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1 Corinthians 14:3
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Prophecy and Tongues

1 Pursue love, and adesire spiritual gifts, bbut especially that you may prophesy.  
2 For he who aspeaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.  
3 But he who prophesies speaks aedification and bexhortation and comfort to men.  
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied;1 for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.  

Tongues Must Be Interpreted

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by arevelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?  
7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without1 significance.  
11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a1 foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.  
12 Even so you, since you are1 zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the2 edification of the church that you seek to excel.  
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may ainterpret.  
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. aI will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing bwith the understanding.  
16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” aat your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?  
17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers

20 Brethren, ado not be children in understanding; however, in malice bbe babes, but in understanding be mature.  
21 aIn the law it is written:
b“With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.  
22 Therefore tongues are for a asign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.  
Verse Comparison: 1 Corinthians 14:3

<< 1 Corinthians 14:2   1 Corinthians 14:4 >>

American Standard Version
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.

Amplified® Bible
But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding {and} constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.

Contemporary English Version
But when you prophesy, you will be understood, and others will be helped. They will be encouraged and made to feel better.

Darby English Version
But he that prophesies speaks to men [in] edification, and encouragement, and consolation.

Good News Bible
But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort.

International Standard Version
But the person who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and comfort.

King James Version
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

New American Standard Bible
But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

New International Version
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

New King James Version
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

Young's Literal Translation
and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort;


<< 1 Corinthians 14:2   1 Corinthians 14:4 >>

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