1 Corinthians Chapter 14

Commentary

Prophecy and Tongues

1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2For 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. 3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5I 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.

6Now, 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? 7And 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? 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So 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. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11Therefore 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. 12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What 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. 16Else 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? 17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19Yet 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.

20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21In 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. 22Wherefore 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. 23If 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? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And 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.

Orderly Worship

26How 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. 27If 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. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34Let 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. 35And 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. 36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37If 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. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Prophecy and Tongues

1 Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. 4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. 5 Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? 7 Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war? 9 So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, 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 Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t know what you say? 17 For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up. 18 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all. 19 However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.

20 Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature. 21 In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord.” 22 Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. 23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won’t they say that you are crazy? 24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.

Orderly Worship

26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27 If any man speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted. 32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the assemblies of the saints,

34 let your wives keep silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to chatter in the assembly. 36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone?

37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Prophecy and Tongues

1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct? 8 Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

10 Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner a to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13 Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit, b how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21 It is written in the Law:

“By strange tongues and foreign lips

I will speak to this people,

but even then they will not listen to Me,

says the Lord.” c

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”

Orderly Worship

26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.

29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. d

34 Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church. e

36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored. f

39 So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

 

Footnotes:

11 a Literally a barbarian ; twice in this verse
16 b Or in the Spirit
21 c Isaiah 28:11–12
33 d Or of peace. As in all the churches of the saints:  Thus, some translators begin the new paragraph after peace .
35 e Some manuscripts place verses 34–35 after verse 40.
38 f BYZ and TR let him be ignorant

Prophecy and Tongues

1Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy, 2for he who is speaking in an unknown tongue -- to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit he doth speak secrets; 3and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort; 4he who is speaking in an unknown tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify; 5and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.

6And now, brethren, if I may come unto you speaking tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching? 7yet the things without life giving sound -- whether pipe or harp -- if a difference in the sounds they may not give, how shall be known that which is piped or that which is harped? 8for if also an uncertain sound a trumpet may give, who shall prepare himself for battle? 9so also ye, if through the tongue, speech easily understood ye may not give -- how shall that which is spoken be known? for ye shall be speaking to air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is unmeaning, 11if, then, I do not know the power of the voice, I shall be to him who is speaking a foreigner, and he who is speaking, is to me a foreigner; 12so also ye, since ye are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, for the building up of the assembly seek that ye may abound;

13wherefore he who is speaking in an unknown tongue -- let him pray that he may interpret; 14for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit doth pray, and my understanding is unfruitful. 15What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing psalms with the spirit, and I will sing psalms also with the understanding; 16since, if thou mayest bless with the spirit, he who is filling the place of the unlearned, how shall he say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, since what thou dost say he hath not known? 17for thou, indeed, dost give thanks well, but the other is not built up! 18I give thanks to my God -- more than you all with tongues speaking -- 19but in an assembly I wish to speak five words through my understanding, that others also I may instruct, rather than myriads of words in an unknown tongue.

20Brethren, become not children in the understanding, but in the evil be ye babes, and in the understanding become ye perfect; 21in the law it hath been written, that, 'With other tongues and with other lips I will speak to this people, and not even so will they hear Me, saith the Lord;' 22so that the tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; and the prophesy is not for the unbelieving, but for the believing, 23If, therefore, the whole assembly may come together, to the same place, and all may speak with tongues, and there may come in unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24and if all may prophecy, and any one may come in, an unbeliever or unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is discerned by all, 25and so the secrets of his heart become manifest, and so having fallen upon his face, he will bow before God, declaring that God really is among you.

Orderly Worship

26What then is it, brethren? whenever ye may come together, each of you hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? let all things be for building up; 27if an unknown tongue any one do speak, by two, or at the most, by three, and in turn, and let one interpret; 28and if there may be no interpreter, let him be silent in an assembly, and to himself let him speak, and to God. 29And prophets -- let two or three speak, and let the others discern, 30and if to another sitting anything may be revealed, let the first be silent; 31for ye are able, one by one, all to prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted, 32and the spiritual gift of prophets to prophets are subject, 33for God is not a God of tumult, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.

