Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:1

Prophecy and Tongues · 1 Corinthians 14:1–25
Read 1 Corinthians 14

Translations

Modern
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
Traditional
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Literal
Pursue love, and zealously desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.
Latin
Sectamini caritatem, æmulamini spiritualia: magis autem ut prophetetis.

Original

Greek
English
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:1

Among all the special abilities the Spirit provides (see study note on 1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40), Paul urges the Corinthians to seek the ability to prophesy because it benefits the church more (see 12:10) .

1 Corinthians 14:1–25

After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Mystery Prophecy Spiritual Gifts Tongues, Speaking in

Topics

Being in Love Corinth: The Congregation of Abuse of Ordinances In God's Order Language: Gift of Love of Man for Man Love to Man: Saints should Follow After Miracles: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: To be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tongue: Gift of