Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:22

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

Modern
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
Traditional
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Literal
So then, tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; but prophecy is not to the unbelieving, but to the believing.
Latin
Itaque linguæ in signum sunt non fidelibus, sed infidelibus: prophetiæ autem non infidelibus, sed fidelibus.

Original

Greek
English
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:21–25

Paul used this quotation from Isaiah 28:11–12 to show that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, not believers. However, in 1 Corinthians 14:23–25, Paul argues that unbelievers are more likely to be convinced by prophecy than by speaking in tongues. He emphasizes that, in public worship, prophecy is more useful than speaking in tongues.

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 Music Mystery Prophecy

Topics

Language: Power of Speaking Different: A Sign to Unbelievers Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Signs The Gift of Tongues Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Unbelief: Miracles Designed to Convince Those In