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1 Corinthians 14

BSB·40 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Earnestly pursueΔιώκετεDiōkete — To pursue, persecute, or press forwardG1377 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → eagerly desireζηλοῦτεzēloute — to be zealous, earnestly desire, envyG2206 — Full Word Study → spiritual giftsπνευματικάpneumatika — Spiritual; of or pertaining to the SpiritG4152 — Full Word Study →, especiallyμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study → the gift of prophecyπροφητεύητεprophēteuēte — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study →. 2Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → speaksλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in a tongueγλώσσῃglōssē — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study → does not speakλαλεῖlalei — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → to menἀνθρώποιςanthrōpois — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → to GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. Indeedγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, no oneοὐδεὶςoudeis — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → understands him; he uttersλαλεῖlalei — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → mysteriesμυστήριαmystēria — A hidden or revealed secretG3466 — Full Word Study → in the Spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →. 3Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prophesiesπροφητεύωνprophēteuōn — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study → speaksλαλεῖlalei — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → to menἀνθρώποιςanthrōpois — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → for their edification, encouragementπαράκλησινparaklēsin — Encouragement, comfort, or exhortationG3874 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → comfortπαραμυθίανparamythian — Encouragement or consolation; comfort given to soothe distressG3889 — Full Word Study →. 4The one who speaksλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in a tongueγλώσσῃglōssē — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study → edifiesοἰκοδομεῖoikodomei — to build up, construct, edifyG3618 — Full Word Study → himselfἑαυτὸνheauton — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → the one who prophesiesπροφητεύωνprophēteuōn — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study → edifiesοἰκοδομεῖoikodomei — to build up, construct, edifyG3618 — Full Word Study → the church. 5I wish thatΘέλωThelō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → allπάνταςpantas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → could speakλαλεῖνlalein — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I would rather haveἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you prophesyπροφητεύητεprophēteuēte — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study →. He whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prophesiesπροφητεύωνprophēteuōn — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study → is greater thanē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → one who speaksλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, unlessἐκτὸςektos — outside; except; exclusive ofG1622 — Full Word Study → he interpretsδιερμηνεύῃdiermēneuē — To interpret, explain, or translateG1329 — Full Word Study → so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίαekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → may beλάβῃlabē — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → edifiedοἰκοδομὴνoikodomēn — Building, edification, constructionG3619 — Full Word Study →. 6NowΝῦνNyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I comeἔλθωelthō — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → speakingλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, howτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → will I benefitὠφελήσωōphelēsō — to help, benefit, or profitG5623 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, unlessἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I bring youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → some revelation orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → knowledgeγνώσειgnōsei — Knowledge, understanding, recognitionG1108 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → prophecyπροφητείᾳprophēteia — Divine utterance or prophetic declarationG4394 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → teachingδιδαχῇdidachē — Teaching, doctrine, instructionG1322 — Full Word Study →? 7Even in the case ofὅμωςhomōs — nevertheless, yet, even so, stillG3676 — Full Word Study → lifelessἄψυχαapsycha — lifeless, without life, inanimateG895 — Full Word Study → instrumentsδιδόνταdidonta — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study →, such asεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → the flute orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → harpκιθάραkithara — A stringed musical instrument; a harpG2788 — Full Word Study →, howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → will anyone recognize the tune they are playingδῷdō — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → unlessἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → notesφθόγγοιςphthongois — A sound or voice; audible utteranceG5353 — Full Word Study → are distinctδιαστολὴνdiastolēn — A distinction or difference; setting apartG1293 — Full Word Study →? 8AgainΚαὶKai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →, ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → the trumpet soundsδῷdō — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → a muffledἄδηλονadēlon — unclear, indistinct, not manifestG82 — Full Word Study → callφωνὴνphōnēn — voice, sound, or audible utteranceG5456 — Full Word Study →, whoτίςtis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → will prepareπαρασκευάσεταιparaskeuasetai — to prepare, make ready, equipG3903 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → battleπόλεμονpolemon — warfare, battle, armed conflictG4171 — Full Word Study →? 9Soοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → it is with youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. Unlessἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → you speakδῶτεdōte — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → intelligibleεὔσημονeusēmon — intelligible, easy to understand, clearG2154 — Full Word Study → wordsλόγονlogon — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → withδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → your tongueγλώσσηςglōssēs — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → will anyone know whatτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → you are sayingλαλούμενονlaloumenon — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →? You will just be speakingλαλοῦντεςlalountes — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → the air. 10Assuredlyτύχοιtychoi — To obtain, happen, or chance upon; to experience or enjoyG5177 — Full Word Study →, there areεἰσινeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → manyΤοσαῦταTosauta — So great, so much, such a quantityG5118 — Full Word Study → differentγένηgenē — family lineage, race, or kindG1085 — Full Word Study → languagesφωνῶνphōnōn — voice, sound, or audible utteranceG5456 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the world, yetκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → none of them is without meaningἄφωνονaphōnon — unable to speak; mute; voicelessG880 — Full Word Study →. 11Ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study →, thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study →, I do not knowεἰδῶeidō — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → meaningδύναμινdynamin — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → of someone’sτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → languageφωνῆςphōnēs — voice, sound, or audible utteranceG5456 — Full Word Study →, I amἔσομαιesomai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a foreignerβάρβαροςbarbaros — Non-Greek speaker; foreigner; uncivilized personG915 — Full Word Study → to theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → speakerλαλοῦντιlalounti — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he is a foreignerβάρβαροςbarbaros — Non-Greek speaker; foreigner; uncivilized personG915 — Full Word Study → toἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → meἐμοὶemoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 12It is the sameΟὕτωςHoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → with youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. Sinceἐπεὶepei — since, because, inasmuch asG1893 — Full Word Study → you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → eager to haveζηλωταίzēlōtai — One zealous for a cause; ardent devotee or partisanG2207 — Full Word Study → spiritual giftsπνευμάτωνpneumatōn — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, striveζητεῖτεzēteite — to seek, search for, desire, requireG2212 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → excelπερισσεύητεperisseuēte — To abound, exceed, or have in abundanceG4052 — Full Word Study → in gifts that build upοἰκοδομὴνoikodomēn — Building, edification, constructionG3619 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίαςekklēsias — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study →. 13ThereforeΔιὸDio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study →, the one who speaksλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in a tongueγλώσσῃglōssē — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study → should prayπροσευχέσθωproseuchesthō — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → he may interpretδιερμηνεύῃdiermēneuē — To interpret, explain, or translateG1329 — Full Word Study →. 14Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I prayπροσεύχωμαιproseuchōmai — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → in a tongueγλώσσῃglōssē — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεῦμάpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → praysπροσεύχεταιproseuchetai — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → mindνοῦςnous — The mind; one's thinking faculty or understandingG3563 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → unfruitfulἄκαρπόςakarpos — Unfruitful, barren, unproductiveG175 — Full Word Study →. 15WhatΤίTi — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → shall I do? I will prayπροσεύξομαιproseuxomai — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → with my spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I will also prayπροσεύξομαιproseuxomai — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → with my mindνοΐnoi — The mind; one's thinking faculty or understandingG3563 — Full Word Study →. I will singψαλῶpsalō — To sing praise or make melodyG5567 — Full Word Study → with my spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I will also singψαλῶpsalō — To sing praise or make melodyG5567 — Full Word Study → with my mindνοΐnoi — The mind; one's thinking faculty or understandingG3563 — Full Word Study →. 16Otherwiseἐπεὶepei — since, because, inasmuch asG1893 — Full Word Study →, ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → you speak a blessingεὐλογῇςeulogēs — To bless, praise, or speak well ofG2127 — Full Word Study → in[ἐν]en — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → spiritπνεύματιpneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → can someone who is uninstructedἰδιώτουidiōtou — untrained, unlearned, laypersonG2399 — Full Word Study → sayἐρεῖerei — to say, speak, or declareG2046 — Full Word Study →AmenἈμήνAmēn — Truly, so be it, affirmation of truthG281 — Full Word Study →toἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → yourσῇsē — Your; belonging to you (singular)G4674 — Full Word Study → thanksgivingεὐχαριστίᾳeucharistia — Gratitude, thanksgiving, expression of thanksG2169 — Full Word Study →, sinceἐπειδὴepeidē — since, because, seeing thatG1894 — Full Word Study → he does not knowοἶδενoiden — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → whatτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → you are sayingλέγειςlegeis — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →? 