1 Corinthians 14:5
What does 1 Corinthians 14:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:5 means
Paul’s desire is broad: he wishes all could share in tongues, showing he values the gift. Yet he immediately states a preference—prophecy blesses the church more. Tongues become equally helpful only when an interpreter provides the meaning, turning private devotion into public edification. The driving concern is what benefits the congregation. Paul’s “greater” language speaks not of personal worth but of usefulness in gathered worship. This balances enthusiasm with discernment: seek spiritual experiences, but seek most what helps others hear and obey God. In this way, the church becomes a place where the Spirit’s gifts are welcomed and harnessed for the common good rather than displayed for individual satisfaction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now I desire that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy. But greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.
Context
Having established that tongues without understanding do not edify, Paul clarifies he is not dismissing tongues altogether. He values them, but he measures greatness by contribution to the body. This prepares readers for the practical remedies he will soon command—interpretation for tongues and limits on how many speak. The step-by-step argument prevents misunderstanding: Paul’s priority is not to suppress gifts but to align them with love’s aim. Next he will personalize the point, asking what benefit he could provide if he came speaking unintelligibly, and then he will use familiar illustrations to underline the priority of clarity in communication.
v.4He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
v.5This passage
v.6But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
- 1 Corinthians 14:12
So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
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