1 Corinthians 14:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:6
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?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, discipleship, creation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:6
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?
Analysis
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:
- apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις, "revelation, unveiling")
- gnōsis (γνῶσις, "knowledge")
- prophēteia (προφητεία, "prophecy")
- didachē (διδαχή, "teaching, doctrine").
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Romans 6:17, Ephesians 1:17, 2 Timothy 3:16