Passage

1 Corinthians 14

Book: 1 Corinthians · NASB95

Immediate context (±2 verses)

ASV (ASV)

"1. Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2. For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation. 4. He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5. 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. 6. But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? 7. Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war? 9. So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air. 10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification. 11. If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me. 12. So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church. 13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16. Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest? 17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18. I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all: 19. howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20. Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men. 21. In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord. 22. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe. 23. If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad? 24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all; 25. the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed. 26. What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27. If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret: 28. but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29. And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern. 30. But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence. 31. For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; 32. and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; 33. for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34. let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law. 35. And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church. 36. What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone? 37. If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38. But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39. Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40. But let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:1-40, ASV)

WEB (WEB)

"1. Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2. For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3. But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. 4. He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. 5. Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up. 6. But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? 7. Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? 8. For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war? 9. So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air. 10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning. 11. If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me. 12. So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly. 13. Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14. For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16. Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t know what you say? 17. For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up. 18. I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all. 19. However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language. 20. Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature. 21. In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord.” 22. Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. 23. If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won’t they say that you are crazy? 24. But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all. 25. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed. 26. What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27. If any man speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29. Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 30. But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31. For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted. 32. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33. for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints. 34. Let the women be quiet in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to be talking except in submission, as the law also says, 35. if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to be talking in the assembly.” 36. What!? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37. If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39. Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:1-40, WEB)

KJV (KJV)

"1. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. ^{understandeth: Gr. heareth} 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5. 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. 6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7. And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? ^{sounds: or, tunes} 8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. ^{easy: Gr. significant} 10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. ^{of spiritual gifts: Gr. of spirits} 13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. ^{men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age} 21. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. ^{two: by two or three sentences separately} 28. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ^{confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness} 34. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37. If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:1-40, KJV)

YLT (YLT)

"1. Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy, 2. for he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue, to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit he doth speak secrets; 3. and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort; 4. he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify; 5. 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. 6. And now, brethren, if I may come unto you speaking tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching? 7. yet the things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if a difference in the sounds they may not give, how shall be known that which is piped or that which is harped? 8. for if also an uncertain sound a trumpet may give, who shall prepare himself for battle? 9. so also ye, if through the tongue, speech easily understood ye may not give, how shall that which is spoken be known? for ye shall be speaking to air. 10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is unmeaning, 11. if, then, I do not know the power of the voice, I shall be to him who is speaking a foreigner, and he who is speaking, is to me a foreigner; 12. so also ye, since ye are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, for the building up of the assembly seek that ye may abound; 13. wherefore he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue, let him pray that he may interpret; 14. for if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit doth pray, and my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing psalms with the spirit, and I will sing psalms also with the understanding; 16. since, if thou mayest bless with the spirit, he who is filling the place of the unlearned, how shall he say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, since what thou dost say he hath not known? 17. for thou, indeed, dost give thanks well, but the other is not built up! 18. I give thanks to my God, more than you all with tongues speaking, 19. but in an assembly I wish to speak five words through my understanding, that others also I may instruct, rather than myriads of words in an [unknown] tongue. 20. Brethren, become not children in the understanding, but in the evil be ye babes, and in the understanding become ye perfect; 21. in the law it hath been written, that, 'With other tongues and with other lips I will speak to this people, and not even so will they hear Me, saith the Lord;' 22. so that the tongues are for a sign, not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; and the prophesy [is] not for the unbelieving, but for the believing, 23. If, therefore, the whole assembly may come together, to the same place, and all may speak with tongues, and there may come in unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24. and if all may prophecy, and any one may come in, an unbeliever or unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is discerned by all, 25. and so the secrets of his heart become manifest, and so having fallen upon [his] face, he will bow before God, declaring that God really is among you. 26. What then is it, brethren? whenever ye may come together, each of you hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? let all things be for building up; 27. if an [unknown] tongue any one do speak, by two, or at the most, by three, and in turn, and let one interpret; 28. and if there may be no interpreter, let him be silent in an assembly, and to himself let him speak, and to God. 29. And prophets, let two or three speak, and let the others discern, 30. and if to another sitting [anything] may be revealed, let the first be silent; 31. for ye are able, one by one, all to prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted, 32. and the spiritual gift of prophets to prophets are subject, 33. for God is not [a God] of tumult, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints. 34. Your women in the assemblies let them be silent, for it hath not been permitted to them to speak, but to be subject, as also the law saith; 35. and if they wish to learn anything, at home their own husbands let them question, for it is a shame to women to speak in an assembly. 36. From you did the word of God come forth? or to you alone did it come? 37. if any one doth think to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge the things that I write to you, that of the Lord they are commands; 38. and if any one is ignorant, let him be ignorant; 39. so that, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid; 40. let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:1-40, YLT)

Setting

Speaker: TBD
Audience: TBD
Location: TBD
Time period: TBD

Theological reading

Patristic / early-church-father exegesis, to be added.

Key words

Theologically-loaded Greek or Hebrew words in this verse may have entries in the lexicon. Curated to roughly 100 contested terms across the corpus, not every word; see Lexicon Roadmap.

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Quoted in

Why these four translations

ris3n chose ASV, WEB, KJV, and YLT for two reasons together. They are the most literal English translations available (formal-equivalence: word-for-word renderings that preserve the Hebrew and Greek grammar rather than smoothing it into modern dynamic-equivalence idiom). And they are in the public domain in the United States, which means fair-use quotation at any length requires no publisher license. Modern licensed translations (NASB95, ESV, NIV) restrict volume of quotation under their copyright terms, so they are not used at stub-level coverage here. NASB95 appears only on hand-curated rich passage hubs under Lockman Foundation's fair-use allowance.

The four:

ASV (American Standard Version, 1901). The basis of the modern critical-text English tradition.
WEB (World English Bible, contemporary). Public-domain revision in the ASV line, in current English.
KJV (King James Version, 1611). Reformation-era, Textus Receptus base.
YLT (Young's Literal Translation, Robert Young, 1862). Hyper-literal preservation of Hebrew and Greek grammar; useful for word-study work even where English reads stiff.

See Bibles for the full per-translation history, translators, textual basis, strengths, and weaknesses.