1 Corinthians 14:39

KJV

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G5620}, brethren {G80}, covet {G2206} to prophesy {G4395}, and {G2532} forbid {G2967} not {G3361} to speak {G2980} with tongues {G1100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So, my brothers, eagerly seek to prophesy; and do not forbid speaking in tongues;

Berean Standard Bible

So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 14:39, the Apostle Paul delivers a crucial concluding instruction regarding the exercise of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church, summarizing his extensive discourse on the topic by urging believers to earnestly desire the gift of prophecy while simultaneously affirming the legitimate place of speaking in tongues, thereby promoting an orderly yet Spirit-empowered assembly that prioritizes edification and clear communication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a culminating exhortation within Paul's comprehensive treatment of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and tongues, in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Orderly Worship"). Having established the unity of the Spirit in [chapter 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Unity in Diversity of Gifts"), exalted love as the "most excellent way" in [chapter 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"), Paul dedicates [chapter 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy, Tongues, and Order") to regulating the public use of these gifts. He has consistently argued for the superiority of prophecy over uninterpreted tongues in corporate worship due to its edifying nature (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:1-5](/1_corinthians/14-1-5 "1 Corinthians 14:1-5 - Prophecy Edifies the Church")). He has also laid down specific rules for the exercise of tongues (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:27-28](/1_corinthians/14-27-28 "1 Corinthians 14:27-28 - Rules for Speaking in Tongues")) and prophecy (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:29-32](/1_corinthians/14-29-32 "1 Corinthians 14:29-32 - Rules for Prophecy")) to ensure order and prevent confusion, explicitly stating that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Peace, Not Confusion")). Thus, [verse 39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Concluding Instructions") serves as a final, balanced summary, reinforcing both the priority of intelligible communication and the validity of all genuine spiritual manifestations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, situated in a bustling Roman port city known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. This environment likely contributed to the Corinthians' enthusiasm for spiritual manifestations, which sometimes led to disorder and a competitive spirit among believers. Paul's letter addresses a range of issues, including divisions, immorality, and litigation, but a significant portion is dedicated to correcting their understanding and practice of spiritual gifts. In the Greco-Roman world, ecstatic utterances were common in pagan cults (e.g., the Oracle of Delphi), and the Corinthians may have mistakenly equated these with the Spirit's work, leading to chaotic displays. Paul's instructions aim to distinguish genuine Christian spiritual expression from pagan practices and to ensure that all worship aligns with the character of God and contributes to the building up of the community. His emphasis on order and intelligibility was a direct counter to the potential for confusion and self-aggrandizement that could arise in such a context.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Balancing Gifts for Edification") encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The First Epistle to the Corinthians"). Firstly, **Edification of the Church** is paramount; Paul consistently prioritizes gifts that build up the entire body, as seen in his preference for prophecy over uninterpreted tongues ([1 Corinthians 14:4-5](/1_corinthians/14-4-5 "1 Corinthians 14:4-5 - Prophecy vs. Tongues")). Secondly, the theme of **Orderly Worship** is critical, with Paul insisting that "all things be done decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Decency and Order")). This verse reinforces the need for structure and intentionality in congregational gatherings, preventing chaos and promoting peace. Thirdly, the passage highlights the **Proper Exercise of Spiritual Gifts**, affirming their divine origin while correcting their misuse. Paul validates the existence of gifts like tongues but provides strict guidelines for their public expression, ensuring they serve the community rather than causing disruption. Finally, the underlying theme of **Love as the Guiding Principle** from [chapter 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Supremacy of Love") continues to inform Paul's instructions, as the pursuit of gifts should always be motivated by a desire to serve and build up others in love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covet (Greek, _zēlóō'_):** From Strong's G2206, meaning "to have warmth of feeling for or against," or "to be zealous for," "earnestly desire." In this context, Paul uses it positively, commanding a fervent, eager pursuit of prophecy. It implies a spiritual longing and active striving for that which is most beneficial for the church's edification, rather than a selfish ambition.
* **Prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō'_):** From Strong's G4395, meaning "to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office." While it can include foretelling, in the Corinthian context, it primarily refers to speaking God's inspired word for the purpose of instruction, exhortation, comfort, and conviction, in a manner that is intelligible and builds up the entire congregation.
