1 Corinthians 14
Prophecy and Tongues
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. References God: Acts 10:46. Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:10, Acts 19:6. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 13:2, Mark 16:17
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:12, 14:26, Acts 13:15, Romans 14:19, Ephesians 6:22, 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:9, 2:6, Jude 1:20 +5
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 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.
6 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?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 9:26
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Parallel theme: Acts 28:2
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Spirit: 1 Corinthians 14:1. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:26
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. Prayer: Mark 11:24. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 12:30
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? Blessing: 1 Chronicles 16:36, Nehemiah 8:6, Psalms 106:48, Revelation 7:12. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:24, Numbers 5:22, Jeremiah 28:6, Revelation 5:14 +3
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:4
18 I thank my GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:4
Orderly Worship
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., and report that God is in you of a truth.
Orderly Worship
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:26
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. Prophecy: 1 Corinthians 12:10
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. Parallel theme: Job 32:11
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 5:14
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Spirit: 1 John 4:1
33 For GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. Parallel theme: Ephesians 5:12
36 What? came the wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.. Spirit: 1 John 4:6. Word: 2 Peter 3:2, Jude 1:17. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 10:7
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Parallel theme: Hosea 4:17, Matthew 7:6, 15:14
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Prophecy: 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:20. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:3, 14:5
40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:34, Romans 13:13, Colossians 2:5, Titus 1:5