1 Corinthians 14:1-5
New English Translation
Prophecy and Tongues
14 Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.[a] 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,[b] encouragement, and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up,[c] but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 tn Or “with the spirit”; cf. vv. 14-16.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 tn Grk “edification.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:4 sn The Greek term builds (himself) up does not necessarily bear positive connotations in this context.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Common English Bible
Spiritual gifts and church order
14 Pursue love, and use your ambition to try to get spiritual gifts but especially so that you might prophesy. 2 This is because those who speak in a tongue don’t speak to people but to God; no one understands it—they speak mysteries by the Spirit. 3 Those who prophesy speak to people, building them up, and giving them encouragement and comfort. 4 People who speak in a tongue build up themselves; those who prophesy build up the church. 5 I wish that all of you spoke in tongues, but I’d rather you could prophesy. Those who prophesy are more important than those who speak in tongues, unless they are able to interpret them so that the church might be built up.
Read full chapterNET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible