1 Corinthians 14:5

Now I am happy for you all to speak in ‘tongues,’ but much more I wish that you should preach. A preacher is worth more than one who speaks in ‘tongues,’ unless they interpret their words, so that the faith of the church may be built up.

Open English Bible (US)

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 who, when speaking, use the gift of ‘tongues’ build up their own faith, while those who preach build up the faith of the church.

6This being so, friends, what good will I do you, if I come to you and speak in ‘tongues,’ unless my words convey some revelation, or knowledge, or take the form of preaching or teaching?

Read all of 1 Corinthians 14

Cross References

1 Corinthians 12:10to another the gift of preaching; to another the gift of distinguishing between true and false inspiration; to another varieties of the gift of ‘tongues’; to another the power to interpret ‘tongues.’

1 Corinthians 13:1Though I speak in the ‘tongues’ of people, or even of angels, yet have not love, I have become mere echoing brass, or a clanging cymbal!

1 Corinthians 14:1Seek this love earnestly, and strive for spiritual gifts, above all for the gift of preaching.

1 Corinthians 14:12And so with you; since you are striving for spiritual gifts, be eager to excel in such as will build up the faith of 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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