1 Corinthians 14:1

Authorized King James Version

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Διώκετε
Follow
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
#2
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀγάπην
G26
after charity
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#4
ζηλοῦτε
desire
to have warmth of feeling for or against
#5
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#6
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πνευματικά
spiritual
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
#8
μᾶλλον
rather
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#9
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#10
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#11
προφητεύητε
ye may prophesy
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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