1 Corinthians 14:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that prophesieth {G4395} speaketh {G2980} unto men {G444} to edification {G3619}, and {G2532} exhortation {G3874}, and {G2532} comfort {G3889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But someone prophesying is speaking to people, edifying, encouraging and comforting them.

Berean Standard Bible

But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

American Standard Version

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:3 concisely articulates the profound and communal purpose of the spiritual gift of prophecy within the Christian assembly. Unlike gifts that may primarily benefit the individual, prophecy is explicitly directed towards the corporate body of believers, serving to build them up in faith, encourage them in their walk, and provide divine solace and reassurance. This verse underscores Paul's overarching emphasis on order, intelligibility, and mutual edification in public worship, establishing prophecy as a gift uniquely suited to strengthen and mature the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Paul's extensive discussion of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Orderly Worship"). Chapters 12 and 13 lay the foundational principles: all spiritual gifts originate from the same Spirit, are given for the common good, and must be exercised in love. Chapter 13, the famous "love chapter," serves as the indispensable lens through which all spiritual manifestations are to be viewed and practiced. Paul then directly applies these principles in Chapter 14, addressing the Corinthians' apparent overemphasis on speaking in tongues (glossolalia) and their neglect of its proper use and interpretation. He contrasts tongues, which primarily edifies the speaker unless interpreted ([1 Corinthians 14:2](/1-corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues to God")), with prophecy, which directly edifies the entire congregation. This verse, therefore, serves as a clear statement of prophecy's superior utility for communal benefit, urging believers to "desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy" ([1 Corinthians 14:1](/1-corinthians/14-1 "1 Corinthians 14:1 - Desire Spiritual Gifts, Especially Prophecy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was a vibrant but problematic community, characterized by spiritual enthusiasm alongside significant internal divisions and ethical issues. Located in a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman port city, Corinth was exposed to diverse religious practices, including ecstatic speech common in pagan cults. This cultural backdrop likely influenced the Corinthians' fascination with tongues, leading to a disorderly and potentially self-serving exercise of spiritual gifts. Paul's letters repeatedly address the need for order, unity, and love within this church. His emphasis on intelligible speech in worship, as seen in [1 Corinthians 14](/1-corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"), directly counters the chaotic and individualistic displays that were likely occurring. The apostle sought to reorient their understanding of spiritual gifts from personal exhibition to corporate edification, aligning their practices with the gospel's call for self-sacrificial love and the building up of the body of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 14:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter. Firstly, it highlights the **purpose of spiritual gifts**: they are given by God not for individual glory or personal experience alone, but for the common good and the strengthening of the church ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1-corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **order and intelligibility in worship**. Paul consistently argues that public worship should be understandable and contribute to the spiritual growth of all participants, emphasizing that "all things be done unto edifying" ([1 Corinthians 14:26](/1-corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - All Things for Edification")). Prophecy, by its very nature, involves direct, understandable communication of God's message. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **primacy of love** as the guiding principle for all spiritual exercise, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). The outcomes of prophecy—edification, exhortation, and comfort—are direct expressions of love in action, demonstrating a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesieth (Greek, _prophēteúō'_):** This term, derived from `prophḗtēs` (prophet), signifies "to speak under inspiration, to exercise the prophetic office." While it can include foretelling future events, in the context of 1 Corinthians, its primary emphasis is on "forth-telling"—that is, proclaiming God's will, truth, or message to people, often with divine insight or revelation, in a way that is understandable and applicable to their immediate situation. The inspired speech is directed towards the present needs of the community.
* **edification (Greek, _oikodomḗ'_):** Literally meaning "building" or "construction," this word is used metaphorically in the New Testament to denote spiritual growth, strengthening, and maturity. It refers to the process of building up the church, both individually (in faith and character) and corporately (as a unified body). Prophecy contributes to the spiritual architecture of believers, making them stronger, more stable, and more Christlike.
* **exhortation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** This rich term encompasses a range of meanings including "imploration," "hortation" (strong encouragement), and "solace" or "consolation." It speaks to the act of coming alongside someone to urge them forward, to encourage them in their faith, to call them to a deeper commitment, or to provide comfort and strength in times of distress. Prophecy, therefore, not only informs but also inspires and empowers believers to live out their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that prophesieth":** This clause introduces a direct contrast, signaled by the Greek particle `dé` (G1161), with the previous verse's discussion of speaking in tongues. It shifts the focus from the individual benefit of uninterpreted tongues to the communal benefit of prophecy. The one who "prophesies" is a Spirit-gifted individual who speaks forth God's message.
* **"speaketh unto men":** This phrase is crucial for understanding the purpose of prophecy. Unlike tongues, which Paul states are spoken "unto God" unless interpreted ([1 Corinthians 14:2](/1-corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues to God")), prophecy is explicitly directed to human beings. Its value lies in its intelligibility and direct applicability to the hearers, ensuring that God's message is understood and received by the congregation.
* **"[to] edification":** The first of the three beneficial outcomes, "edification" (Greek: `oikodomḗ`), signifies the building up and strengthening of believers. Prophetic words contribute to the spiritual growth, maturity, and stability of individuals and the church as a whole, fostering a robust and resilient faith community.
* **"and exhortation":** The second outcome, "exhortation" (Greek: `paráklēsis`), points to the encouragement and urging provided by prophecy. It serves to stir up believers to persevere in their faith, to live righteously, and to deepen their commitment to God. This aspect of prophecy provides divine motivation and spiritual impetus.
* **"and comfort":** The final outcome, "comfort" (Greek: `paramythía`), refers to the solace and consolation that prophecy offers. In times of sorrow, distress, or uncertainty, prophetic words can bring peace, reassurance, and hope from God, ministering to the emotional and spiritual needs of the congregation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse to highlight the distinct and superior value of prophecy for the church. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse directly juxtaposes the communal benefit of prophecy with the limited, individual benefit of uninterpreted tongues discussed in the preceding verse. This contrast serves to emphasize Paul's central argument for order and intelligibility in corporate worship. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a powerful **Tricolon** (a series of three parallel words or phrases) with "edification, and exhortation, and comfort." This rhythmic grouping not only makes the benefits memorable but also emphasizes their comprehensive nature, covering the intellectual (understanding), volitional (action), and emotional (solace) aspects of spiritual growth. The underlying **Metaphor** of "edification" (oikodomḗ) as "building" is also significant, portraying the church as a spiritual structure that prophecy helps to construct and strengthen.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 14:3 encapsulates a profound theological truth about the nature of divine communication and the purpose of the church: God's word, when spoken through His Spirit-gifted people, is inherently designed to be life-giving, transformative, and unifying. It reflects God's desire to nurture, guide, and console His people, ensuring that His truth is not obscure but accessible and impactful. This verse aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the church as the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the health and growth of the whole. The three outcomes of prophecy—edification, exhortation, and comfort—are not merely human sentiments but divinely empowered actions that reflect the very character of God, who is the ultimate builder, encourager, and comforter of His people.

