1 Corinthians 14:6
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?
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 28
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔλθω
I come
G2064
ἔλθω
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
γλώσσαις
with tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
with tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
8 of 28
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 28
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
13 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γνώσει
knowledge
G1108
γνώσει
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
22 of 28
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
Cross References
Ephesians 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Historical Context
As an apostle with extraordinary gifts, Paul could have flaunted tongues. Instead, he subordinates even apostolic gifting to the edification principle. His self-reference makes the argument irrefutable.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul apply the edification test even to apostolic ministry?
- How do revelation, knowledge, prophecy, and teaching differ yet share intelligibility?
- What would you 'profit' from a worship service conducted entirely in tongues?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you?—Paul uses himself as an example. The verb ōpheleō (ὠφελέω, "profit, benefit") echoes the love principle (13:3, "it profiteth me nothing"). Except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine—Paul lists four intelligible modes of Spirit-prompted instruction:
All four require intelligibility.
Paul's rhetorical question expects the answer: "You gain nothing from my tongues." The fourfold list encompasses the range of edifying Spirit-speech—whether unveiling mystery, imparting knowledge, prophesying, or teaching, all must be understood to profit hearers.