1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Original Language Analysis
Διώκετε
Follow
G1377
Διώκετε
Follow
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
1 of 11
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
after charity
G26
ἀγάπην
after charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
3 of 11
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνευματικά
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικά
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
7 of 11
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:1 Timothy 4:14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.1 Corinthians 12:1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.1 Corinthians 16:14Let all your things be done with charity.1 Corinthians 13:13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.1 Thessalonians 5:20Despise not prophesyings.Isaiah 51:1Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.Proverbs 15:9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.1 Corinthians 14:37If 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 Lord.
Historical Context
Written to Corinth circa AD 55, where ecstatic worship (influenced by pagan mystery religions with glossolalia) had created chaos. Paul addresses a church prizing showy gifts over edifying ones, needing to learn that love determines a gift's value.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'pursuing love' (v. 1) practically govern your use of spiritual gifts?
- Why does Paul prioritize prophecy over tongues if both are Spirit-given?
- In what ways might modern worship prioritize the spectacular over the edifying?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Follow after charity (διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην, diōkete tēn agapēn—"pursue love")—Paul transitions from chapter 13's love hymn by making agapē the primary spiritual pursuit. Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy contrasts zēloō ("be zealous for") with mallon ("more, rather")—not forbidding tongues, but establishing a hierarchy based on edification.
The imperative "pursue" (present active, continuous action) frames the entire chapter: love governs all spiritual expression. Prophēteuō (προφητεύω, "prophesy") here means Spirit-inspired, intelligible speech that builds up the church—not merely foretelling, but "forth-telling" God's truth. This sets up the chapter's central argument: intelligibility serves love.