1 Corinthians 14:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:22 serves as a pivotal summary statement in Paul's discourse on spiritual gifts, particularly distinguishing the purposes of tongues and prophecy within the Christian assembly. Paul clarifies that tongues primarily function as a miraculous sign for unbelievers, intended to witness to God's presence and power, while prophecy is designed for the edification, encouragement, and instruction of believers, fostering spiritual growth and understanding within the church. This verse underscores Paul's overarching concern for order, clarity, and the building up of the body of Christ in public worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Corinthians (chapters 12-14) where Paul addresses the nature and proper use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. Chapter 12 introduces the diversity of gifts, emphasizing their unity in the Spirit and their purpose for the common good of the body. Chapter 13, the famous "love chapter," interjects to assert that love is the supreme motivation and aim for all spiritual gifts. Chapter 14 then specifically contrasts tongues and prophecy, arguing for the superiority of prophecy due to its direct edifying effect on the church. Paul's argument builds towards this verse, which succinctly articulates the distinct audiences and functions of these two gifts, leading into practical guidelines for their orderly exercise in public worship (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:26-33](/1_corinthians/14-26-33 "1 Corinthians 14:26-33 - Order in Worship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, characterized by spiritual pride, divisions, and a tendency towards disorder, particularly in their worship gatherings. It appears that the gift of tongues, being more outwardly spectacular, was highly esteemed and perhaps even flaunted by some, leading to chaos and a lack of edification for the wider congregation. Paul's letter is a corrective, aiming to reorient their understanding of spiritual gifts from self-glorification to corporate edification. The cultural backdrop of Greco-Roman mystery religions and ecstatic practices might have also influenced the Corinthians' perception and misuse of spiritual phenomena, making Paul's emphasis on intelligibility and order particularly crucial.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy, Tongues, and Order") is the **edification of the church**. Paul consistently evaluates spiritual gifts based on their ability to build up the community of faith. This leads to the theme of **order in worship**, as Paul provides specific instructions to prevent chaos and ensure that all activities contribute to spiritual growth. The verse also highlights the theme of **discernment regarding spiritual gifts**, as Paul helps the Corinthians understand the distinct purposes and audiences for tongues and prophecy, moving them beyond a superficial appreciation of sensationalism to a deeper understanding of spiritual utility. This discernment is crucial for the church to function effectively and maturely, as seen in Paul's desire for the church to "excel to the edifying of the church" ([1 Corinthians 14:12](/1_corinthians/14-12 "1 Corinthians 14:12 - Excelling in Edification")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** Originating from a word of uncertain affinity, `glōssa` refers to the physical tongue, but by implication, it also denotes a language, specifically one naturally unacquired. In the context of 1 Corinthians 14, it refers to the spiritual gift of speaking in languages previously unknown to the speaker, often understood as a miraculous manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
* **sign (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This term denotes an indication, a mark, or a token, especially one that is ceremonially significant or supernaturally given. It points to a deeper reality or divine intervention. In this verse, tongues are explicitly designated as a `sēmeîon`, meaning they serve as a miraculous attestation or proof of God's presence and power, particularly for those who are unbelieving.
* **prophesying (Greek, _prophēteía'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to speak forth," `prophēteía` refers to prediction or the proclamation of a divine message. In the New Testament, it encompasses inspired speaking that brings revelation, instruction, exhortation, comfort, and conviction, often, but not exclusively, involving foretelling future events. Its primary purpose, as Paul argues, is the spiritual benefit and growth of the believing community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore tongues are for a sign":** Paul begins by stating the primary function of tongues. The term "wherefore" (G5620, _hṓste_) indicates a conclusion drawn from the preceding arguments, particularly from his citation of Isaiah 28:11-12 in [1 Corinthians 14:21](/1_corinthians/14-21 "1 Corinthians 14:21 - Tongues as a Sign of Judgment"). Tongues are not merely for personal experience or display but serve as a divine "sign" (G4592, _sēmeîon_), a miraculous indicator of God's activity.
* **"not to them that believe, but to them that believe not":** This clause specifies the intended audience for this "sign." Tongues are not primarily for the edification or instruction of believers (G4100, _pisteúō_), who already possess faith. Instead, they are directed towards "them that believe not" (G571, _ápistos_), referring to unbelievers or those without Christian faith. For them, tongues can serve as a powerful, supernatural demonstration of God's presence and a call to repentance or a judgment upon their unbelief.
* **"but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe":** In stark contrast, Paul presents the purpose of prophesying (G4394, _prophēteía_). The particle "but" (G1161, _dé_ or G235, _allá_) emphasizes the antithesis. Prophecy's primary utility is not for unbelievers, who may not understand or appreciate its spiritual depth, but for "them which believe." For believers, prophecy functions as a direct means of spiritual edification, encouragement, comfort, and instruction, building up their faith and understanding of God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [1 Corinthians 14:22](/1_corinthians/14-22 "1 Corinthians 14:22 - The Purpose of Tongues and Prophecy") to underscore his point. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or **Contrast**, where he sets up a direct opposition between the function of tongues and prophecy regarding their respective audiences. This is evident in the repeated "not... but" structure ("not to them that believe, but to them that believe not" and "not for them that believe not, but for them which believe"). This sharp contrast highlights the distinct purposes of the gifts and reinforces Paul's argument for the superiority of prophecy in the context of corporate worship. Furthermore, there is an element of **Chiasm** or **Chiastic Structure** in the verse's flow (A-B-B'-A'): Tongues (A) for unbelievers (B), while prophecy (B') for believers (A'). This creates a balanced and memorable statement that emphasizes the complementary yet distinct roles of the gifts. The use of the term **"sign"** for tongues also functions as **Symbolism**, where the miraculous speech acts as a tangible, observable indicator pointing to a deeper, divine reality—God's presence and judgment, particularly for those who reject Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding the practical theology of spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing that their value is determined by their contribution to the body's edification and the advancement of God's kingdom. It corrects the Corinthian church's likely overemphasis on the sensational aspects of tongues, reorienting them towards a more functional and Christ-centered view of gifting. The distinction between a "sign for unbelievers" and "edification for believers" highlights God's wisdom in providing diverse means to reach different audiences and meet varying spiritual needs. It also implies a principle of intelligibility in public worship, where clarity and understanding are paramount for spiritual growth, underscoring that God desires His people to be built up in knowledge and faith.

