1 Corinthians 14:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
θέλω
I would
G2309
θέλω
I would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
1 of 27
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
γλώσσαις
with tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
with tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
6 of 27
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
προφητεύων
is he that prophesieth
G4395
προφητεύων
is he that prophesieth
Strong's:
G4395
Word #:
10 of 27
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
μείζων
greater
G3187
μείζων
greater
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
11 of 27
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητεύων
is he that prophesieth
G4395
προφητεύων
is he that prophesieth
Strong's:
G4395
Word #:
14 of 27
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλώσσαις
with tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
with tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
18 of 27
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
ἐκτὸς
except
G1622
ἐκτὸς
except
Strong's:
G1622
Word #:
19 of 27
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
21 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
διερμηνεύῃ
he interpret
G1329
διερμηνεύῃ
he interpret
Strong's:
G1329
Word #:
22 of 27
to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησία
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησία
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
25 of 27
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;1 Corinthians 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Historical Context
Paul's "I wish you all" echoes his pastoral heart—he doesn't despise any legitimate gift. But in Corinth's chaotic worship, prophecy served love better than uninterpreted ecstasy. The exception clause ("except he interpret") shows Paul's flexibility.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul wish all spoke in tongues if prophecy is 'greater'?
- How does interpretation transform tongues from self-serving to church-serving?
- What modern worship elements might need the 'interpretation' test—is it edifying?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied—Paul affirms tongues as a genuine gift (thelō, "I wish/desire") while maintaining prophecy's superiority (mallon, "more, rather"). Greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues uses meizōn (μείζων, "greater") to establish a hierarchy based on edification, not authenticity.
Except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying—the critical exception: tongues plus interpretation equals prophecy in effect. The purpose clause hina hē ekklēsia oikodomēn labē ("that the church may receive edification") reveals the governing principle: edification is the goal, and intelligibility is the means. Tongues without interpretation fail this test; with interpretation, they serve love.