34Your women in the assemblies let them be silent, for it hath not been permitted to them to speak, but to be subject, as also the law saith; 35and if they wish to learn anything, at home their own husbands let them question, for it is a shame to women to speak in an assembly. 36From you did the word of God come forth? or to you alone did it come?

37if any one doth think to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge the things that I write to you -- that of the Lord they are commands; 38and if any one is ignorant -- let him be ignorant;

39so that, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid; 40let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14: The Gift of Prophecy and the Order of Worship

Pursue Love and Desire Spiritual Gifts

¹ Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ² For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. ³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort. ⁴ Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

The Greater Gift

⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Use of Tongues

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? ⁷ Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or the harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? ⁸ Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

⁹ So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. ¹¹ If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.

Seeking Edification

¹² So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. ¹³ For this reason, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

¹⁶ Otherwise, when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else who is now put in the position of an inquirer say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

The Importance of Understanding

¹⁸ I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ¹⁹ But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

The Role of Prophecy

²⁰ Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. ²¹ In the Law it is written: “With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. ²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.

²³ So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? ²⁴ But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, ²⁵ as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

Orderly Worship

²⁶ What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. ²⁷ If anyone speaks in a tongue, two or at the most three should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. ²⁸ If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to themselves and to God.

²⁹ Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. ³⁰ And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ³¹ For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³² The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. ³³ For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Instructions for Women

³⁴ Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. ³⁵ If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Conclusion

³⁶ Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? ³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸ But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.

³⁹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰ But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Footnotes

14:1: Encouragement to pursue love while desiring spiritual gifts, emphasizing the priority of love in all actions.

14:2: Highlights the unique purpose of tongues, which is communication with God, often beyond the understanding of others.

14:3: Defines the role of prophecy in edifying and comforting the church community.

14:19: Emphasizes the importance of intelligible communication over speaking in tongues in church settings.

14:22: Clarifies the purpose of tongues and prophecy in relation to believers and unbelievers.

14:33: Affirms that God desires order and peace within the church, contrasting with disorder.

14:34-35: Addresses cultural practices related to women speaking in church, reflecting the context of the early church and societal norms.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14?
2Introduction to 1 Corinthians 14
3Context of 1 Corinthians 14
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
61 Corinthians 14 Unique Insights
71 Corinthians 14 Connections to Yeshua
81 Corinthians 14 Scriptural Echoes
91 Corinthians 14 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14?

Introduction to 1 Corinthians 14

The fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians stands as a pivotal text addressing the proper exercise of spiritual gifts within the context of corporate worship. Written by the Apostle Paul to the vibrant yet troubled church in Corinth, this chapter provides crucial guidance on the relationship between the gifts of prophecy and tongues, while emphasizing the supreme importance of edifying the body of believers in an orderly manner.

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In this chapter, Paul masterfully weaves together practical instruction with profound theological insights, addressing the complex interplay between individual spiritual expression and corporate edification. His teaching remains remarkably relevant for contemporary believers seeking to navigate the proper exercise of spiritual gifts while maintaining unity and order in worship.

Context of 1 Corinthians 14

This chapter forms the culmination of Paul’s extended discussion on spiritual gifts that began in chapter 12. After establishing the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts in chapter 12 and expressing the preeminence of love in chapter 13, Paul now provides specific guidance on how these gifts should be exercised within the assembly of believers. The immediate context reveals a church struggling with disorder in their worship services, particularly regarding the use of tongues and prophecy.

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this chapter addresses one facet of the many practical and theological issues Paul needed to correct in the Corinthian church. The principles established here align with his overall emphasis on order, unity, and mutual edification throughout the epistle. These teachings also resonate with broader New Testament themes regarding the proper functioning of the Body of Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for service.

