1 Corinthians 14:19
What does 1 Corinthians 14:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:19 means
In the church setting, Paul would rather speak a few clear words that teach than many words that no one comprehends. His aim is instruction leading to growth. Quantity without clarity does not help. This sharp comparison drives home the central lesson: public speech must be intelligible to edify. Love prompts the speaker to limit self-expression for others’ gain. The verse dignifies teaching—the careful communication of truth—as a high service to the body. It also sets a practical test for all who minister with words: would hearers understand and be instructed? If not, restraint is the loving and faithful choice for the gathered assembly.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But in the church it would be better for me to make use of five words of which the sense was clear, so that others might have profit, than ten thousand words in a strange tongue.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but in an assembly I wish to speak five words through my understanding, that others also I may instruct, rather than myriads of words in an <FI>unknown<Fi> tongue.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also: than ten thousand words in a tongue.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but in [the] assembly I desire to speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, [rather] than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Context
Following his acknowledgment of speaking in tongues, Paul states his practice in corporate worship: prioritize a few understandable words that instruct. This caps the initial argument favoring clarity for edification. The next section will address attitude—calling for mature thinking—and appeal to Scripture to explain tongues as a sign. That move shifts from practical common sense to theological grounding, preparing readers to see why unchecked tongues in the assembly not only fail to edify but also confuse unbelievers, whereas prophecy can lead to conviction and worship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:21
In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.
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