1 Corinthians 14:5
BSB · Public Domain (CC0)“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.”
A short, plain-language explanation of 1 Corinthians 14:5 goes here — the kind of answer a reader (or an AI assistant) can quote in one breath. Original meaning coming soon.
“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.”
Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)“I 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.”
King James Version · Public Domain“Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”
American Standard Version · Public Domain“and 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.”
Young's Literal Translation · Public DomainOther passages that echo 1 Corinthians 14:5 — 11 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 30:34“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.”
- Numbers 11:28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
- Mark 16:17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
- 1 Corinthians 12:10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 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 14:18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).