1 Corinthians 14:3

1 Corinthians 14:3

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?

Commentaries:

Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)

<< 1 Corinthians 14:2

1 Corinthians 14:4 >>

Edification (oikodomhn). Building up.

Comfort (paraklhsin). Encouragement, calling to one's side.

Consolation (paramuqian). Old word (from para, muqos, paramuqeomai I Thessalonians 2:12 which see, a stimulating word), nowhere else in N.T., but paramuqion in Philippians 2:1 with paraklhsiv as here. Edification, cheer, incentive in these words.

**Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 Corinthians 14:3:**

Acts 4:36
Acts 11:27

<< 1 Corinthians 14:2

1 Corinthians 14:4 >>

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