This chapter’s placement after the “love chapter” is particularly significant, as it demonstrates how the principle of love should guide the exercise of spiritual gifts. The positioning reinforces Paul’s message that all spiritual manifestations must be evaluated through the lens of building up the community in love.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Prophecy (προφητεία/prophēteia): In this context, prophecy refers not only to foretelling future events but primarily to Spirit-empowered speech that builds up, encourages, and consoles believers. The word carries the connotation of “bringing forth” divine truth in a way that penetrates hearts and transforms lives, reflecting the Hebrew concept of נָבִיא (navi) as one who speaks forth God’s word.
  • Tongues (γλῶσσα/glōssa): The term literally means “language” and refers to Spirit-enabled speech in unknown languages. In the ancient world, this phenomenon had parallels in pagan worship, but Paul carefully distinguishes the Christian gift as being subject to order and interpretation, reflecting the Hebrew understanding of לָשׁוֹן (lashon) as both a physical organ and a means of communication.
  • Edification (οἰκοδομή/oikodomē): This architectural term literally means “building up” and appears repeatedly throughout the chapter. It metaphorically describes the spiritual strengthening of both individuals and the community, drawing from the Hebrew concept of בָּנָה (banah) which connects physical building with spiritual development.
  • Interpretation (διερμηνεύω/diermēneuō): This compound word combines “through” with “interpret,” suggesting a complete transmission of meaning. It parallels the Hebrew פָּתַר (patar), emphasizing the importance of making mysterious things clear and understandable.
  • Understanding (νοῦς/nous): This term refers to the mind or intellectual capacity, but in Hebraic thought, it encompasses more than mere cognitive function, relating to the Hebrew לֵב (lev) which includes both intellectual and emotional comprehension.
  • Order (τάξις/taxis): Derived from military terminology, this word denotes arranged sequence and proper procedure. It reflects the Hebrew סֵדֶר (seder), emphasizing divine order in worship as reflecting God’s character.
  • Silent (σιγάω/sigaō): This term doesn’t merely mean absence of sound but carries the notion of appropriate restraint, similar to the Hebrew חָרַשׁ (charash) which suggests purposeful withholding of speech.
  • Spirit (πνεῦμα/pneuma): Used multiple times in this chapter, it refers both to the Holy Spirit and to the human spirit, paralleling the Hebrew רוּחַ (ruach) in its various dimensions of meaning.
  • Utterance (λόγος/logos): More than just words, this term encompasses the entire concept being communicated, reflecting the Hebrew דָּבָר (davar) which unites word and action.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.” Paul’s choice of διώκετε (diōkete, “pursue”) for “follow” rather than a milder term like ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō) emphasizes the active, intense pursuit of love. The word “eagerly desire” (ζηλοῦτε/zēloute) carries connotations of zealous commitment rather than mere casual interest.
  • Verse 3: “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” The triad of benefits uses distinct terms (οἰκοδομὴν/oikodomēn, παράκλησιν/paraklēsin, and παραμυθίαν/paramuthian) rather than synonyms, each carrying unique nuances that together paint a complete picture of prophecy’s purpose.
  • Verse 4: “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” The deliberate parallel structure emphasizes the contrast between individual and corporate benefit, using the same verb (οἰκοδομέω/oikodomeō) to highlight the different recipients.
  • Verse 15: “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.” The balanced structure using both πνεύματι (pneumati) and νοΐ (noi) reflects the Hebrew understanding of worship engaging both spiritual and mental faculties.
  • Verse 20: “Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.” The use of παιδία (paidia) for “children” rather than τέκνα (tekna) emphasizes immaturity rather than relationship.
  • Verse 25: “So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!'” The phrase πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον (pesōn epi prosōpon, “falling on face”) echoes Old Testament worship postures, connecting to ancient Hebrew prostration practices.
  • Verse 33: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” The term ἀκαταστασίας (akatastasias, “disorder”) carries political overtones of chaos and rebellion, contrasting sharply with εἰρήνης (eirēnēs, “peace”) which reflects the Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom).
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1 Corinthians 14 Unique Insights

The chapter contains fascinating parallels to ancient synagogue worship practices. The Corinthian church’s challenge with multiple speakers and the need for order mirrors similar issues addressed in early rabbinic literature. The Mishnah (Megillah 4:3-6) discusses regulations for public reading and interpretation, showing similar concerns for orderly worship and edification of the congregation.

