And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.
Parallel translations
- WEB So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
- KJV Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
- BSB It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
- NKJV Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
- NASB So you too, since you are eager to possess spiritual gifts, strive to excel for the edification of the church.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Since they are eager for spiritual gifts, they should seek to excel in building up the church. Zeal for gifts must be directed toward edification.
Overview
Paul does not quench their enthusiasm for gifts but redirects it toward the right goal. The measure of excellence is not the spectacular but the upbuilding of the church. This crystallizes the chapter's argument: love channels every gift toward the good of the whole body rather than personal display.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- 1 Cor 14:26What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
- 1 Cor 12:31But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.
- 1 Cor 14:3–4But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
- 1 Cor 14:1Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
- Titus 2:14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
- 1 Cor 12:7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 14:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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