1 Corinthians 14:4
He who speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself, but he who prophesies does good to the Church.
Weymouth NT (1912)
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 words of edification, encouragement and comfort.
Cross References
Mark 16:17And signs shall attend those who believe, even such as these. By making use of my name they shall expel demons. They shall speak new languages.
1 Corinthians 13:2If I possess the gift of prophecy and am versed in all mysteries and all knowledge, and have such absolute faith that I can remove mountains, but am destitute of Love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 14:5I should be right glad were you all to speak in `tongues,' but yet more glad were you all to prophesy. And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in `tongues,' except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get a blessing.
1 Corinthians 14:17Rightly enough you are giving thanks, and yet your neighbor is not benefited.
1 Corinthians 14:26What then, brethren? Whenever you assemble, there is not one of you who is not ready either with a song of praise, a sermon, a revelation, a `tongue,' or an interpretation. Let everything be done with a view to the building up of faith and character.
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 →