1 Corinthians 14:1
What does 1 Corinthians 14:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:1 means
Paul sets love as the atmosphere of all Christian life and ministry, not as a rival to spiritual gifts but as their guide and goal. Believers should earnestly long for the Spirit’s workings, yet aim especially for the ability to speak God’s message in ways that build others up. Prophecy, in the New Testament sense, is Spirit-empowered speech that brings God’s truth to bear on people’s minds and hearts. It best serves the gathered church because it communicates clearly, instructs, and encourages. The verse calls for a heart that prizes love first, then seeks gifts that most directly help others know God and obey him. Desire is good; love-directed desire is best.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Go after love; still desiring to have the things which the Spirit gives, but most of all that you may have the prophet's power.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Follow after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Follow after love, and be emulous of spiritual [manifestations], but rather that ye may prophesy.
Context
Coming immediately after the great chapter on love, this verse ties chapter 13’s priority of love to chapter 14’s practical guidance on gifts. Paul begins by orienting the reader: love stays central while spiritual gifts remain valuable. The rest of the chapter will compare tongues and prophecy, with Paul arguing that intelligible speech benefits the church most. This opening sets expectations: pursuit, not passivity; love, not self-display; and a particular focus on prophecy’s usefulness in gathered worship. Having established the aim, Paul proceeds to explain why tongues, though real and good, should be governed and often subordinated to prophecy for the congregation’s sake.
v.1This passage
v.2For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:39
Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 14:37
If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
- 2 Timothy 2:22
But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13
But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
- Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
- 1 Peter 3:11
And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
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