Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:19

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

Translations

Modern
But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Traditional
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Literal
But in the church, I wish to speak five words with my mind, so that also I might instruct others, rather than myriads of words in a tongue.
Latin
Sed in ecclesia volo quinque verba sensu meo loqui, ut et alios instruam: quam decem millia verborum in lingua.

Original

Greek
English
But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:18–19

Paul emphasized the personal benefit of speaking in tongues, but in a church meeting, it should benefit others, not just the speaker.

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 Mind Music Mystery Prophecy Spirit of God

Topics

Church: Congregation Interpretation of Foreign Tongues Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gift of Tongues Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians Words of the Teacher, should be Plain