1 Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητεύων
he that prophesieth
G4395
προφητεύων
he that prophesieth
Strong's:
G4395
Word #:
3 of 10
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
οἰκοδομὴν
to edification
G3619
οἰκοδομὴν
to edification
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
6 of 10
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.Ephesians 6:22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.1 Timothy 4:13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.Jude 1:20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Acts 13:15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.1 Corinthians 14:26How 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.Titus 2:6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
Historical Context
In a church fascinated with ecstatic phenomena, Paul redirects attention to gifts that actually serve the community. Prophecy in the NT church involved Spirit-prompted preaching, teaching, and exhortation (Acts 15:32).
Questions for Reflection
- How do edification, exhortation, and comfort work together in prophetic speech?
- What modern church practices might prioritize personal experience over corporate edification?
- Why does Paul make intelligibility central to prophetic effectiveness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort—Paul defines prophecy by its three-fold effect:
All three require intelligible speech directed toward human need.
The contrast with verse 2 is total: prophecy is horizontal (toward men), comprehensible, and constructive. The Greek verb laleo ("speak") appears in both verses, but prophecy's speech has purpose—it builds, encourages, comforts. This is the edification principle that governs the entire chapter: whatever doesn't build up the body fails love's test.