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Prophecy and Tongues

14 Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 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] But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,[b] encouragement, and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up,[c] but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 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.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:2 tn Or “with the spirit”; cf. vv. 14-16.
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:3 tn Grk “edification.”
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:4 sn The Greek term builds (himself) up does not necessarily bear positive connotations in this context.

Prophecy: A Superior Gift

14 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. For the person who speaks in a tongue[a](A) is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.[b] On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,[c] encouragement, and consolation. The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. I wish all of you spoke in tongues,[d] but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

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Footnotes

  1. 14:2 Or another language, also in vv. 4,13,14,19,26,27
  2. 14:2 Or in spirit, or in his spirit
  3. 14:3 Lit building up
  4. 14:5 Or other languages, also in vv. 6,18,21,22,23,39