1 Corinthians 14:6

¶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

{G1161} Now {G3570}, brethren {G80}, if {G1437} I come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209} speaking {G2980} with tongues {G1100}, what {G5101} shall I profit {G5623} you {G5209}, except {G3362} I shall speak {G2980} to you {G5213} either {G2228} by {G1722} revelation {G602}, or {G2228} by {G1722} knowledge {G1108}, or {G2228} by {G1722} prophesying {G4394}, or {G2228} by {G1722} doctrine {G1322}?

Brothers, suppose I come to you now speaking in tongues. How can I be of benefit to you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:6

In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul addresses issues of disorder and misuse of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church, particularly concerning speaking in tongues and prophecy. His primary concern is the edification, or building up, of the entire congregation. This chapter follows his profound discourse on love in 1 Corinthians 13, which sets the stage for how all spiritual gifts should be exercised—with love as the guiding principle. Paul consistently emphasizes that while tongues are a valid gift, prophecy is superior if tongues are not interpreted, because prophecy directly benefits the listeners by being understandable.

Meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:6

Paul poses a rhetorical question to highlight his point: if he were to come to the Corinthians speaking in tongues (unknown languages), what benefit would they receive unless his message was also conveyed in an understandable way? He then lists four categories through which intelligible divine truth can be imparted:

  1. Revelation: A direct unveiling or disclosure of divine truth from God.
  2. Knowledge: Insight and understanding of spiritual matters, often through divine impartation.
  3. Prophesying: Speaking forth God's message, which typically involves exhortation, edification, and comfort, and is inherently understandable.
  4. Doctrine: Teaching or systematic instruction in Christian truth.

The verse underscores that the purpose of spiritual gifts in public assembly is not self-display but the clear communication of God's will and truth, leading to the spiritual growth of the community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Edification of the Church: The central theme is that all spiritual gifts and ministries must contribute to the spiritual growth and strengthening of the entire body of Christ. If a gift does not edify, its public use is questionable.
  • Intelligibility in Worship: Communication in the church, especially regarding divine truth, must be clear and understandable to the hearers. Obscure or uninterpreted messages fail to profit the congregation.
  • Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: Gifts are given for the common good, not for personal display or private enjoyment, as also stated in 1 Corinthians 12:7. They are tools for ministry.
  • Order in Assembly: This verse contributes to Paul's broader argument for orderly and purposeful conduct in Christian gatherings, ensuring that everything is done for building up the church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tongues" is glōssais, referring to languages. Paul's emphasis here is not on the nature of the language (whether human or ecstatic) but on its *intelligibility* to the audience. The word "profit" comes from ōphelēsō, meaning "to benefit" or "to be advantageous," highlighting the practical utility and positive outcome expected from the exercise of spiritual gifts. The four categories Paul lists—apokalypsei (revelation), gnōsei (knowledge), prophēteia (prophesying), and didachē (doctrine)—represent distinct yet complementary ways in which God's truth is clearly and comprehensibly conveyed to His people.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 14:6 serves as a vital principle for all forms of Christian ministry today. Whether in preaching, teaching, worship leading, or personal evangelism, the message must be clear, relevant, and understandable to the audience. This verse encourages:

  • Clarity in Communication: Ministers and teachers should strive for simplicity and clarity, ensuring their message is accessible and beneficial to all listeners.
  • Focus on Edification: Believers should evaluate their spiritual expressions and ministries by asking: "Does this build up others?" Paul urges us to "seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."
  • Purposeful Use of Gifts: All spiritual gifts are given by God to serve and strengthen the body of Christ, not for individual show or personal gratification alone.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 1:17

    That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16

    All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

  • Romans 6:17

    But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:14

    ¶ Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.

  • Titus 3:8

    [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

  • 1 Samuel 12:21

    And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain.