BSB 1 COR Chapter 14

Prophecy and Tongues

Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially [the gift] of prophecy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue vvv does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands [him]; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men [for their] edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4 The [one who] speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the [one who] prophesies edifies [the] church.

5 

I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but {I would} rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies [is] greater than [one who] speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

6 

Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I [bring] you [some] revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 Even in the case of lifeless instruments such as [the] flute or harp, how will [anyone] recognize [the tune] they are playing unless the notes are distinct? 8 Again if [the] trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? 9 So [it is] with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with [your] tongue, how will [anyone] know what you are saying? vvv You will [ just ] be speaking into [the] air.

10 

vvv Assuredly, there are many different languages in [the] world, yet none [of them is] without meaning. 11 If, then, vvv I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner[fn] to the speaker, and vvv [he is] a foreigner to me.

12 

It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel [in gifts that] build up the church. 13 Therefore, the [one who] speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 

What then [shall I do]? I will pray with [my] spirit, but vvv I will also pray with [my] mind. I will sing with [my] spirit, but vvv I will also sing with [my] mind. 16 Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit,[fn] how {can} [someone] vvv vvv vvv vvv who is uninstructed say“Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You {may} be giving thanks vvv vvv well enough, but the other one vvv is not edified.

18 

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in [the] church, I would rather speak five vvv vvv coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 

Brothers, stop thinking vvv like children. In [regard to] evil be infants, but in [your] thinking be mature. 21 It is written in the Law:

“By strange tongues and foreign lips

I will speak to this people,

[but] even then they will {not} listen to Me,

says [the] Lord.”[fn]

22 

Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, [is] for believers, not for unbelievers.

23 

So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, vvv will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted [and] called to account by all, 25 [and] the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall vvv facedown [and] worship God, proclaiming“God is truly among you!”

26 

Orderly Worship

What then [shall we say], brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm [or] a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, [or] an interpretation. All [of these] must be done to build up [ the church ].

27 

If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or [at] most three, [should speak] in turn, and someone must interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in [the] church and speak [only] to himself and God.

29 

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully [what is said]. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first [speaker] should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in [turn] so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 [The] spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For [God] is not a God of disorder, but of peace— as in all the churches of the saints.[fn]

34 

Women are to be silent in the churches. vvv They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask [their] own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in [the] church.[fn]

36 

{Did} the word of God originate with you? Or [are] you the only [ones] it has reached? 37 If anyone considers [himself] a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is [the] Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.[fn]

39 

So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and {do} not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything must be done in a proper and vvv orderly [manner].