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.

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I wish you would all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you would all prophesy. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless someone gives an interpretation, so that the congregation can be edified.

I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

In 1 Corinthians 14:5, the Apostle Paul continues his instruction to the Corinthian church concerning the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy. He expresses a desire for all believers to experience the gift of tongues, but emphatically states that prophecy is a superior gift for the public assembly, unless the tongues are interpreted, ensuring that the entire church is built up and understands the message.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14, where Paul addresses the chaotic and sometimes self-serving manifestation of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. The Corinthians highly valued the gift of tongues, perhaps viewing it as a sign of spiritual superiority, leading to disorder and a lack of understanding during their gatherings. Paul's primary concern throughout these chapters is the orderly and edifying use of gifts, emphasizing that all gifts should serve the common good and build up the body of Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prioritizing Edification: The central message is that all spiritual gifts, especially in public worship, must contribute to the edification of the church. Gifts are not for personal display or individual benefit alone, but for the collective spiritual growth and understanding of the community.
  • The Superiority of Prophecy: Paul explicitly states that "greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues." Prophecy, in this context, refers to inspired, understandable speech that brings encouragement, exhortation, or comfort to the congregation. Because it is directly intelligible, it immediately builds up the listeners.
  • The Necessity of Interpretation: While Paul doesn't forbid tongues, he places a critical condition on their public use: they must be interpreted. Without interpretation, tongues are unintelligible to most listeners, thus failing to edify the church. When interpreted, tongues become equivalent to prophecy in their ability to build up the body, as the message is then understood. This aligns with Paul's call for speaking understandable words.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "edifying" is oikodome (οἰκοδομή), which literally means "building up" or "construction." This term is used metaphorically throughout Paul's writings to describe the spiritual growth and strengthening of believers and the church as a whole. It underscores the practical, tangible benefit that spiritual gifts should provide.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless principles for Christian gatherings and the use of spiritual gifts today:

  • Clarity in Communication: Whether in preaching, teaching, or sharing, the message should always be clear and understandable to the audience. Communication that does not lead to understanding cannot lead to edification.
  • Focus on Corporate Benefit: Believers are encouraged to use their God-given talents and spiritual gifts not for personal glory, but to serve and build up others in the church. This fosters unity and mutual growth within the body of Christ.
  • Orderly Worship: Paul's instructions advocate for order and intelligibility in public worship. While spiritual experiences are valuable, they should always be managed in a way that promotes understanding and spiritual growth for everyone present.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10

    To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28

    And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:30

    Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

  • Numbers 11:28

    And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, [one] of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

  • Numbers 11:29

    And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1

    ¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:3

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

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