* [Romans 15:4](/romans/15-4 "Romans 15:4 - Scriptures for Learning, Patience, and Comfort")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2-corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:3 serves as a timeless principle for all forms of Christian ministry and communication. It challenges believers to consider the ultimate purpose of their words and actions within the community of faith: are they building up, encouraging, and comforting others? Whether in formal preaching, teaching, small group discussions, or informal conversations, our speech should be seasoned with grace, aimed at strengthening faith, inspiring righteous living, and offering solace to those in need. This verse reminds us that true spiritual power is demonstrated not in self-exaltation or impressive displays, but in humble service that genuinely benefits the body of Christ. It calls us to cultivate a discerning ear for God's voice and to speak His truth in love, always prioritizing the spiritual well-being and maturity of our fellow believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my use of spiritual gifts, or even my everyday speech, align with the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort?**
* **In what specific ways can I intentionally seek to build up, encourage, or comfort someone in my church or community this week?**
* **What might be hindering my ability to speak God's truth in a way that is truly beneficial and understandable to others?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "prophecy" in 1 Corinthians and Old Testament prophecy?**

Answer: While Old Testament prophecy often involved foretelling future events and delivering direct divine pronouncements (e.g., [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel Prophecy")), the New Testament understanding of `prophēteúō` (G4395) in 1 Corinthians 14:3 is broader. It primarily emphasizes "forth-telling"—speaking forth God's message under divine inspiration for the present edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church. This can include inspired teaching, revelation, or insight into God's will, but its distinguishing feature is its direct, intelligible, and communal benefit, contrasting with the uninterpreted tongues that might only benefit the speaker ([1 Corinthians 14:2](/1-corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues to God")). While foretelling is not excluded, the emphasis in this context is on understandable, Spirit-empowered communication that builds up the body.

**Does this verse mean that prophecy is more important than other spiritual gifts?**

Answer: Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Orderly Worship") is not about ranking gifts in terms of inherent spiritual value, but about their relative utility for the corporate body. He establishes that all gifts are from the same Spirit ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1-corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")) and are given for the common good ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1-corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")). However, he prioritizes gifts that are directly intelligible and beneficial to the entire congregation in public worship. In this context, prophecy is "greater" than uninterpreted tongues because it directly achieves edification, exhortation, and comfort for all present, thereby building up the church more effectively ([1 Corinthians 14:5](/1-corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Prophecy is Greater Than Tongues")). The ultimate measure of a gift's importance is its capacity to express love and build up the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 14:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ, who is the supreme Prophet, the living Word of God, and the source of all true edification, exhortation, and comfort. As the **Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), Jesus perfectly spoke God's truth "unto men," not merely with inspiration, but as the very revelation of God Himself. His entire ministry was one of profound edification, building up His disciples in faith and understanding, laying the foundation for His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock, and the Church")). He constantly exhorted His followers to repentance, faith, and obedience, calling them to a deeper commitment to the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")). Moreover, Jesus was the ultimate Comforter, bringing solace to the brokenhearted, peace to the troubled, and hope to the despairing, promising the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Advocate" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter")). Thus, the prophetic ministry described in this verse is a participation in Christ's own ongoing work through His Spirit, empowering His church to continue His mission of building up, encouraging, and comforting the world until His return.

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 14:12

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Ephesians 6:22

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and [that] he might comfort your hearts.

Jude 1:20

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.