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1 Corinthians 14
1599 Geneva Bible

14 1 He commendeth the gifts of prophecying: 7 and by a similitude taken of musical instruments, 12 he teacheth the true use of interpreting the Scriptures: 17 he taketh away the abuse: 34 And forbiddeth women to speak in the Congregation.

1 Follow [a]after love, and covet spiritual gifts, and rather that ye may [b]prophesy.

2 [c]For he that speaketh a strange [d]tongue, speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth him: howbeit in the [e]spirit he speaketh secret things.

3 But he that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to [f]edifying, and to exhortation, and to comfort.

4 He that speaketh strange language, edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the [g]Church.

5 I would that ye all spake strange languages, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh diverse tongues, except he expound it, that the Church may receive edification.

6 And now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking diverse tongues, what shall I profit you, except I speak to you, either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 [h]Moreover things without life which give a sound, whether it be a pipe or an harp, except they make a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 And also if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to battle?

9 So likewise you, by the tongue, except ye utter words that have [i]signification, how shall it be understood what is spoken? for ye shall speak in the air.

10 [j]There are so many kinds of voices (as it cometh to pass) in the world, and none of them is dumb.

11 Except I know then the power of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a Barbarian, and he that [k]speaketh, shall be a Barbarian unto me.

12 [l]Even so, forasmuch as ye covet spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel unto the edifying of the Church.

13 Wherefore, let him that speaketh a strange tongue, [m]pray that he may interpret.

14 [n]For [o]if I pray in a strange tongue, my [p]spirit prayeth: but mine understanding is [q]without fruit.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the [r]understanding also: I will sing with the spirit: but I will sing with the understanding also.

16 [s]Else, when thou blessest with the [t]spirit, how shall he that [u]occupieth the room of the unlearned, say [v]Amen, at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knowest not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 [w]I thank my God, I speak languages more than ye all.

19 Yet had I rather in the Church to speak [x]five words with mine understanding, that I might also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a strange tongue.

20 [y]Brethren, be not (A)children in understanding, but as concerning maliciousness be children, but in understanding be of a ripe age.

21 In the [z]Law it is written, (B)By men of other tongues, and by other languages will I speak unto this people: yet so shall they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22 [aa]Wherefore strange tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23 [ab]If therefore, when the whole Church is come together in one, and all speak strange tongues, there come in they that are [ac]unlearned, or they which believe not, will they not say, that ye are out of your wits?

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is rebuked of all men, and is judged of all,

25 And so are the secrets of his heart made manifest, and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, and say plainly that God is in you indeed.

26 [ad]What is to be done then, brethren? when ye come together, according as every one of you hath a Psalm, or hath doctrine, or hath a tongue, or hath revelation, or hath interpretation, let all things be done unto edifying.

27 [ae]If any man speak a strange tongue, let it be by two, or at the most, by three, and that by course, and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the Church, which speaketh languages, and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 [af]Let the Prophets speak, two or three, and let the others judge.

30 And if anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may have comfort.

32 And the [ag]spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as we see in all the Churches of the Saints.

34 (C)[ah]Let your women keep silence in the Churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak: but they ought to be subject, as also (D)the Law saith.

35 And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the Church.

36 [ai]Came the word of God out from you? either came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a Prophet, or [aj]spiritual, let him acknowledge, that the things that I write unto you, are the commandments of the Lord.

38 [ak]And if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 [al]Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak languages.

