himself. This is true grandeur and nobleness of spirit; it is acting up to his character; it is approving himself the servant of Christ, and not a vassal to his own pride and vanity.
3.He adds a plain intimation that the fondness then discovered for this gift was but too plain an indication of the immaturity of their judgment: Brethren, be not children in understanding; in malice be you children, but in understanding be men, Co1 14:20. Children are apt to be struck with novelty and strange appearances. They are taken with an outward show, without enquiring into the true nature and worth of things. Do not you act like them, and prefer noise and show to worth and substance; show a greater ripeness of judgment, and act a more manly part; be like children in nothing but an innocent and inoffensive disposition. A double rebuke is couched in this passage, both of their pride upon account of their gifts, and their arrogance and haughtiness towards each other, and the contests and quarrels proceeding from them. Note, Christians should be harmless and inoffensive as children, void of all guile and malice; but should have wisdom and knowledge that are ripe and mature. They should not be unskilful in the word of righteousness (Heb 5:13), though they should be unskilful in all the arts of mischief.
"Else," saith he, "if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?"
"For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified."
Observe how again here he brings his stone to the plumb-line every where seeking the edification of the Church. Now by the "unlearned" he means the laymen, and signifies that he also suffers no little loss when he is unable to say the Amen. And what he saith is this: "if thou shalt bless in a barbarian tongue, not knowing what thou sayest, nor able to interpret, the layman cannot respond the Amen. For not hearing the words, 'forever and ever,' which are at the end, he doth not say the Amen." Then again, comforting him concerning this, that he might not seem to hold the gift too cheap; the same kind of remark as he made above, that "he speaketh mysteries," and "speaketh unto God," and "edifieth himself," and "prayeth with the spirit," intending no little comfort from these things, this also he utters here, saying, "for thou indeed givest thanks well," since thou speakest being moved by the Spirit: but the other hearing nothing nor knowing what is said, stands there, receiving no great advantage by it.
Here Paul explains what he said above, which is that a believer should be a blessing to everyone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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 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.
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
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 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), or for personal prayer (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:28), but insists on intelligibility for corporate worship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of edification, so central to 1 Corinthians 14:17, 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). 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). 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). 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). 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.