* **Tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** From Strong's G1100, meaning "the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)." This refers to the spiritual gift of speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, either human languages (xenolalia) or possibly heavenly languages (angelic speech). Paul acknowledges its validity but emphasizes its need for interpretation in public settings to be edifying.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy":** Paul introduces this instruction with "Wherefore" (G5620, _hṓste_), indicating a logical conclusion drawn from his preceding arguments in [chapter 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"). The address "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_) is a common term of endearment and shared spiritual identity, underscoring the pastoral nature of his command. The imperative "covet" (G2206, _zēlóō_) is a strong injunction to earnestly desire, be zealous for, and strive after the gift of prophecy. This command highlights prophecy's supreme value in public worship because of its direct and intelligible capacity to build up, encourage, and comfort the church, as explained in [1 Corinthians 14:3-4](/1_corinthians/14-3-4 "1 Corinthians 14:3-4 - The Purpose of Prophecy").
* **"and forbid not to speak with tongues":** The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) introduces a complementary, balancing command. The phrase "forbid not" (G2967, _kōlýō_ with G3361, _mḗ_) is a strong negative prohibition, meaning "do not hinder," "do not prevent," or "do not suppress." This clearly indicates that while prophecy is to be earnestly desired for its corporate edification, the gift of speaking in tongues is a legitimate manifestation of the Spirit and should not be prohibited or outlawed within the church. This instruction assumes the prior regulations for tongues (e.g., interpretation, limited number of speakers) are being followed, ensuring that its exercise contributes to order rather than confusion.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Paul's Balanced Instruction"). The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as both "covet" and "forbid not" are direct commands, conveying Paul's authoritative instruction and the urgency of his message. This reflects the didactic and corrective nature of the entire letter. There is also a clear use of **Balance** or **Parallelism** in the structure of the verse, presenting two distinct but complementary commands: one positive ("covet to prophesy") and one negative ("forbid not to speak with tongues"). This creates a sense of equilibrium, preventing either extreme of overemphasizing or suppressing a particular gift. The verse functions as a **Summary Statement** or **Concluding Exhortation**, drawing together the main thrust of Paul's arguments from [chapter 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"), providing a concise distillation of his desired outcome for the Corinthian church's worship practices. The use of "Wherefore" (G5620, _hṓste_) acts as a **Transitional Marker**, signaling that this verse is a logical consequence or conclusion of the preceding discussion, emphasizing the practical application of his theological principles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Theological Implications for Spiritual Gifts") is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's teaching on spiritual gifts and orderly worship. Theologically, it underscores the dual principles of divine empowerment and responsible stewardship within the church. God sovereignly bestows diverse gifts upon believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")), and these gifts are intended for the common good and the edification of the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")). Paul's command to "covet to prophesy" highlights the supreme value of intelligible, Spirit-inspired communication that builds up, encourages, and comforts the entire congregation, aligning with the very purpose of the church as a community of faith. Simultaneously, the prohibition "forbid not to speak with tongues" affirms the validity and ongoing presence of charismatic gifts, provided they are exercised in an orderly manner and contribute to the overall spiritual health of the assembly. This verse thus champions both Spirit-filled dynamism and Spirit-led order, rejecting both dead traditionalism and chaotic enthusiasm, advocating for a worship environment where God's presence is genuinely experienced and His people are genuinely built up.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Different Gifts According to Grace")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:19-21](/1_thessalonians/5-19-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 - Do Not Quench the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Practical Application for Believers") offers timeless guidance for both individual believers and the corporate church. For individuals, it encourages a zealous pursuit of spiritual gifts that primarily serve to build up others. This means actively seeking to understand and communicate God's truth in ways that are clear, encouraging, and transformative for the community. It challenges us to move beyond self-focused spiritual experiences to embrace those that genuinely contribute to the spiritual growth and maturity of the body of Christ. For the church, this verse is a vital reminder to cultivate an environment that values clear, biblical teaching and Spirit-inspired communication, while also remaining open to the legitimate manifestations of all spiritual gifts. It calls for a balanced approach, avoiding both the quenching of the Spirit's work and the tolerance of disorder or confusion. The ultimate aim is that all things done in the church should be for edification, decency, and order, reflecting the very character of God. This requires discerning leadership, mature believers, and a collective commitment to love as the governing principle for all spiritual expressions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, or does my church, prioritize clear, edifying communication of God's truth in corporate gatherings?**
* **How can we ensure that spiritual gifts are exercised in a way that builds up the entire body of Christ, rather than causing confusion or division?**
* **Am I actively "coveting" (earnestly desiring) gifts that benefit others, or am I more focused on personal spiritual experiences?**
* **What steps can we take to maintain both Spirit-empowered dynamism and biblical order in our church services and ministries?**

