1 Corinthians14
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 , the , you may .
2 one who in a to to ; no him, he in the .
3 On the , the one who to for their .
4 The one who in a , the one who the .
5 Now I want to in , even . The one who is the one who in , , so the may .
6 , , I in , will I I ?
7 , such the the , do , will anyone what is ?
8 the an , will get ?
9 with , your you that is , will anyone what is ? you will the .
10 There the , is ,
11 but I do the of the , I will a to the the a .
12 with , you for manifestations of the , up the .
13 , one who in a should he may .
14 I in a , .
15 am I to ? I will with my , I will with my ; I will with my , I will with my .
16 , you with your , can the of an he does you are ?
17 be giving , the is being .
18 I that I in of .
19 , rather with in to , a .
20 , do in your . in , in your .
21 the it is , people of the of will I to , they will to , the .
22 a for for , is a sign for for .
23 , , the comes in , , will they you are out of your ?
24 , an , he is , he is called to ,
25 the of , , his , he will and .
26 , ? you , a , , , , . Let all be .
27 in a , let there be at , each in , .
28 there no to , let each of them to to .
29 , let the weigh what is .
30 a revelation is to , let the be .
31 you one by , so may be ,
32 the of are to .
33 a God of of . the of the ,
34 the should the . are to , should be in , the .
35 there is they to , let them . it for a to .
36 was it that the of ? are the it has ?
37 that he a , , he should the I am to a of the .
38 does not , he is not .
39 , , to , do in .
40 But all should be .
Study
1 Corinthians 14Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Corinthians 14. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Prophecy preferred to the gift of tongues. (1–5). The unprofitableness of speaking in unknown languages. (6–14). Exhortations to worship that can be understood. (15–25). Disorders from vain display of gifts; (26–33). and from women speaking in the church. (34–40).
vv1-5
Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in language such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent, spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, else men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote.
vv6-14
Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. That cannot answer the end of speaking, which has no meaning; in this case, speaker and hearers are barbarians to each other. All religious services should be so performed in Christian assemblies, that all may join in, and profit by them. Language plain and easy to be understood, is the most proper for public worship, and other religious exercises. Every true follower of Christ will rather desire to do good to others, than to get a name for learning or fine speaking.
vv15-25
There can be no assent to prayers that are not understood. A truly Christian minister will seek much more to do spiritual good to men's souls, than to get the greatest applause to himself. This is proving himself the servant of Christ. Children are apt to be struck with novelty; but do not act like them. Christians should be like children, void of guile and malice; yet they should not be unskilful as to the word of righteousness, but only as to the arts of mischief. It is a proof that a people are forsaken of God, when he gives them up to the rule of those who teach them to worship in another language. They can never be benefitted by such teaching. Yet thus the preachers did who delivered their instructions in an unknown tongue. Would it not make Christianity ridiculous to a heathen, to hear the ministers pray or preach in a language which neither he nor the assembly understood? But if those who minister, plainly interpret Scripture, or preach the great truths and rules of the gospel, a heathen or unlearned person might become a convert to Christianity. His conscience might be touched, the secrets of his heart might be revealed to him, and so he might be brought to confess his guilt, and to own that God was present in the assembly. Scripture truth, plainly and duly taught, has a wonderful power to awaken the conscience and touch the heart.
Key Words
διώκω (diṓkō): compare the base of G1169 (δειλός) and G1249 (διάκονος)); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
ἀγάπη (agápē): love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
ζηλόω (zēlóō): to have warmth of feeling for or against
πνευματικός (pneumatikós): non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious
ἵνα (hína): compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
προφητεύω (prophēteúō): to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
γάρ (gár): properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λαλέω (laléō): to talk, i.e. utter words
γλῶσσα (glōssa): the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14Paul explicitly quotes this passage as 'the law' regarding God speaking through foreign tongues.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
The Old Testament warning of foreign tongues as a sign of judgment upon an unbelieving people.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
The primary creation law reference regarding women being under obedience or subjection.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Parallels Paul's command for women to learn in silence and subjection in the church assembly.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Direct link to the prior command to covet earnestly the best gifts, immediately preceding chapter 13.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
The historical manifestation of miraculous tongues, defining them as real, intelligible foreign human languages.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Old Testament law requiring distinct trumpet sounds for battle, illuminating Paul's analogical argument.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Verbal echo of heathens confessing 'God is in you of a truth' upon seeing prophetic light.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Parallels the core mandate that all speech in the assembly must minister grace and edification.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Moses' wish that all the Lord's people were prophets parallels Paul's wish here.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Echoes Paul's immediate teaching on putting away childish thinking for spiritual maturity.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallels being simple/children concerning evil but wise and mature in understanding.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallels singing with understanding, spiritual wisdom, and teaching one another in psalms.
Supported by JFB
Illuminates conviction when secrets of the heart are made manifest by prophetic insight.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Apostolic instructions to not despise prophesyings but to prove/judge all things.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Reminds that the word of God went out from Jerusalem, rebuking Corinthian exceptionalism.
Supported by Matthew Poole