1 Corinthians 14:3
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
Majority Standard Bible
In The King James Version
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
In Context
4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Cross References
Acts 9:31Then the churches throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. They grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 14:22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Romans 12:8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 15:2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
1 Corinthians 10:23“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that 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 →