### FAQ

**Does "covet to prophesy" mean prophecy is more important than other gifts?**

Answer: Paul's instruction to "covet to prophesy" (G2206, _zēlóō_ G4395, _prophēteúō_) indeed indicates a priority for prophecy, particularly in the context of corporate worship. He explains in [1 Corinthians 14:3-5](/1_corinthians/14-3-5 "1 Corinthians 14:3-5 - Prophecy Edifies") that "he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification and exhortation and comfort," and "he who prophesies edifies the church." In contrast, speaking in tongues without interpretation edifies only the speaker ([1 Corinthians 14:4](/1_corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Tongues vs. Prophecy")). Therefore, prophecy is deemed more beneficial for the public assembly because it is intelligible and directly builds up the entire congregation. This does not mean other gifts are unimportant, but that their exercise in public should always aim for the same corporate edification.

**What does "forbid not to speak with tongues" imply about the gift of tongues today?**

Answer: The command "forbid not to speak with tongues" (G2967, _kōlýō_ G3361, _mḗ_ G2980, _laléō_ G1100, _glōssa_) implies that the gift of tongues is a legitimate manifestation of the Holy Spirit and should not be suppressed or prohibited in the church. This instruction, however, must be understood in light of the preceding regulations Paul provides in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Exercise of Gifts"). These regulations include the necessity of interpretation for public tongues ([1 Corinthians 14:27-28](/1_corinthians/14-27-28 "1 Corinthians 14:27-28 - Interpretation Required")), the limitation of speakers (two or at most three, and in turn), and the overarching principle that "all things should be done decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Decency and Order")). Thus, while the gift itself should not be forbidden, its exercise must always conform to biblical guidelines that ensure edification and order within the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 14:39](/1_corinthians/14-39 "1 Corinthians 14:39 - Christ as the Source of Gifts and Order") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the Head of the Church and the ultimate Giver of all spiritual gifts. It is through His finished work on the cross and His ascension that He poured out the Holy Spirit, empowering His church with diverse gifts "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:8-12](/ephesians/4-8-12 "Ephesians 4:8-12 - Christ Gives Gifts to His Church")). The earnest desire for prophecy, which is the intelligible proclamation of God's truth, points to Christ as the Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one who perfectly revealed the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). All true prophecy ultimately testifies to Him ([Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - The Spirit of Prophecy is the Testimony of Jesus")). Similarly, the validation of speaking in tongues, when exercised according to divine order, reflects the global and universal nature of Christ's redemptive work, breaking down barriers and uniting people from every "tribe and tongue and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Tongue")) under His Lordship. Christ Himself is the embodiment of both divine power and perfect order, and His desire for His church is that it would reflect His character in its worship and life, being both Spirit-filled and orderly, all for the glory of God.

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 12:31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 14:1

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

1 Thessalonians 5:20

Despise not prophesyings.

1 Corinthians 14:3

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

1 Corinthians 14:24

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

1 Corinthians 14:5

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.