* [Acts 2:4-11](/acts/2-4-11 "Acts 2:4-11 - The Day of Pentecost and Tongues")
* [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - The Purpose of Prophecy")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's teaching in [1 Corinthians 14:22](/1_corinthians/14-22 "1 Corinthians 14:22 - The Purpose of Tongues and Prophecy") provides enduring wisdom for contemporary churches regarding the exercise of spiritual gifts. It challenges us to evaluate our practices not by their perceived impressiveness or emotional impact, but by their effectiveness in building up the body of Christ and reaching the lost. For believers, the priority should always be on clear, understandable communication of God's truth, whether through preaching, teaching, or sharing personal testimonies, as this is what truly strengthens faith and promotes spiritual maturity. For those outside the faith, miraculous signs can indeed serve as a powerful witness, but even then, they must be handled with wisdom and interpretation to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. Ultimately, all gifts, including tongues, must be exercised in love and order, with the primary goal of glorifying God and edifying His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church prioritize clarity and edification in its worship services?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to prioritize "impressive" spiritual manifestations over the humble, yet powerful, work of teaching and prophecy?**
* **How can we ensure that the exercise of spiritual gifts in our community is always driven by love and a desire to build up others, rather than for personal display?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that tongues are never for believers, or that prophecy is never for unbelievers?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 14:22](/1_corinthians/14-22 "1 Corinthians 14:22 - The Purpose of Tongues and Prophecy") clearly states the primary *purpose* and *audience* for each gift, it doesn't imply an absolute exclusion. Paul's argument is about *primary function* and *priority in public worship*. Tongues, when interpreted, can certainly edify believers (as implied in [1 Corinthians 14:5](/1_corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Interpretation of Tongues")). Similarly, prophecy, while primarily for believers, can convict and reveal the secrets of unbelievers' hearts, leading them to repentance and worship (as described in [1 Corinthians 14:24-25](/1_corinthians/14-24-25 "1 Corinthians 14:24-25 - Prophecy's Effect on Unbelievers")). The verse's main point is to guide the Corinthians on which gift is most beneficial for the *corporate assembly* given its specific audience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The distinction between tongues as a sign for unbelievers and prophecy for the edification of believers finds its ultimate fulfillment and coherence in Christ. Jesus Himself was the supreme "sign" to an unbelieving world, performing miracles and wonders that attested to His divine authority and the inbreaking of God's kingdom ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign at Cana")). Yet, He was also the ultimate "Prophet," speaking the very words of God with unparalleled clarity and authority, revealing the Father and building up His disciples through His teaching and life ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son")). The gifts of tongues and prophecy, therefore, are extensions of Christ's own ministry: tongues, like the miraculous signs Jesus performed, serve to authenticate the divine message for those who are skeptical or resistant, pointing them to the God who acts powerfully. Prophecy, on the other hand, mirrors Christ's role as the living Word, building up the church through the clear proclamation of truth, just as Jesus consistently discipled and instructed His followers. In Christ, the purposes of both "sign" and "edification" converge, as He is both the divine demonstration for the world and the spiritual nourishment for His body, the Church ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")).

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

Acts 2:6

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:12

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

1 Corinthians 14:1

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

1 Timothy 1:9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.