1 Corinthians 14:39

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:39 serves as a concluding instruction in Paul's extensive discourse on the proper use and regulation of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. After emphasizing the superiority of love (1 Corinthians 13) and the importance of edification in public worship, Paul offers a balanced summary regarding prophecy and tongues.

Context

This verse comes at the end of a chapter where Paul meticulously addresses the chaos that had arisen in the Corinthian church due to the misuse and misunderstanding of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy. He had established guidelines for their orderly exercise, stressing that all gifts should be used to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:26). He had already expressed a preference for prophecy over uninterpreted tongues, stating that "he that prophesieth edifieth the church" (1 Corinthians 14:4) and wishing that all would prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Key Themes

  • Prioritizing Edification: The command to "covet to prophesy" highlights the supreme value of speaking forth God's truth in a way that builds up, encourages, and comforts the entire congregation. Prophecy, in this context, is primarily about intelligible divine revelation for the benefit of all.
  • Balanced Approach to Gifts: Paul's instruction "and forbid not to speak with tongues" demonstrates that while order and edification are paramount, the gift of tongues itself is not to be suppressed or prohibited. It has its legitimate place, provided it is exercised according to the guidelines previously given (e.g., with interpretation, in turn, and not excessively).
  • Orderly Worship: This verse encapsulates the broader principle of orderly and purposeful Christian assembly, ensuring that all spiritual expressions contribute to the spiritual growth and understanding of believers, rather than causing confusion or disunity.

Linguistic Insights

  • Covet (zeloo): The Greek word zeloo means to "be zealous for," "to earnestly desire," or "to strive after." Here, it's used in a positive sense, encouraging a fervent pursuit of gifts that are most beneficial for the community. It's not about selfish ambition but a spiritual longing for what builds up others.
  • Prophesy (propheteuo): This refers to speaking under divine inspiration, often conveying God's message for instruction, exhortation, or comfort, which may or may not include foretelling future events. Its primary function in the church is to communicate truth directly from God in an understandable way.
  • Forbid not (me koluo): The Greek phrase is a strong negative command, meaning "do not hinder" or "do not prevent." This clearly indicates that speaking in tongues, when exercised properly and according to God's order, is a valid spiritual gift that should not be outlawed in the church.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 14:39 offers timeless guidance for church life and personal spiritual walk:

  • Value Clear Communication: We should earnestly desire and facilitate forms of spiritual expression that are clear, understandable, and lead to the spiritual growth and understanding of the entire congregation.
  • Embrace All Legitimate Gifts: While prioritizing what edifies, we must not dismiss or forbid genuine spiritual gifts that God has given to the church. The key is their proper exercise within biblical parameters.
  • Maintain Order and Decency: This verse sets the stage for the concluding principle in 1 Corinthians 14:40: "Let all things be done decently and in order." It reminds us that God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
  • Seek Balance: Avoid extremes – neither suppressing authentic spiritual manifestations nor allowing them to devolve into disorder. The goal is always the building up of the body of Christ in love.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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.
← Back