1 Corinthians 14
King James Version
14 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
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.
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?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26 How 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.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14
Amplified Bible
Prophecy a Superior Gift
14 Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may [a]prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people]. 2 For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. 3 But [on the other hand] the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification [to promote their spiritual growth] and [speaks words of] encouragement [to uphold and advise them concerning the matters of God] and [speaks words of] consolation [to compassionately comfort them]. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church [promotes growth in spiritual wisdom, devotion, holiness, and joy]. 5 Now I wish that all of you spoke in unknown tongues, but even more [I wish] that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater [and more useful] than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he translates or explains [what he says], so that the church may [b]be edified [instructed, improved, strengthened].
6 Now, believers, if I come to you speaking in unknown tongues, how will I benefit you unless I also speak to you [clearly] either by revelation [revealing God’s mystery], or by knowledge [teaching about God], or by prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], or by instruction [teaching precepts that develop spiritual maturity]? 7 Yet even lifeless things, whether flute or harp, when producing a sound, if they do not produce distinct [musical] tones, how will anyone [listening] know what is piped or played? 8 And if the [war] bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So it is with you, if you speak words [in an unknown tongue] that are not intelligible and clear, how will anyone understand what you are saying? You will be talking into the air [wasting your breath]! 10 There are, I suppose, a great many kinds of languages in the world [unknown to us], and none is lacking in meaning. 11 But if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will [appear to] be a [c]foreigner to the one who is speaking [since he knows exactly what he is saying], and the one who is speaking will [appear to] be a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you, since you are so very eager to have spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in ways that will build up the church [spiritually].
13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may [be gifted to] translate or explain [what he says]. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive [because it does not understand what my spirit is praying]. 15 Then what am I to do? I will pray with the [d]spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will pray with the mind [using words I understand]; I will sing with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will sing with the mind [using words I understand]. 16 Otherwise if you bless [and give thanks to God] in the spirit only, how will any outsider or someone who is not gifted [in spiritual matters] say the “Amen” [of agreement] to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?(A) 17 You are giving thanks well enough [in a way that God is glorified], but the other person [who does not understand you] is not edified [and spiritually strengthened since he cannot join in your thanksgiving]. 18 I thank God that I speak in [unknown] tongues more than all of you; 19 nevertheless, in public worship I would rather say five understandable words in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue [which others cannot understand].
Instruction for the Church
20 Brothers and sisters, do not be children [immature, childlike] in your thinking; be infants in [matters of] evil [completely innocent and inexperienced], but in your minds be mature [adults]. 21 It is written in the Law, “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, and not even then will they listen to Me,” says the Lord.(B) 22 Therefore, [unknown] tongues are [meant] for a [supernatural] sign, not to believers but to unbelievers [who might be receptive]; while prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people] is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So then, if the whole church gathers together and all of you speak in [unknown] tongues, and outsiders or those who are not gifted [in spiritual matters] or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and an unbeliever or outsider comes in, he is convicted [of his sins] by all, and he is called to account by all [because he can understand what is being said]; 25 the secrets of his heart are laid bare. And so, falling on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God is really among you.
26 What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and done for the good of all the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be limited to two or at the most three, and each one speaking in turn, and one must interpret [what is said]. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, the one [who wishes to speak in a tongue] must keep silent in church; let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak [as inspired by the Holy Spirit], while the rest pay attention and weigh carefully what is said. 30 But if an inspired revelation is made to another who is seated, then the first one must be silent. 31 For [in this way] you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may be instructed and everyone may be encouraged; 32 for the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets [the prophecy is under the speaker’s control, and he can stop speaking]; 33 for God [who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order.
As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people),
34 the [e]women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says. 35 If there is anything they want to learn [that is, if they have questions about anything being said or taught], they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a [f]woman to talk in church. 36 Did the word of the Lord originate from you [Corinthians], or has it come to you only [so that you know best what God requires]?
37 If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [a true spokesman for God] or spiritually astute [filled with and energized by the Holy Spirit], let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38 If anyone does not recognize this [that it is a command of the Lord], he is not recognized [by God].