Paul’s reference to “speaking in tongues” has an interesting connection to Jewish mystical traditions. While different in nature, the concept of elevated spiritual speech appears in various forms in Jewish mystical literature. The Hekhalot literature describes heavenly languages and the ability of mystics to communicate in divine tongues. Paul, however, redirects this spiritual phenomenon toward practical edification of the community.

The chapter’s emphasis on prophecy with understanding rather than unintelligible utterances reflects the Jewish priority of דעת (da’at, knowledge) in worship. This aligns with the rabbinic principle that prayer should engage both heart and mind, as expressed in the Talmudic discussion of kavvanah (intentional devotion) in prayer (Berakhot 31a).

The concept of order in worship reflects the careful structure of Temple services, where each element had its proper place and time. The Mishnah’s detailed accounts of Temple worship (Tamid) demonstrate how seriously ancient Judaism took the notion of proper order in divine service. Paul applies this principle to the new context of Spirit-filled worship while maintaining the essential value of order.

1 Corinthians 14 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully connects to Yeshua’s emphasis on worship that transforms both the individual and the community. Just as Yeshua taught that true worship must be “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24), Paul emphasizes the importance of both spiritual gifting and intelligible communication that edifies the body.

The guidelines for orderly worship reflect Yeshua’s own teaching style, where He consistently made profound spiritual truths understandable to His hearers. The emphasis on prophecy that “strengthens, encourages and comforts” mirrors Yeshua’s ministry, where He spoke God’s truth in ways that built up His followers while maintaining divine order and purpose. This connection is further strengthened by Paul’s emphasis on love as the guiding principle for all spiritual gifts, reflecting Yeshua’s new commandment to love one another (John 13:34).

1 Corinthians 14 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and passages. The emphasis on prophecy for edification echoes Isaiah 50:4, where the servant of יהוה speaks words that sustain the weary. The concern for order in worship reflects the careful organization of Levitical worship described in 1 Chronicles 23-26.

The theme of intelligible worship connects to Psalm 47:7, which calls for singing with understanding. The manifestation of God’s presence leading to conviction and worship (1 Corinthians 14:25) parallels Isaiah 6:5, where Isaiah is overwhelmed by God’s presence.

The gift of tongues finds a parallel in Isaiah 28:11-12, which Paul directly quotes. The emphasis on peace and order reflects Psalm 29:11, where יהוה blesses His people with peace.

1 Corinthians 14 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our motivations in worship and service. Are we seeking to edify others or merely to experience spiritual phenomena? The text calls us to pursue love as our highest aim while exercising spiritual gifts in ways that build up the body of believers.

Consider how you can apply these principles in your own spiritual life and church community:

  1. Pursue love as your primary motivation in all spiritual activities
  2. Seek to exercise your spiritual gifts in ways that benefit others
  3. Maintain a balance between spiritual fervor and orderly worship
  4. Value clear, understandable communication of God’s truth
  5. Participate in corporate worship with both spirit and understanding

Did You Know

  • The phrase “speaking in tongues” (γλώσσαις λαλεῖν) appears more frequently in 1 Corinthians than in all other New Testament books combined, indicating the significance of this issue in the Corinthian church.
  • The concept of prophecy in the ancient world often involved not just predicting the future but also explaining and applying divine truth to present situations, similar to modern preaching.
  • The Corinthian church’s worship style likely reflected influences from both synagogue worship and Greco-Roman cultural practices, creating unique challenges that Paul needed to address.
  • The reference to “speaking in tongues of angels” may reflect Jewish mystical traditions about heavenly languages, as found in texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls.
  • The principle of “two or three” speakers (1 Corinthians 14:27,29) parallels Jewish legal requirements for multiple witnesses.
  • The concern for order in worship reflects both Temple worship patterns and Greco-Roman social values regarding public assembly.
  • The instruction for women to be silent must be understood within both its immediate context and the broader biblical witness to women’s roles in ministry, as Paul elsewhere affirms women prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5).
  • The emphasis on interpretation of tongues reflects ancient Jewish practices of translating Hebrew Scripture readings into Aramaic for better understanding.
  • The principle of testing prophecies aligns with Old Testament instructions for discerning true and false prophets (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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