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1 Corinthians 14
Disciples’ Literal New Testament

14 1 Be pursuing[a] love.

Be Zealous For Spiritual Gifts, But Especially To Prophesy And Edify The Church

Now be zealous-for the spiritual gifts, but even-more[b] that you might be prophesying. 2 For the one speaking in a tongue is not speaking[c] to people, but to God— for no one hears[d], but he speaks mysteries[e] with his spirit[f]. 3 But the one prophesying is speaking edification and exhortation and consolation[g] to people. 4 The one speaking in a tongue is edifying himself [h], but the one prophesying is edifying the church. 5 And I wish[i] that you all were speaking in tongues, but even-more[j] that you might be prophesying. But[k] the one prophesying is greater[l] than one speaking in tongues— unless[m] he interprets in order that the church may receive edification.

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

6 But now[n], brothers, if I come to you speaking[o] in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either[p] by[q] a revelation or by knowledge or by a prophecy or by a teaching? 7 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? 8 For indeed, if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also you with the tongue— if you do not give a clear word, how will the thing being spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air! 10 There are perhaps so-many kinds of spoken sounds[r] in the world, and none is meaningless. 11 If then I do not know the force of the spoken sound, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking a barbarian with me. 12 So also[s] you— since you are zealots[t] for spiritual gifts, be seeking that you may abound for the edification of the church.

So In Church, Tongues Must Be Interpreted If The Hearers Are To Be Edified

13 Therefore let the one speaking in a tongue pray in order that he might interpret. 14 For if I am praying in a tongue, my spirit[u] is praying, but my mind[v] is unfruitful[w]. 15 What then[x] is to be done? I will pray with the spirit, and[y] I will also pray with the mind. I will sing-praise with the spirit, and I will also sing-praise with the mind. 16 Otherwise, if you are blessing[z] with your spirit[aa] [only], how will the one filling the place of the uninstructed[ab] say the “Amen” at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving-thanks well[ac]— but the other person is not being edified. 18 I give-thanks to God I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in church[ad], I want to speak five words with my mind in order that I might also instruct others, rather than ten-thousand words in a tongue.

Tongues Are a Sign For Unbelievers; Prophecy Is For Believers

20 Brothers, do not be children in your understanding. But be childlike in evilness, and be mature in your understanding. 21 It has been written in the Law [in Isa 28:11-12] that “I will speak to this people by people of other-tongues, and by the lips of others. And not even in this manner will they listen-to Me, says the Lord”. 22 So then the tongues are for a sign[ae]— not for the ones believing, but for the unbelievers. But the prophecy is not for the unbelievers, but for the ones believing.

So In Church, Tongues Not Understood Breed Confusion. Prophecy Edifies

23 Therefore, if the whole church comes-together at the same place, and they all speak in tongues[af], and uninstructed ones or unbelievers come-in, will they not say that you are mad[ag]? 24 But if they all prophesy[ah], and some unbeliever or an uninstructed one comes in, he is convicted[ai] by all. He is examined by all. 25 The hidden things of his heart become evident[aj]. And thus, having fallen on his face, he will give-worship to God, declaring that God is really among you.

Brothers, Organize Your Church Service For Edification

26 What then[ak] is to be done, brothers? Whenever you come-together, each[al] one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be done by two or at the most three, and in turn, and let one[am] person interpret. 28 But if [an] there is no interpreter, let him be silent in church. And let him speak to himself [ao] and to God. 29 And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others[ap] discern[aq]. 30 But if a prophecy is revealed to another being seated, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy individually[ar], in order that all may learn, and all may be exhorted[as]. 32 And the spirits[at] of prophets are subject[au] to prophets. 33 For God is not the God of disorder[av], but of peace.

This Also Includes Women Being Quiet During The Church Service

As[aw] in all the churches[ax] of the saints, 34 let the women be silent[ay] in the churches. For it is not permitted for them to speak[az]. But let them be subject, just as the Law also says[ba]. 35 And if they want to learn anything, let them question their own husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

These Instructions Are The Lord’s Commandments

36 Or did the word of God go-forth from you? Or did it reach to you only? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or a spiritual person, let him acknowledge the things which I am writing to you— that they are a commandment of the Lord. 38 But if anyone does not-know this, he is not-known[bb].

Summary

39 So then, my brothers, be zealous-for the prophesying. And do not be forbidding[bc] the speaking in tongues. 40 But let all things be done properly, and in accordance with order.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Or, running after, seeking after.
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Or, rather.
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 That is, addressing himself to.
  4. 1 Corinthians 14:2 That is, hears with understanding.
  5. 1 Corinthians 14:2 That is, things not knowable by humans apart from a revelation by God.
  6. 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or, by the Spirit; or, with his spiritual gift (as in v 12).
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:3 Or, comfort, encouragement.
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:4 That is, because God is speaking through him, not because he understands.
  9. 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.
  10. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or, rather. Same phrase as in v 1.
  11. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or, And, Now.
  12. 1 Corinthians 14:5 That is, in ability to edify the church.
  13. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Lit, except unless. That is, with this exception, unless. The interpretation is equivalent to prophecy in edification value.
  14. 1 Corinthians 14:6 Or, But as-it-is.
  15. 1 Corinthians 14:6 That is, as a tongues-speaker; or, as actually addressing you.
  16. 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.
  17. 1 Corinthians 14:6 Or, with, in.
  18. 1 Corinthians 14:10 Or, voices, and thus, languages.
  19. 1 Corinthians 14:12 Paul applies v 6-11 to them in a positive way.
  20. 1 Corinthians 14:12 Or, zealous.
  21. 1 Corinthians 14:14 Or, my spiritual gift, as in v 12.
  22. 1 Corinthians 14:14 Or, understanding, intellect.
  23. 1 Corinthians 14:14 Or, barren, unproductive, fruitless. My mind produces nothing for edification.
  24. 1 Corinthians 14:15 That is, what is the tongues-speaker personally to do? Compare v 26.
  25. 1 Corinthians 14:15 Or, but. That is, with one privately and the other publicly; or, with tongues in church and then with the interpretation to edify others; or, with both in church at the same time (meaning, in my native language).
  26. 1 Corinthians 14:16 This is equivalent to praying [a blessing] in a tongue, v 14.
  27. 1 Corinthians 14:16 Or, spiritual gift, as in v 12.
  28. 1 Corinthians 14:16 Or, untrained, uninformed.
  29. 1 Corinthians 14:17 Or, commendably.
  30. 1 Corinthians 14:19 This implies Paul either spoke in tongues to unbelievers, in accordance with v 22, or privately.
  31. 1 Corinthians 14:22 That is, a sign of God’s presence in the one speaking to the unbelievers, as seen in Acts 2; or more specifically, a sign of God’s judgment on Israel, as in Isaiah 28.
  32. 1 Corinthians 14:23 That is, without interpretation.
  33. 1 Corinthians 14:23 Or, raving, out of your mind. In this case, none are edified.
  34. 1 Corinthians 14:24 In this case, all are edified, even any unbeliever present.
  35. 1 Corinthians 14:24 Or, exposed, rebuked.
  36. 1 Corinthians 14:25 Or, known.
  37. 1 Corinthians 14:26 That is, what is the church to do?
  38. 1 Corinthians 14:26 That is, each has what God gives them, these being examples.
  39. 1 Corinthians 14:27 That is, one for all three; or, one for each.
  40. 1 Corinthians 14:28 This means the speaker must know in advance that the tongue will be interpreted.
  41. 1 Corinthians 14:28 That is, silently; or, privately, somewhere else.
  42. 1 Corinthians 14:29 That is, other prophets or gifted individuals.
  43. 1 Corinthians 14:29 That is, discern whether God is the source.
  44. 1 Corinthians 14:31 Or, one by one.
  45. 1 Corinthians 14:31 Or, encouraged.
  46. 1 Corinthians 14:32 That is, human spirits; or, spiritual gifts, as in v 12.
  47. 1 Corinthians 14:32 The prophets and tongue-speakers (as seen in v 28) are not in a state of uncontrollable ecstasy, possessed by the gods, as in the Corinthians’ former pagan religions.
  48. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Or, unruliness, commotions.
  49. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Or, peace, as in all... saints. Let the.
  50. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Or, churches, let the wives of the saints.
  51. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Some think women prayed and prophesied in the church, subordinating this verse to 11:4-5. Aside from such participation led by the Spirit, they are to remain quiet. General talking and asking questions is in view. Others think women prayed and prophesied elsewhere, subordinating 11:4-5 to this verse, meaning Paul is forbidding all speaking in church by women.
  52. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or, talk. That is, speak out of order, as with the prophets and tongue-speakers; or, speak at all.
  53. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Compare 11:8-9; 1 Tim 2:13-14.
  54. 1 Corinthians 14:38 That is, as a prophet or spiritual person. Or, not-recognize... not-recognized.
  55. 1 Corinthians 14:39 Or, preventing, hindering, restraining.
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1 Corinthians 14
New International Version

Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love(A) and eagerly desire(B) gifts of the Spirit,(C) especially prophecy.(D) 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a](E) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;(F) they utter mysteries(G) by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,(H) encouraging(I) and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue(J) edifies(K) themselves, but the one who prophesies(L) edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy.(M) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(N)

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(O) or knowledge(P) or prophecy or word of instruction?(Q) 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or 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?(R) 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.(S) 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit,(T) try to excel in those that build up(U) the church.

13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.(V) 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,(W) but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,(X) but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing(Y) 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,[d] say “Amen”(Z) to your thanksgiving,(AA) since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.(AB)

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.(AC)

20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.(AD) In regard to evil be infants,(AE) but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law(AF) 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,(AG)
says the Lord.”[e]

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,(AH) 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?(AI) 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(AJ) of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”(AK)

Good Order in Worship

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?(AL) When you come together, each of you(AM) has a hymn,(AN) or a word of instruction,(AO) a revelation, a tongue(AP) or an interpretation.(AQ) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.(AR) 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 himself and to God.

29 Two or three prophets(AS) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.(AT) 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.(AU) 33 For God is not a God of disorder(AV) but of peace(AW)—as in all the congregations(AX) of the Lord’s people.(AY)

34 Women[f] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak,(AZ) but must be in submission,(BA) as the law(BB) 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.[g]

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

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

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or in another language; also in verses 4, 13, 14, 19, 26 and 27
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  4. 1 Corinthians 14:16 The Greek word for inquirer is a technical term for someone not fully initiated into a religion; also in verses 23 and 24.
  5. 1 Corinthians 14:21 Isaiah 28:11,12
  6. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or peace. As in all the congregations of the Lord’s people, 34 women
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:35 In a few manuscripts these verses come after verse 40.
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:38 Some manuscripts But anyone who is ignorant of this will be ignorant
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