1 Corinthians 14:4
BSB · Public Domain (CC0)“The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”
A short, plain-language explanation of 1 Corinthians 14:4 goes here — the kind of answer a reader (or an AI assistant) can quote in one breath. Original meaning coming soon.
“The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”
Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
King James Version · Public Domain“He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
American Standard Version · Public Domain“he who is speaking in an <FI>unknown<Fi> tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;”
Young's Literal Translation · Public DomainOther passages that echo 1 Corinthians 14:4 — 9 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 16:17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
- Romans 14:19So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 14:5I 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.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.
- 1 Corinthians 14:22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26What 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.
Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).