1 Corinthians 14:3

Translations

Modern

But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

Traditional

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Literal

But the one prophesying speaks to men for edification and encouragement and comfort.

Latin

Nam qui prophetat, hominibus loquitur ad ædificationem, et exhortationem, et consolationem.

Original

Greek

English

But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:2–4

The issue with speaking in tongues is that listeners cannot easily understand the message. However, the gift of prophecy is clear and helpful. It is a message from God that strengthens, encourages, and comforts those who hear it.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Pure Worship The Gift of Prophecy The Holy Spirit’s Work

Related verses

1 Corinthians 14:12
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
Ephesians 6:22
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Titus 1:9
He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.
Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
1 Thessalonians 5:11–14
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
1 Corinthians 14:31
For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
1 Corinthians 14:4–5
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Titus 2:6
In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Glossary

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

Topics

Consolation Under Affliction by Ministers of the Gospel Edification is the Object of Ministerial Gifts Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Prophetess Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians

1 Corinthians 14:3

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