1 Corinthians 14
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1Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. 4He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. 5Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up. 6But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? 7Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? 8For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war? 9So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning. 11If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me. 12So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly. 13Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t know what you say? 17For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up. 18I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all. 19However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language. 20Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature. 21In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord.” 22Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. 23If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won’t they say that you are crazy? 24But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all. 25And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed. 26What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27If any man speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 30But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted. 32The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints. 34Let the wives be quiet in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to be talking except in submission, as the law also says, 35if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking in the assembly.” 36What!? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.
World English Bible (public domain)
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,”
1 Corinthians 14:33
Summary
1 Corinthians 14 focuses on the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church, particularly the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues. Paul emphasizes that while speaking in tongues is an important gift, it is prophecy that edifies the church more effectively because it can be understood by all. He argues that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church community, and therefore, gifts that everyone can understand and benefit from are to be prioritized. Paul instructs that public worship should be conducted in an orderly manner, with all things done for the edification of the church. He advises that if anyone speaks in tongues during a church gathering, there should be someone to interpret so that everyone present can be built up by the message. Otherwise, speaking in tongues should be practiced privately. He encourages all believers to desire the gift of prophecy so that the church body can be encouraged, comforted, and instructed. The chapter also addresses the importance of maintaining order in worship services to avoid confusion. Paul instructs women to remain silent during church meetings, a passage that has been the subject of various interpretations and discussions regarding cultural context. Overall, the chapter emphasizes love, order, and mutual edification as essential components of church gatherings.
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Chapter outline
How 1 Corinthians 14 unfolds
1 Corinthians 14:1–5 Pursue Love and Prophecy
Paul encourages believers to follow love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, as it builds up the church more than speaking in tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:6–12 The Importance of Understanding
Using music as an analogy, Paul argues that speaking must be meaningful; otherwise, it fails to edify the assembly.
1 Corinthians 14:13–19 Praying and Singing with Understanding
Paul emphasizes the necessity of both spiritual and intellectual engagement in prayer and worship, favoring understandable words.
1 Corinthians 14:20–25 Signs for Believers and Unbelievers
The purpose of tongues is clarified as a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy serves to reveal God to believers.
1 Corinthians 14:26–33 Orderly Worship Practices
Paul outlines guidelines for speaking in tongues and prophesying to ensure that the assembly is built up and orderly.
1 Corinthians 14:34–38 Instructions Regarding Women and Prophecy
Paul instructs women to remain silent in the assemblies, prompting discussion about authority and submission in worship.
1 Corinthians 14:39–40 Desire Prophecy and Maintain Order
Paul concludes by urging the pursuit of prophecy while affirming that all practices should be done decently and in order.
Key verses
1 Corinthians 14:33This verse underscores the chapter's emphasis on order and peace as essential characteristics of worship.
Main themes in 1 Corinthians 14
prophecy and tongues
This chapter emphasizes the significance of prophecy over tongues, particularly in verses 1-5. Paul explains that prophecy directly edifies the church, providing clarity and instruction that benefits the entire community, while tongues may create confusion without interpretation. By prioritizing prophecy, the chapter underscores its goal of mutual edification and the importance of communication that uplifts and strengthens the faith of the congregation.
edification of the church
The edification of the church emerges as a central theme throughout this chapter, particularly illustrated in verses 12 and 26. Paul emphasizes that all spiritual gifts should serve the common good, necessitating a focus on understanding and order during worship. This insistence on contributing to the collective growth of the community highlights the communal aspect of faith and the responsibility of members to build each other up.
order in worship
The theme of order in worship becomes evident in verses 27-33, where Paul lays out specific guidelines for the practice of speaking in tongues and prophecy. His insistence on orderly conduct seeks to prevent confusion among worshipers and to foster an environment of peace during gatherings. This structure reflects the necessity of coherence and respect in corporate worship, ensuring that all participants can engage meaningfully and spiritually.
the role of women in the church
The role of women in the church is specifically addressed in verses 34-35, where Paul instructs wives to remain silent during gatherings. This directive prompts various interpretations concerning gender roles and authority within the church context, raising questions about cultural background and theological implications. The discussion illustrates the complexities of navigating traditional practices alongside evolving understandings of women's participation in worship.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 14
- 1 Corinthians 13This chapter connects with the themes of love and the importance of spiritual gifts for edification.
- 1 Thessalonians 5This passage echoes the call for order and mutual encouragement in worship within the Christian community.
- 1 Corinthians 12This chapter develops the discussion of spiritual gifts, emphasizing their diversity and purpose in the body of Christ.
- 1 Timothy 2This passage connects with the theme of authority and behavior of women in the church context.
- Ephesians 5This text echoes themes of worship practices and maintaining order in the assembly of believers.
- Jude 1This passage connects with the importance of discerning spiritual gifts and their proper use in the church.
Study questions
Questions for studying 1 Corinthians 14
- What does Paul suggest is the primary purpose of prophecy in the church?
- How does Paul use the analogy of music to illustrate his point?
- What should happen if someone speaks in tongues without an interpreter?
- In what context does Paul instruct women to be silent during worship?
- How does Paul define the relationship between spiritual gifts and the edification of the church?
- What is the significance of Paul stating that God is not a God of confusion?
- Why does Paul emphasize understanding in prayer and worship?
1 Corinthians 14: frequently asked questions
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