1 Corinthians 14:39
What does 1 Corinthians 14:39 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:39 means
Paul ends with balance. He encourages eager pursuit of prophecy because of its power to edify through clear speech. At the same time, he forbids blanket prohibitions against tongues. The church should be open to all the Spirit’s gifts, yet exercise them according to love’s aim and the rules he has given. This closing exhortation gathers the chapter’s threads: zeal guided by wisdom, participation governed by order, and gifts harnessed for the church’s strengthening. It calls believers to hold two commitments together—welcoming the Spirit’s manifestations and ensuring that what happens in worship truly benefits everyone present.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, my brothers, let it be your chief desire to be prophets; but let no one be stopped from using tongues.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so that, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy: and forbid not to speak with tongues.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So that, brethren, desire to prophesy, and do not forbid the speaking with tongues.
Context
These summary commands follow Paul’s assertion of apostolic authority and his warning about obstinate ignorance. They restate the chapter’s main contrast—prophecy’s edifying clarity versus tongues’ limited usefulness without interpretation—while maintaining openness to both. The final verse will provide the overarching principle that binds all the instructions: the demand for decorum and order in everything done in the assembly. This gives a memorable guideline to govern ongoing practice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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 Thessalonians 5:20
despise not prophesyings;
- 1 Corinthians 14:24
But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;
- 1 Corinthians 12:31
But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
- 1 Corinthians 14:5
Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
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