1 Corinthians 14:4

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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?

Verse Comparison: 1 Corinthians 14:4

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American Standard Version
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Amplified® Bible
He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies {and} improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies {and} improves the church {and} promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness].

Contemporary English Version
By speaking languages that others don't know, you help only yourself. But by prophesying you help everyone in the church.

Darby English Version
He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies [the] assembly.

Good News Bible
Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

International Standard Version
The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the person who prophesies builds the church up.

King James Version
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

New American Standard Bible
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

New International Version
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

New King James Version
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

Young's Literal Translation
he who is speaking in an `unknown' tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;

New English Translation
The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up,¹ but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

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