17You may be giving thanksεὐχαριστεῖςeucharisteis — To give thanks; to be gratefulG2168 — Full Word Study → well enoughκαλῶςkalōs — well, rightly, properlyG2573 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → other oneἕτεροςheteros — another, different, otherG2087 — Full Word Study → is not edifiedοἰκοδομεῖταιoikodomeitai — to build up, construct, edifyG3618 — Full Word Study →. 18I thankΕὐχαριστῶEucharistō — To give thanks; to be gratefulG2168 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → that I speakλαλῶlalō — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study → moreμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study → than allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 19Butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the church, I would ratherθέλωthelō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → speakλαλῆσαιlalēsai — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → fiveπέντεpente — The number fiveG4002 — Full Word Study → coherentνοΐnoi — The mind; one's thinking faculty or understandingG3563 — Full Word Study → wordsλόγουςlogous — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → instructκατηχήσωkatēchēsō — to instruct or teach systematicallyG2727 — Full Word Study → othersἄλλουςallous — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → thanē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → ten thousandμυρίουςmyrious — ten thousand; a myriad; innumerable multitudeG3463 — Full Word Study → wordsλόγουςlogous — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → a tongueγλώσσῃglōssē — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →. 20BrothersἈδελφοίAdelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, stopμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → thinkingφρεσίνphresin — mind, understanding, thoughtG5424 — Full Word Study → like childrenπαιδίαpaidia — A small child or infant; a young childG3813 — Full Word Study →. In regard to evilκακίᾳkakia — Malice, wickedness, evil intentG2549 — Full Word Study → be infantsνηπιάζετεnēpiazete — to be childlike; to act as a childG3515 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → in your thinkingφρεσὶνphresin — mind, understanding, thoughtG5424 — Full Word Study → beγίνεσθεginesthe — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → matureτέλειοιteleioi — Complete, mature, fully developedG5046 — Full Word Study →. 21It is writtenγέγραπταιgegraptai — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Lawνόμῳnomō — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study →: “ByἘνEn — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → strange tonguesἑτερογλώσσοιςheteroglōssois — Speaking in a foreign language or tongueG2084 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → foreignἑτέρωνheterōn — another, different, otherG2087 — Full Word Study → lipsχείλεσινcheilesin — lip; edge or shoreG5491 — Full Word Study → I will speakλαλήσωlalēsō — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → to thisτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → peopleλαῷlaō — a people; a nation; the common peopleG2992 — Full Word Study →, but evenοὐδ’oud’ — neither, nor; not evenG3761 — Full Word Study → thenοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → they will not listen to Meμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, saysλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → the Lord.” 22Tonguesγλῶσσαιglōssai — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, thenὭστεHōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study →, areεἰσινeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a signσημεῖόνsēmeion — A sign, miracle, or supernatural tokenG4592 — Full Word Study →, notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → forτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → believersπιστεύουσινpisteuousin — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → forτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → unbelieversἀπίστοιςapistois — Unbelieving, faithless, without trustG571 — Full Word Study →. Prophecyπροφητείαprophēteia — Divine utterance or prophetic declarationG4394 — Full Word Study →, howeverἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, is for believersπιστεύουσινpisteuousin — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study →, notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → forτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → unbelieversἀπίστοιςapistois — Unbelieving, faithless, without trustG571 — Full Word Study →. 23Soοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → ifἘὰνEan — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wholeὅληholē — whole, entire, all, completeG3650 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίαekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → comesσυνέλθῃsynelthē — to come together, assemble, gatherG4905 — Full Word Study → togetherἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → everyoneπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → speaksλαλῶσινlalōsin — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → some who are uninstructedἰδιῶταιidiōtai — untrained, unlearned, laypersonG2399 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → some unbelieversἄπιστοιapistoi — Unbelieving, faithless, without trustG571 — Full Word Study → come inεἰσέλθωσινeiselthōsin — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study →, will they not sayἐροῦσινerousin — to say, speak, or declareG2046 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you are out of your mindsμαίνεσθεmainesthe — to be mad, to rage, to raveG3105 — Full Word Study →? 24Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → anτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → unbelieverἄπιστοςapistos — Unbelieving, faithless, without trustG571 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → uninstructed personἰδιώτηςidiōtēs — untrained, unlearned, laypersonG2399 — Full Word Study → comes inεἰσέλθῃeiselthē — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study → whileδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → everyoneπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → is prophesyingπροφητεύωσινprophēteuōsin — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study →, he will be convictedἐλέγχεταιelenchetai — To convict, rebuke, or expose wrongdoingG1651 — Full Word Study → and called to account byὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →, 25and the secretsκρυπτὰkrypta — hidden, secret, concealedG2927 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → heartκαρδίαςkardias — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study → will beγίνεταιginetai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → made knownφανερὰphanera — visible, evident, manifest, openly knownG5318 — Full Word Study →. Soκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he will fallπεσὼνpesōn — to fall, collapse, or fall downG4098 — Full Word Study → facedownπρόσωπονprosōpon — Face, presence, or outward appearanceG4383 — Full Word Study → and worship GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, proclaimingἀπαγγέλλωνapangellōn — To announce, report, or declareG518 — Full Word Study →, “GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → trulyὌντωςOntōs — truly, really, actually, in truthG3689 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →!” 26WhatΤίTi — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → shall we say, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →? Whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → you come togetherσυνέρχησθεsynerchēsthe — to come together, assemble, gatherG4905 — Full Word Study →, everyoneἕκαστοςhekastos — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → hasἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → a psalmψαλμὸνpsalmon — A sacred song or hymn of praiseG5568 — Full Word Study → or a teachingδιδαχὴνdidachēn — Teaching, doctrine, instructionG1322 — Full Word Study →, a revelationἀποκάλυψινapokalypsin — Unveiling or disclosure of hidden truthG602 — Full Word Study →, a tongueγλῶσσανglōssan — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, or an interpretationἑρμηνείανhermēneian — Explanation or interpretation of meaningG2058 — Full Word Study →. All of these must be doneγινέσθωginesthō — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → build up the church. 27IfΕἴτεEite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → speaksλαλεῖlalei — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in a tongueγλώσσῃglōssē — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, twoδύοdyo — the number two; a pairG1417 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → at mostπλεῖστονpleiston — Most, greatest in degree or amountG4118 — Full Word Study → threeτρεῖςtreis — The number threeG5140 — Full Word Study →, should speak inἀνὰana — up, upward, each, apieceG303 — Full Word Study → turnμέροςmeros — a part, portion, or share of a wholeG3313 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → someoneεἷςheis — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → must interpretδιερμηνευέτωdiermēneuetō — To interpret, explain, or translateG1329 — Full Word Study →. 28Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → there isē — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → noμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → interpreterδιερμηνευτήςdiermēneutēs — One who interprets or translates languagesG1328 — Full Word Study →, he should remain silentσιγάτωsigatō — to be silent, keep quiet, refrain from speakingG4601 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the church andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → speak only to himselfἑαυτῷheautō — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 29Twoδύοdyo — the number two; a pairG1417 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → threeτρεῖςtreis — The number threeG5140 — Full Word Study → prophetsΠροφῆταιProphētai — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study → should speakλαλείτωσανlaleitōsan — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → othersἄλλοιalloi — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → should weigh carefully what is said. 30Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → a revelation comesἀποκαλυφθῇapokalyphthē — to uncover, reveal, or disclose hidden thingsG601 — Full Word Study → to someone whoἄλλῳallō — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → is seatedκαθημένῳkathēmenō — to sit, be seated, dwellG2521 — Full Word Study →, theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → first speaker should stopσιγάτωsigatō — to be silent, keep quiet, refrain from speakingG4601 — Full Word Study →. 31Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → you canδύνασθεdynasthe — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → prophesyπροφητεύεινprophēteuein — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study → inκαθ’kath’ — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → turn so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → everyoneπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → may be instructedμανθάνωσινmanthanōsin — to learn, acquire knowledge or skillG3129 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → encouragedπαρακαλῶνταιparakalōntai — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study →. 32The spirits of prophetsπροφητῶνprophētōn — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study → are subjectὑποτάσσεταιhypotassetai — to subject, submit, or subordinate oneselfG5293 — Full Word Study → to prophetsπροφήταιςprophētais — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study →. 33Forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → God is notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → a GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → of disorderἀκαταστασίαςakatastasias — disorder, confusion, tumultG181 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → of peaceεἰρήνηςeirēnēs — Peace; absence of conflict; inner tranquilityG1515 — Full Word Study →asὩςHōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → allπάσαιςpasais — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαιςekklēsiais — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → of theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → saintsἁγίωνhagiōn — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study →. 34Womenγυναῖκεςgynaikes — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study → are to be silentσιγάτωσανsigatōsan — to be silent, keep quiet, refrain from speakingG4601 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαιςekklēsiais — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study →. Theyαὐταῖςautais — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → are not permittedἐπιτρέπεταιepitrepetai — to permit, allow, or grant permissionG2010 — Full Word Study → to speakλαλεῖνlalein — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → must be in submissionὑποτασσέσθωσανhypotassesthōsan — to subject, submit, or subordinate oneselfG5293 — Full Word Study →, asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lawνόμοςnomos — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study → saysλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →. 35Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → they wishθέλουσινthelousin — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to inquire aboutμαθεῖνmathein — to learn, acquire knowledge or skillG3129 — Full Word Study → somethingτιti — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study →, they are to askἐπερωτάτωσανeperōtatōsan — to ask, question, or inquireG1905 — Full Word Study → their ownἰδίουςidious — one's own; private; personalG2398 — Full Word Study → husbandsἄνδραςandras — Adult male, man, or husbandG435 — Full Word Study → atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → homeοἴκῳoikō — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study →; forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → it isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → dishonorableαἰσχρὸνaischron — shameful, dishonorable, morally indecentG150 — Full Word Study → for a womanγυναικὶgynaiki — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study → to speakλαλεῖνlalein — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the church. 36Did theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγοςlogos — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → originateἐξῆλθενexēlthen — to go out, exit, or departG1831 — Full Word Study → withἀφ’aph’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →? Orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → are you the only ones it has reachedκατήντησενkatēntēsen — to arrive at, reach, attainG2658 — Full Word Study →? 37IfΕἴEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → considersδοκεῖdokei — to seem, appear, or think; to suppose or judgeG1380 — Full Word Study → himself a prophetπροφήτηςprophētēs — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → spiritual personπνευματικόςpneumatikos — Spiritual; of or pertaining to the SpiritG4152 — Full Word Study →, let him acknowledgeἐπιγινωσκέτωepiginōsketō — to come to know, recognize, perceive fullyG1921 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → whatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → I am writingγράφωgraphō — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the Lord’s commandἐντολήentolē — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study →. 38Butδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → ignores thisἀγνοεῖagnoei — to be ignorant of; not to know or understandG50 — Full Word Study →, he himself will be ignoredἀγνοεῖταιagnoeitai — to be ignorant of; not to know or understandG50 — Full Word Study →. 39SoὭστεHōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study →, myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, be eagerζηλοῦτεzēloute — to be zealous, earnestly desire, envyG2206 — Full Word Study → to prophesyπροφητεύεινprophēteuein — to speak forth a divine message; to prophesyG4395 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → do not forbidκωλύετεkōlyete — to prevent, hinder, or forbidG2967 — Full Word Study → speakingλαλεῖνlalein — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →. 40Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → everythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → must be doneγινέσθωginesthō — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → in a properεὐσχημόνωςeuschēmonōs — in a fitting or proper mannerG2156 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → orderly manner.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Corinthians 14
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses confusion and disorder in the Corinthian church regarding spiritual gifts, particularly the exercise of speaking in tongues versus prophecy. The chapter establishes that while both gifts are valid, prophecy—speaking God's Word with clarity for the edification of the church—should be prioritized in public worship. Paul's central concern is not to eliminate any gift but to ensure that all spiritual activity serves the church's growth in understanding and faith, and that corporate worship remains orderly and intelligible to all believers.

Verses 1–5: The Priority of Prophecy

Paul opens by urging believers to "follow after charity" and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially prophecy. Speaking in an unknown tongue (verse 2) involves direct communication with God that others cannot understand, whereas prophecy (verse 3) builds up, encourages, and comforts the whole church. Verse 4 makes the crucial distinction: tongues edify the individual speaker, but prophecy edifies the body. Paul himself speaks in tongues more than anyone (verse 18), so he is not dismissing the gift; rather, he is establishing priorities for corporate worship. Intelligibility and mutual edification must guide the use of gifts in church gatherings.

Verses 6–12: The Need for Understanding

Paul uses vivid illustrations to emphasize clarity. If he arrives speaking only in tongues, how does that profit the church (verse 6)? Even musical instruments must produce distinct, recognizable sounds (verses 7–8). Just as a trumpet's unclear call leaves soldiers unprepared for battle, unclear speech leaves listeners confused about God's message (verse 9). Every language has meaning (verse 10), but without understanding, speaker and hearer become "barbarians" to one another (verse 11). The point is simple: spiritual fervor without comprehension fails the church. Verse 12 redirects their zeal toward what truly benefits the body.

Verses 13–19: Spirit and Understanding Together

Paul instructs anyone speaking in tongues to pray for the gift of interpretation (verse 13). When someone prays in an unknown tongue, their spirit communes with God, but their mind bears no fruit in teaching others (verse 14). The solution is balance: pray and sing both in the Spirit and with understanding (verse 15). Verse 16 poses a practical problem—how can an unlearned believer say "Amen" to a blessing if they don't understand it? Verse 17 concludes: thanksgiving may be good, but if others gain nothing, the purpose of church gathering is thwarted. Paul's personal testimony (verses 18–19) is striking: though he speaks in tongues abundantly, in church he prefers five intelligible words of teaching over thousands in an unknown tongue.

Verses 20–25: Maturity and Witness

Believers must mature in understanding while remaining innocent of malice (verse 20). Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11–12 (verse 21), noting that even Israel's failure to hear God's Word through foreign tongues demonstrates that tongues function as a sign to unbelievers, not believers. Prophecy, by contrast, serves those who already believe and strengthens their faith. An unbeliever entering a service where everyone speaks in tongues will think they are mad (verse 23), but when all prophesy, unbelievers are convicted, their hearts are exposed, and they recognize God's presence (verses 24–25).

Verses 26–33: Order in Worship

Paul addresses the chaotic state of Corinthian gatherings. Let everything—psalms, teaching, tongues, revelation, interpretation—be done for edification (verse 26). If someone speaks in tongues, limit it to two or three, in turn, with interpretation (verse 27); without an interpreter, they must remain silent (verse 28). Prophets should speak two or three, and others should weigh what is said (verse 29). If someone receives a revelation while another is speaking, the first speaker yields (verse 30). This allows all to learn and be encouraged (verse 31). The governing principle: "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets" (verse 32)—no one should claim their gift overrides self-control. God is not the author of confusion but of peace (verse 33).

Verses 34–40: Women, Authority, and Final Exhortations

Verses 34–35 direct women to keep silence in churches and to learn from their husbands at home. This reflects the principle of headship and order outlined in chapters 11 and 12, and echoes the broader New Testament teaching on church governance. Verse 36 challenges any who would presume that truth originates with them alone. Verses 37–38 assert that Paul's instructions carry apostolic authority. The chapter concludes (verses 39–40): covet prophecy, do not forbid tongues, but let all things be done decently and in order.

Application for Today

Paul's message remains vital: spiritual gifts are precious, but they exist to serve the body and to magnify Christ, not to impress or confuse. Whether in prayer, worship, or teaching, believers should ask, "Will

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