Add parallel Print Page Options

And I wish[a] that you all were speaking in tongues, but even-more[b] that you might be prophesying. But[c] the one prophesying is greater[d] than one speaking in tongues— unless[e] he interprets in order that the church may receive edification.

Speaking In Tongues Is Just Speaking Into The Air Unless It Is Understood

But now[f], brothers, if I come to you speaking[g] in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either[h] by[i] a revelation or by knowledge or by a prophecy or by a teaching? Likewise the lifeless things giving a sound— whether a flute or harp— if it does not give a distinction in the tones, how will the thing being fluted or the thing being harped be known?

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:5 That is, wish in theory (as this word is used in 7:7), since neither is possible, 12:11, 18, 30; or, wish it to truly happen.
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or, rather. Same phrase as in v 1.
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or, And, Now.
  4. 1 Corinthians 14:5 That is, in ability to edify the church.
  5. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Lit, except unless. That is, with this exception, unless. The interpretation is equivalent to prophecy in edification value.
  6. 1 Corinthians 14:6 Or, But as-it-is.
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:6 That is, as a tongues-speaker; or, as actually addressing you.
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:6 That is, by one of these other gifts; or, by an interpretation of my tongues so as to yield one of these benefits.
  9. 1 Corinthians 14:6 Or, with, in.

Bible Gateway Recommends