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.
Parallel translations
- 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.
- BSB 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.
- 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 12:10and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
- 1 Cor 12:28–30God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
- Mark 16:17These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
- Num 11:28–29Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”
- 1 Cor 13:1If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
- 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.
- 1 Cor 13:4Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
- 1 Cor 14:18–40I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all.
- 1 Cor 14:12–13So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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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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