1 Corinthians 14:5

Those who speak for God are more important than those who speak in tongues, unless they interpret what's been said, so that the church can be built up.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

4Those that speak in a tongue only build themselves up, but those who speak God's message build up the church. I would like it if you all spoke in tongues, but I'd prefer if you could speak God's message.

6Brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what benefit would I be to you unless I bring you some revelation, or knowledge, or prophetic message, or teaching?

Read all of 1 Corinthians 14

Cross References

Numbers 11:28Joshua, son of Nun, who had been Moses' assistant since he was young, reacted, saying, “Moses, my lord, you have to stop them!”

1 Corinthians 12:10Another is given the ability to perform miracles. Another receives the gift of prophecy. Another is given the gift of spiritual discernment. Another receives the ability to speak different languages, while another is given the gift of interpreting languages.

1 Corinthians 13:1If I were to have eloquence in human languages—even the language of angels—but have no love, then I would only be an echoing gong or a clashing cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:1Make love your most important objective! But also do your best to gain spiritual gifts, especially the ability to speak God's message.

1 Corinthians 14:12It's the same for you—if you are keen to have spiritual gifts, try to have many of those that will build up the church.

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14:2-6

On Spiritual Gifts. ( a. d. 57.) 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather… Read the whole commentary →

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