TRV
Translation
King James Version
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Complete Jewish Bible
A person speaking in a tongue does edify himself, but a person prophesying edifies the congregation.
Berean Standard Bible
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
American Standard Version
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
World English Bible Messianic
He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He that speaketh strange language, edifieth himselfe: but hee that prophecieth, edifieth the Church.
Young's Literal Translation
he who is speaking in an unknown tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;
See also
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In the KJVVerse 28,683 of 31,102
Study This Verse
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
Paul is saying that prophets are interpreters of the Scriptures.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 35
What then? Did they edify no man? "Yes," saith he, "themselves alone:" wherefore also he adds, "He that speaketh in tongue edifieth himself."
And how, if he know not what he saith? Why, for the present, he is speaking of them who understand what they say; understand it themselves, but know not how to render it unto others.
"But he that prophesieth edifieth the Church." Now as great as is the difference between a single person and the Church, so great is the interval between these two. Seest thou his wisdom, how he doth not thrust out the gift and make nothing of it, but signifies it to have some advantage, small though it be, and such as to suffice the possessor only?
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
In 1 Corinthians 14:4, the Apostle Paul contrasts the spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy, establishing the principle that the value of a spiritual gift in the communal setting is determined by its capacity to edify the entire church rather than merely the individual. This verse serves as a foundational statement in Paul's argument for order, intelligibility, and corporate benefit in the exercise of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that prophecy, by its nature of direct and understandable communication, builds up the collective body of believers more effectively than uninterpreted tongues, which primarily benefit the speaker.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is Antithesis (or Contrast). Paul sets up a clear opposition between two actions and their respective outcomes: speaking in tongues leading to self-edification versus prophesying leading to the edification of the church. This stark contrast serves to highlight Paul's argument for prioritizing gifts that benefit the community. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Parallelism in the structure of the two clauses, with similar grammatical constructions ("He that X edifieth Y"), which reinforces the comparison and makes the contrasting outcomes more impactful. The word "edifieth" itself uses Metaphor, drawing on the imagery of building a structure (a house) to describe spiritual growth and strengthening.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the purpose and proper exercise of spiritual gifts within the Christian community. It underscores the profound theological truth that spiritual gifts are not given for personal aggrandizement or private experience alone, but are primarily tools for the mutual upbuilding and strengthening of the body of Christ. The principle of edification, rooted in love, dictates that the most valuable expressions of spiritual power are those that clearly communicate God's truth and foster spiritual maturity in others. This challenges believers to evaluate their spiritual contributions by their impact on the collective health and growth of the church, rather than by personal satisfaction or perceived spiritual intensity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:4 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary church life, prompting us to critically assess the purpose and practice of our spiritual expressions. It challenges us to move beyond a self-centered spirituality towards one that prioritizes the collective good of the body of Christ. While personal spiritual disciplines and private communion with God are undeniably vital for individual growth, Paul's teaching here emphasizes that in corporate gatherings, our contributions should be intelligible, orderly, and aimed at building up others. This means valuing clear teaching, encouraging words, and ministries that foster understanding and spiritual maturity across the congregation. It calls us to ask: Does my spiritual expression in the church primarily benefit me, or does it contribute to the spiritual growth and understanding of my brothers and sisters? This verse encourages a humble, love-motivated approach to gifts, where the desire to serve and strengthen others supersedes any desire for personal display or private experience in public.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Paul forbid speaking in tongues?
Answer: No, Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues. In fact, he explicitly states in 1 Corinthians 14:39 to "forbid not to speak with tongues." However, he places strict regulations on its use in public worship, emphasizing that it must be interpreted to be beneficial to the church (1 Corinthians 14:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:27-28). His primary concern is order and edification of the entire congregation, not the suppression of a legitimate spiritual gift.
What is the difference between "self-edification" and "edifying the church"?
Answer: "Self-edification" refers to the spiritual strengthening, building up, or encouragement of an individual believer. When one speaks in tongues without interpretation, it can be a private act of worship or communion with God that benefits the speaker's spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2). In contrast, "edifying the church" means to spiritually strengthen, build up, instruct, or encourage the entire congregation. Prophecy, being an understandable message from God, directly contributes to the collective spiritual growth, understanding, and maturity of all who hear it, thus benefiting the whole body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:3).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of edification, so central to 1 Corinthians 14:4, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God made flesh, who perfectly spoke forth the Father's truth, not for His own benefit, but entirely for the edification and salvation of humanity. His entire ministry, from His teaching in the synagogues to His parables, His healing miracles, and ultimately His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, was an act of profound corporate edification, building up the people of God and establishing His Church. He is the cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual house is built (Ephesians 2:20-22). The gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, are distributed by the resurrected Christ through the Holy Spirit to continue His work of building up His body, the Church, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). Thus, every spiritual gift, when properly exercised for the edification of the church, reflects the self-giving, truth-proclaiming, and body-building nature of Christ Himself.