39 Therefore, believers, desire earnestly to prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people], and do not forbid speaking in unknown tongues. 40 But all things must be done appropriately and in an orderly manner.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 14:1 In both the Old and the New Testaments, prophets are divinely inspired to foretell the future in the process of delivering God’s word to the people. Paul is saying to the Corinthians that all gifts are worthy and necessary (cf 12:11, 18, 29, 30), but that they should give the gift of prophecy the highest priority (cf Deut 18).
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 Lit receive edification.
- 1 Corinthians 14:11 Lit barbarian, i.e. one who did not speak Greek; especially a person from an uncivilized region whose speech could not be readily translated.
- 1 Corinthians 14:15 May refer to Paul’s spirit, the Holy Spirit, or the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 14:34 When used elsewhere in the New Testament, in specific reference to a woman (cf Eph 5:22; Col 3:18; Titus 2:4, 5; 1 Peter 3:1, 5), this word refers to a married woman, so these admonitions (vv 34, 35) may be directed primarily to the wives of believing husbands.
- 1 Corinthians 14:35 Paul does not comment on unmarried women; they probably have to abide by the prohibition against speaking out in church as well, and ask questions outside the service.
1 Corintios 14
Nueva Biblia de las Américas
Superioridad del don de profecía
14 Procuren alcanzar el amor(A); pero también deseen ardientemente los dones espirituales(B), sobre todo que profeticen(C). 2 Porque el que habla en lenguas[a](D) no habla a los hombres, sino a Dios, pues nadie lo entiende[b], sino que en su espíritu[c] habla misterios(E). 3 Pero el que profetiza habla a los hombres para edificación(F), exhortación y consolación(G).
4 El que habla en lenguas(H), a sí mismo se edifica, pero el que profetiza(I) edifica a la iglesia(J). 5 Yo quisiera que todos hablaran en lenguas(K), pero aún más, que profetizaran(L). Porque el que profetiza es superior al que habla en lenguas, a menos de que las interprete para que la iglesia reciba edificación(M).
6 Ahora bien, hermanos, si yo voy a ustedes hablando en lenguas, ¿de qué provecho les seré a menos de que les hable por medio de revelación(N), o de conocimiento(O), o de profecía(P), o de enseñanza(Q)? 7 Aun las cosas inanimadas, como la flauta o el arpa, al producir un sonido, si no dan con distinción los sonidos, ¿cómo se sabrá lo que se toca en la flauta o en el arpa? 8 Porque si la trompeta da un sonido incierto, ¿quién se preparará para la batalla(R)?
9 Así también ustedes, a menos de que con la boca[d] pronuncien palabras inteligibles, ¿cómo se sabrá lo que dicen[e]? Pues hablarán al aire(S). 10 Hay, quizás, muchas variedades de idiomas[f] en el mundo, y ninguno carece de significado. 11 Pues si yo no sé el significado[g] de las palabras[h], seré para el que habla un extranjero[i](T), y el que habla será un extranjero[j] para mí[k].
12 Así también ustedes, puesto que anhelan dones espirituales[l], procuren abundar en ellos para la edificación de la iglesia(U). 13 Por tanto, el que habla en lenguas, pida en oración para que pueda interpretar. 14 Porque si yo oro en lenguas, mi espíritu ora, pero mi entendimiento[m] queda sin fruto.
15 Entonces ¿qué(V)? Oraré con el espíritu, pero también oraré con el entendimiento[n]. Cantaré(W) con el espíritu, pero también cantaré con el entendimiento[o]. 16 De otra manera, si bendices solo en[p] el espíritu, ¿cómo dirá el «Amén(X)» a tu acción de gracias(Y) el que ocupa el lugar del que no tiene ese don[q], puesto que no sabe lo que dices? 17 Porque tú, bien das gracias, pero el otro no es edificado(Z).
18 Doy gracias a Dios porque hablo en lenguas más que todos ustedes. 19 Sin embargo, en la iglesia prefiero[r] hablar cinco palabras con mi entendimiento[s], para instruir también a otros, antes que diez mil palabras en lenguas.
20 Hermanos(AA), no sean niños en la manera de pensar(AB). Más bien, sean niños(AC) en la malicia, pero en la manera de pensar sean maduros. 21 En la ley(AD) está escrito: «Por hombres de lenguas extrañas y por boca[t] de extraños hablaré a este pueblo, y ni aun así me escucharán(AE)», dice el Señor.
