1 Corinthians 14:5

1 Corinthians 14:5 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)I 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.
• New International Version (NIV)I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
• New King James Version (NKJV)I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:5

3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?

1 Corinthians 14:5 word by word

Θέλω δὲ πάντας ὑμᾶς λαλεῖν γλώσσαις, μᾶλλον δὲ ἵνα προφητεύητε· μείζων δὲ ὁ προφητεύων ἢ ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσαις ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ διερμηνεύῃ, ἵνα ἡ ἐκκλησία οἰκοδομὴν λάβῃ.¶Read the interlinear

• ·δέde · thenG1161
• I wish thatθέλωthelō ethelō · to will/desireG2309
• allπᾶςpas · allG3956
• of youσύsu · youG4771
• could speakλαλέωlaleō · to speakG2980
• in tonguesγλῶσσαglōssa · tongueG1100
• I would ratherμᾶλλονmallon · moreG3123
• haveἵναhina · in order that/toG2443
• you prophesyπροφητεύωprophēteuō · to prophesyG4395
• He whoὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• greaterμέγαςmegas · greatG3173
• thanἤē · orG2228
• unlessἐκτόςektos · outside/exceptG1622
• unlessεἰei · if: notG1487
• unlessμήmē · notG3361
• he interpretsδιερμηνεύωdiermēneuō · to interpretG1329
• churchἐκκλησίαekklēsia · assemblyG1577
• may beλαμβάνωlambanō · to takeG2983
• edifiedοἰκοδομήoikodomē · buildingG3619

Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 14:5

• 1 Corinthians 12:28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
• Numbers 11:28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
• 1 Corinthians 14:1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
• 1 Corinthians 14:12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
• 1 Corinthians 12:10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 14:5

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 5I would that ye all spake with tongues - The word does not so much imply a wish or desire, as a command or permission. As if he had said: I do not restrain you to prophesying or teaching though I prefer that; but I give you full permission to speak in Hebrew whenever it is proper, and when one is present who can interpret for the edification of the Church, provided yourselves have not that gift, though you understand the language. The apostle said tongue…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 5I would that ye all spake with tongues - “It is an important endowment, and is not, in its place, to be undervalued. It maybe of great service in the cause of truth, and if properly regulated, and not abused, I would rejoice if these extraordinary endowments were conferred on all. I have no envy against anyone who possesses it; no opposition to the endowment; but I wish that it should not be overvalued; and would wish to exalt into proper estimation the…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-25After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 55. Translate, "Now I wish you all to speak with tongues (so far am I from thus speaking through having any objection to tongues), but rather IN ORDER THAT (as my ulterior and higher wish for you) ye should prophesy." Tongues must therefore mean languages, not ecstatic, unintelligible rhapsodie (as Neander fancied): for Paul could never "wish" for the latter in their behalf. greater--because more useful. except he interpret--the unknown tongue which he…Read the comment

Topics related to 1 Corinthians 14:5

• Interpreter
• Language
• Preaching
• Tongues (the Gift)

In the dictionaries

• Confusion
• Desire
• Edification
• Except
• Pipe
• Profit
• Tongues, Gift of
• Corinthians, First Epistle to the
• Holy Spirit
• Ministry

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 14

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings