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But a person who has the gift of prophecy teaches in a way that builds up the community, draws them near, and comforts them. Those who speak in an unknown language only strengthen themselves, but those who prophesy strengthen the community. While I’d like for you all to be able to speak by the Spirit in unknown languages, my preference would be for you all to prophesy by the Spirit. Those who speak prophetically are God’s mouthpiece and are far more useful to the church than those who speak in exotic languages—unless there is another who interprets so that the community may be strengthened.

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But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,(A) encouraging(B) and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue(C) edifies(D) themselves, but the one who prophesies(E) edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[a] but I would rather have you prophesy.(F) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[b] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39