Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:6

What does 1 Corinthians 14:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:6 means

Paul imagines visiting the church and speaking only in tongues—what profit would that bring? It would do little unless he brought understandable content through revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching. These categories emphasize substance: truth disclosed by God, understanding applied, Spirit-led exhortation, and instruction that forms disciples. The church gathers to receive meaningful words that shape faith and practice. Tongues, without interpretation, cannot deliver that content. By asking the question, Paul turns the Corinthians from fascination with experiences to the practical needs of a congregation. The Spirit aims not just at ecstasy but at edification, and the church should hunger for speech that feeds minds and hearts with God’s truth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But 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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But 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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But, now, my brothers, if I come to you using tongues, what profit will it be to you, if I do not give you a revelation, or knowledge, or the word of the prophet, or teaching?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And now, brethren, if I may come unto you speaking tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or in doctrine?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?

Context

Paul moves from general principles to a personal example, reinforcing that intelligible speech is essential for the church’s benefit. The earlier verses highlighted the contrast with prophecy; now he lists the kinds of understandable communication that truly help. The flow next turns to concrete analogies—musical instruments and a war trumpet—to illustrate how confusing sounds fail their purpose. This structure keeps pressing the same lesson from different angles: love measures gifts by their clarity and usefulness to others. As the argument tightens, the reader is primed to accept the coming practical regulations designed to ensure that church meetings are intelligible and profitable.

v.5Now 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.

v.6This passage

v.7Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

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.

  • Jeremiah 23:32

    Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith Jehovah, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, saith Jehovah.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1

    Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

  • Ephesians 3:4

    whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

  • Titus 3:8

    Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:

  • 2 Timothy 3:10

    But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,

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