1 Corinthians 14:1-5
New Living Translation
Tongues and Prophecy
14 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,[a] you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit,[b] but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.
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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.
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- 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.
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