1 Corinthians 14:12
What does 1 Corinthians 14:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:12 means
Paul acknowledges the Corinthians’ eagerness for spiritual manifestations and redirects it toward a clear aim: excel in gifts that build the church. Zeal is commendable, but its measure is love’s goal—edification. The Spirit gives gifts for the common good, not merely for private satisfaction or public display. Therefore, believers should assess their pursuits by asking how they help others grow in faith and obedience. In community life, especially in gathered worship, the most valuable contributions are those that strengthen many. This verse reframes ambition: seek abundance not for oneself, but so that the congregation is enriched by truth, encouraged in hope, and steadied in holiness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So if you are desiring the things which the Spirit gives, let your minds be turned first to the things which are for the good of the church.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so also ye, since ye are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, for the building up of the assembly seek that ye may abound;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus ye also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.
Context
After showing how unintelligible speech divides and fails to edify, Paul directly addresses the Corinthians’ zeal. He does not scold the desire for gifts; he harnesses it. The next verses will provide the practical pathway: tongues should be accompanied by interpretation, and worship should engage both spirit and mind. These steps turn fervor into fruitful service. The flow of the chapter steadily narrows from principles to practices: love’s priority, clarity’s necessity, and now concrete directions on how to pursue gifts so that church gatherings are genuinely helpful to all who attend.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
- 1 Corinthians 12:31
But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
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