1 Corinthians 14:4
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Majority Standard Bible
In The King James Version
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
In Context
3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
Cross References
Mark 16:17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
1 Corinthians 13:2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 14:5I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.
1 Corinthians 14:17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.
1 Corinthians 14:26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm or a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to 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 →