22 Así que las lenguas son una señal, no para los que creen, sino para los incrédulos; pero la profecía(AF) es una señal, no para los incrédulos, sino para los creyentes. 23 Por tanto, si toda la iglesia se reúne y todos hablan en lenguas, y entran algunos sin ese don o que son incrédulos, ¿no dirán que ustedes están locos(AG)? 24 Pero si todos profetizan(AH), y entra un incrédulo, o uno sin ese don, por todos será[u] convencido(AI), por todos será[v] juzgado. 25 Los secretos de su corazón quedarán al descubierto, y él se postrará(AJ) y adorará a Dios, declarando que en verdad Dios está entre ustedes(AK).
El orden en los cultos
26 ¿Qué(AL) hay que hacer, pues, hermanos(AM)? Cuando se reúnan, cada cual aporte[w] salmo(AN), enseñanza, revelación(AO), lenguas(AP) o interpretación(AQ). Que todo se haga para edificación(AR). 27 Si alguien habla en lenguas(AS), que hablen dos, o a lo más tres, y por turno, y que uno interprete(AT). 28 Pero si no hay intérprete, que guarde silencio en la iglesia y que hable para sí y para Dios.
29 Y que dos o tres profetas(AU) hablen, y los demás juzguen(AV). 30 Pero si a otro que está sentado le es revelado algo, que calle el primero. 31 Porque todos pueden profetizar uno por uno, para que todos aprendan y todos sean exhortados. 32 Los espíritus de los profetas están sujetos a los profetas. 33 Porque Dios no es Dios de confusión(AW), sino de paz, como en todas las iglesias(AX) de los santos(AY).
34 Las mujeres[x](AZ) guarden silencio en las iglesias, porque no les es permitido hablar, antes bien, que se sujeten(BA) como dice también la ley(BB). 35 Y si quieren aprender algo, que pregunten a sus propios maridos en casa, porque no es correcto[y] que la mujer hable en la iglesia. 36 ¿Acaso la palabra de Dios salió de ustedes, o solo a ustedes ha llegado?
37 Si alguien piensa que es profeta o espiritual(BC), reconozca(BD) que lo que les escribo es mandamiento del Señor(BE). 38 Pero si alguien no reconoce esto, él no es reconocido[z].
39 Por tanto, hermanos míos, anhelen(BF) el profetizar(BG), y no prohíban hablar en lenguas. 40 Pero que todo se haga decentemente y con orden(BH).
Footnotes
- 1 Corintios 14:2 Lit. lengua, y así en el resto del cap.
- 1 Corintios 14:2 Lit. oye.
- 1 Corintios 14:2 O por el Espíritu.
- 1 Corintios 14:9 Lit. por la lengua.
- 1 Corintios 14:9 Lit. lo que se habla.
- 1 Corintios 14:10 Lit. voces.
- 1 Corintios 14:11 Lit. poder.
- 1 Corintios 14:11 Lit. de la voz.
- 1 Corintios 14:11 Lit. un bárbaro; i.e. uno que no era griego ni por nacimiento ni por cultura.
- 1 Corintios 14:11 Lit. un bárbaro; i.e. uno que no era griego ni por nacimiento ni por cultura.
- 1 Corintios 14:11 O a mi juicio.
- 1 Corintios 14:12 Lit. de espíritus.
- 1 Corintios 14:14 Lit. mente.
- 1 Corintios 14:15 Lit. la mente.
- 1 Corintios 14:15 Lit. la mente.
- 1 Corintios 14:16 O con.
- 1 Corintios 14:16 I.e. uno no versado en los dones del espíritu, y así en los vers. 23 y 24.
- 1 Corintios 14:19 Lit. deseo.
- 1 Corintios 14:19 Lit. mente.
- 1 Corintios 14:21 Lit. labios.
- 1 Corintios 14:24 Lit. es.
- 1 Corintios 14:24 Lit. es.
- 1 Corintios 14:26 Lit. tiene.
- 1 Corintios 14:34 O sino de paz. Como en...de los santos, las mujeres.
- 1 Corintios 14:35 O porque es impropio.
- 1 Corintios 14:38 Algunos mss. antiguos dicen: es ignorante, que sea ignorante.
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