Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:3

What does 1 Corinthians 14:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:3 means

Prophecy directly serves people. It speaks God’s truth in ways that strengthen character, urge obedience, and soothe troubled hearts. Unlike uninterpreted tongues, prophetic speech lands with clarity and effect, building the church by instruction, correction, and comfort. It brings God near through meaningful, timely words that address the real condition of listeners. In highlighting these three fruits—edification, exhortation, and consolation—Paul shows why prophecy is preferred in public worship: it does what love desires, namely, the good of others. The measure of a gift’s value in the assembly is not its spectacle but its service, and prophecy excels because it communicates God’s will plainly and helpfully.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the word of the prophet gives men knowledge and comfort and strength.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that prophesieth speaketh to men unto edification and exhortation and comfort.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he that prophesies speaks to men [in] edification, and encouragement, and consolation.

Context

After stating that tongues are not understood by others, Paul now portrays the positive alternative: prophecy benefits hearers. This helps the Corinthians recalibrate their values, moving from what appears most dramatic to what most effectively builds people up. The next verse will reinforce the contrast by showing the limited scope of tongues versus the wide blessing of prophecy. Paul’s flow is steady: he identifies the church’s need (edification), evaluates the gifts by that standard, and then will later supply practical boundaries. Understanding this progression keeps the reader from thinking Paul denies tongues; rather, he continually returns to the central test—does it edify the gathered body?

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.

v.3This passage

v.4He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1

    Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.

  • Acts 15:32

    And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.

  • Titus 1:9

    holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.

  • Ephesians 6:22

    whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:23

    All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.

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