TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But he that prophecieth, speaketh vnto me to edifying, and to exhortation, and to comfort.
Young's Literal Translation
and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort;
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 28,682 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 verses 1–5
1 ¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
The apostle, in the foregoing chapter, had himself preferred, and advised the Corinthians to prefer, Christian charity to all spiritual gifts. Here he teaches them, among spiritual gifts, which they should prefer, and by what rules they should make comparison. He begins the chapter,
I. With an exhortation to charity (Co1 14:1): Follow after charity, pursue it. The original, diōkete, when spoken of a thing, signifies a singular concern to obtain it; and is commonly taken in a good and laudable sense. It is an exhortation to obtain charity, to get this excellent disposition of mind upon any terms, whatever pains or prayers it may cost: as if he had said, "In whatever you fail, see you do not miss of this; the principal of all graces is worth your getting at any rate."
II. He directs them which spiritual gift to prefer, from a principle of charity: "Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy, or chiefly that you may prophesy." While they were in close pursuit of charity, and made this Christian disposition their chief scope, they might be zealous of spiritual gifts, be ambitious of them in some measure, but especially of prophesying, that is, of interpreting scripture. This preference would most plainly discover that they were indeed upon such pursuit, that they had a due value for Christian charity, and were intent upon it. Note, Gifts are fit objects of our desire and pursuit, in subordination to grace and charity. That should be sought first and with the greatest earnestness which is most worth.
III. He assigns the reasons of this preference. And it is remarkable here that he only compares prophesying with speaking with tongues. It seems, this was the gift on which the Corinthians principally valued themselves. This was more ostentatious than the plain interpretation of scripture, more fit to gratify pride, but less fit to pursue the purposes of Christian charity; it would not equally edify nor do good to the souls of men. For, 1. He that spoke with tongues must wholly speak between God and himself; for, whatever mysteries might be communicated in his language, none of his own countrymen could understand them, because they did not understand the language, Co1 14:2. Note, What cannot be understood can never edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in unintelligible language, such as the audience can neither speak nor understand: but he that prophesies speaks to the advantage of his hearers; they may profit by his gift. Interpretation of scripture will be for their edification; they may be exhorted and comforted by it, Co1 14:3. And indeed these two must go together. Duty is the proper way to comfort; and those that would be comforted must bear being exhorted. 2. He that speaks with tongues may edify himself, Co1 14:4. He may understand and be affected with what he speaks; and so every minister should; and he that is most edified himself is in the disposition and fitness to do good to others by what he speaks; but he that speaks with tongues, or language unknown, can only edify himself; others can reap no benefit from his speech. Whereas the end of speaking in the church is to edify the church (Co1 14:4), to which prophesying, or interpreting scripture by inspiration or otherwise, is immediately adapted. Note, That is the best and most eligible gift which best answers the purposes of charity and does most good; not that which can edify ourselves only, but that which will edify the church. Such is prophesying, or preaching, and interpreting scripture, compared with speaking in an unknown tongue. 3. Indeed, no gift is to be despised, but the best gifts are to be preferred. I could wish, says the apostle, that you all spoke with tongues, but rather that you prophesied, Co1 14:5. Every gift of God is a favour from God, and may be improved for his glory, and as such is to be valued and thankfully received; but then those are to be most valued that are most useful. Greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, unless he interpret, that the church may receive edifying, Co1 14:5. Benevolence makes a man truly great. It is more blessed to give than to receive. And it is true magnanimity to study and seek to be useful to others, rather than to raise their admiration and draw their esteem. Such a man has a large soul, copious and diffused in proportion to his benevolence and bent of mind for public good. Greater is he who interprets scripture to edify the church than he who speaks tongues to recommend himself. And what other end he who spoke with tongues could have, unless he interpreted what he spoke, is not easy to say, Note, That makes most for the honour of a minister which is most for the church's edification, not that which shows his gifts to most advantage. He acts in a narrow sphere, while he aims at himself; but his spirit and character increase in proportion to his usefulness, I mean his own intention and endeavours to be useful.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
A person is built up when he finds out the answer to disputed points. Encouragement comes to him when he is enabled to endure. He is consoled when he continues in hope even when others are viewing his discipline with contempt. Knowledge of the law strengthens his soul and encourages him to hope for better things.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 35
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and comfort."
Seest thou by what he signifies the choice nature of this gift? i.e., by the common benefit? and how every where he gives the higher honor to that which tends to the profit of the many? For do not the former speak unto men also? tell me. But not so much "edification, and exhortation, and comfort." So that the being powered by the Spirit is common to both, as well to him that prophesieth, as to him that speaketh with tongues; but in this, the one (he, I mean, who prophesieth) hath the advantage in that he is also profitable unto the hearer. For they who with tongues were not understood by them that had not the gift.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), 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). 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 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) and are given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). 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). 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), 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). He constantly exhorted His followers to repentance, faith, and obedience, calling them to a deeper commitment to the Kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17). 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). 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.