1 Corinthians 14:5

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Now I wish for all of you to speak in tongues, but rather that you may prophesy. And the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, except if he may interpret, so that the church might receive edification.

Latin

Volo autem omnes vos loqui linguis: magis autem prophetare. Nam major est qui prophetat, quam qui loquitur linguis; nisi forte interpretetur ut ecclesia ædificationem accipiat.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

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 12:10
…to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28–30
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Numbers 11:28–29
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 14:3–4
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:1
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:18–40
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 14:12–13
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Glossary

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

Topics

Edification is the Object of Ministerial Gifts Interpreter in Congregations Language: Interpretation of Most Important in the Early Church Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians

1 Corinthians 14:5

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