1 Corinthians 14

King James Version

Full text for 1 Corinthians Chapter 14

1¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

2For 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.

3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5I 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.

6¶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.

11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.

12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret.

14For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15¶ What 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.

16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.

20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

21¶ In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26¶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.

28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34¶ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36¶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40Let all things be done decently and in order.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Paul instructs the Corinthian church on the proper use of spiritual gifts, prioritizing prophecy over speaking in tongues for the edification of the congregation. He emphasizes that public worship should be understandable and orderly, promoting the spiritual growth of all. While acknowledging the validity of tongues, he stresses the necessity of interpretation for the benefit of the church. All things are to be done decently and in order, for God is not the author of confusion.

Medium Summary

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the Corinthians' enthusiasm for spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues, and provides guidance for their appropriate use in public worship. He asserts that prophecy is superior to speaking in tongues because it directly edifies, exhorts, and comforts the church, whereas uninterpreted tongues only edify the speaker. Paul uses analogies of musical instruments and foreign languages to illustrate that speech without understanding is unfruitful and unhelpful to others. He urges believers to seek gifts that build up the church, advocating for interpretation when tongues are spoken publicly to ensure clarity and order. Specific regulations are given for the number of speakers and the requirement of an interpreter, alongside instructions for prophets. The chapter concludes with an emphasis on order and peace in all church assemblies.

Long Summary

The Apostle Paul provides extensive instructions to the Corinthian church concerning the proper exercise of spiritual gifts, with a primary focus on the comparative value of prophecy versus speaking in tongues. He establishes that prophecy, which offers edification, exhortation, and comfort, is more beneficial to the church than speaking in uninterpreted tongues, which only edifies the individual speaker. Paul illustrates this point with analogies, such as musical instruments needing distinct sounds and foreign languages requiring understanding, to demonstrate that unintelligible speech in public assembly is profitless. He expresses a personal preference for speaking a few understandable words to teach others over many words in an unknown tongue, urging believers to mature in their understanding rather than remain as children. Paul further explains that tongues serve as a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy is for those who believe, capable of convicting and leading unbelievers to worship God. To maintain order and ensure edification, he sets forth specific regulations for public worship: no more than two or three should speak in tongues, and only one at a time, with an interpreter present; if no interpreter is available, the speaker must remain silent. Similarly, prophets should speak in turn, and others should judge their words, ensuring that all may learn and be comforted. Paul also includes specific instructions regarding women keeping silence in the churches, being in obedience, and asking their husbands at home if they wish to learn. He concludes by stating that God is the author of peace, not confusion, and therefore all things in the church must be done decently and in order, acknowledging his words as the commandments of the Lord.

Core Concepts

  • Prophecy vs. TonguesPaul prioritizes prophecy because it directly edifies, exhorts, and comforts the entire church, whereas speaking in uninterpreted tongues primarily edifies the individual speaker.
  • Edification of the ChurchThe overarching principle guiding the use of spiritual gifts is that all things should be done to build up and strengthen the collective body of believers, rather than solely benefiting an individual.
  • Understanding and OrderPublic worship must be conducted in a way that is comprehensible to all present, ensuring that messages are understood and that the assembly proceeds without confusion or chaos.
  • Tongues as a SignSpeaking in tongues is presented as a sign primarily for unbelievers, though uninterpreted use can lead them to perceive the church as mad, while prophecy is for believers.
  • Regulation of GiftsPaul establishes specific rules for the public exercise of tongues and prophecy, limiting the number of speakers and requiring interpretation for tongues, to prevent disorder and ensure clarity.
  • Silence of WomenThe chapter instructs women to keep silence in the churches and to ask their husbands at home if they wish to learn, emphasizing their role in obedience within the assembly.
  • God of PeaceThe chapter concludes by affirming that God is not the author of confusion but of peace, thereby underscoring the necessity of orderly and decorous worship practices in all churches of the saints.