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.
Parallel translations
- WEB Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.
- KJV 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.
- NKJV I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
- NASB Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification.
- NLT I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.
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
Paul wishes all could speak in tongues but prefers that they prophesy, unless the tongue is interpreted for the church's benefit. Edification is the deciding standard.
Overview
Paul affirms the value of tongues and does not forbid them, yet ranks prophecy higher because it builds up the assembly. Tongues become equally useful only when interpreted so others understand. The recurring criterion is whether a gift edifies the church, keeping love rather than personal experience at the center of worship.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 10
- 1 Cor 12:10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
- 1 Cor 12:28–30And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
- Mark 16:17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
- Num 11:28–29Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
- 1 Cor 13:1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
- 1 Cor 14:3–4But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 1 Cor 14:1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
- 1 Cor 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
- 1 Cor 14:18–40I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
- 1 Cor 14:12–13It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
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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 14:5 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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