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1 Corinthians 14:1-5
New International Version
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
New International Version
Intelligibility in Worship
14 Follow the way of love(A) and eagerly desire(B) gifts of the Spirit,(C) especially prophecy.(D) 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a](E) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;(F) they utter mysteries(G) by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,(H) encouraging(I) and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue(J) edifies(K) themselves, but the one who prophesies(L) edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy.(M) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(N)
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or in another language; also in verses 4, 13, 14, 19, 26 and 27
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
International Standard Version
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
International Standard Version
Prophecy and Languages
14 Keep on pursuing love, and keep on desiring spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For the person who speaks in a foreign[a] language is not actually speaking to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands him, because he is talking about secrets by the Spirit.[b] 3 But the person who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and comfort. 4 The person who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, but the person who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I wish that all of you could speak in foreign languages, but especially that you could prophesy. The person who prophesies is more important than the person who speaks in a foreign language, unless he interprets it so that the church may be built up.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 The Gk. lacks foreign; and so throughout 14:39
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or with his spirit
New International Version (NIV) 
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International Standard Version (ISV) 
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