40 Let all things be done honestly, and by order.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:1 He inferreth now that, that he spake before: Therefore seeing charity is the chiefest of all, before all things set it before you as chief and principal: and so esteem those things as most excellent: which profit the greater part of men: (as prophecy that is to say, the gifts of teaching and applying the doctrine, which was contemned in respect of other gifts, although it be chiefest and most necessary for the Church) and not those which for a show seem to be marvelous as the gifts of tongues, when a man was suddenly endued with the knowledge of many tongues, which made men greatly amazed, and yet of itself was not greatly to any use, unless there were an interpreter.
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:1 What prophecy is, he showeth in the third verse.
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 He reprehendeth their perverse judgment touching the gift of tongues. For why was it given? to wit, to the intent that the mysteries of God might be the better known to a greater sort. Thereby it is evident that Prophecy, whereunto the gift of tongues ought to serve, is better than this: and therefore the Corinthians did judge amiss, in that they made more account of the gift of tongues, than of prophesying: because forsooth the gift of tongues was a thing more to be bragged of. And hereupon followed another abuse of the gift of tongues, in that the Corinthians used tongues in the Congregation, without an interpreter. Which thing although it might be done to some profit of him, that spake them, yet he corrupted the right use of that gift, because there came thereby no profit to the hearers: and common assemblies were instituted and appointed not for any private man’s commodity, but for the profit of the whole company.
  4. 1 Corinthians 14:2 A strange language, which no man can understand without an interpreter.
  5. 1 Corinthians 14:2 By that inspiration which he has received of the Spirit, which notwithstanding he abuseth, when he speaketh mysteries which none of the company can understand.
  6. 1 Corinthians 14:3 Which may further men in the study of godliness.
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:4 The company.
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:7 He setteth forth that which he said, by a similitude, which he borroweth and taketh from instruments of music, which although they speak not perfectly, yet they are distinguished by their sounds, that they may be the better used.
  9. 1 Corinthians 14:9 That do fitly utter the matter itself.
  10. 1 Corinthians 14:10 He proveth that interpretation is necessarily to be joined with the gift of tongues, by the manifold variety of languages, insomuch that if one speak to another without an interpreter, it is as if he spake not.
  11. 1 Corinthians 14:11 As the Papists in all their sermons and they that ambitiously pour out some Hebrew or Greek words in the Pulpit before the unlearned people, thereby to get them a name of vain learning.
  12. 1 Corinthians 14:12 The conclusion: if they will excel in those spiritual gifts, as it is meet, they must seek the profit of the Church, and therefore they must not use gift of tongues, unless there is an interpreter to expound the strange and unknown tongue, whether it be himself that speaketh, or another interpreter.
  13. 1 Corinthians 14:13 Pray for the gift of interpretation.
  14. 1 Corinthians 14:14 A reason: Because it is not sufficient for us to speak so in the Congregation, that we ourselves do worship God in spirit, that is, according to the gift that we have received, but we must also be understood of the company, lest that be unprofitable to others which we have spoken.
  15. 1 Corinthians 14:14 If I pray, when the church is assembled together, in a strange tongue.
  16. 1 Corinthians 14:14 The gift and inspiration which the spirit giveth me, doeth his part, but only to myself.
  17. 1 Corinthians 14:14 No fruit cometh to the Church by my prayers.
  18. 1 Corinthians 14:15 So that I may be understood of others, and may instruct others.
  19. 1 Corinthians 14:16 Another reason: Seeing that the whole Congregation must agree to him that speaketh, and also witness this agreement, how shall they give their assent or agreement which know not what is spoken?
  20. 1 Corinthians 14:16 Only without all consideration of the hearers.
  21. 1 Corinthians 14:16 He that sitteth as a private man.
  22. 1 Corinthians 14:16 So then one uttered the prayers, and all the company answered, Amen.
  23. 1 Corinthians 14:18 He propoundeth himself for an example, both that they may be ashamed of their foolish ambition, and also that he may eschew all suspicion of envy.
  24. 1 Corinthians 14:19 A very few words.
  25. 1 Corinthians 14:20 Now he reproveth them freely for their childish folly, which see not how this gift of tongues which was given to the profit of the Church, is turned by their ambition into an instrument of cursing, seeing that this same also is contained amongst the punishments wherewith God punished the stubbornness of his people, that he dispersed them amongst strangers whose language they understood not.
  26. 1 Corinthians 14:21 By the Law he understandeth all the whole Scripture.
  27. 1 Corinthians 14:22 The conclusion: Therefore the gift of tongues serveth to punish the unfaithful and unbelievers, unless it be referred to prophecy (that is to say, to the interpretation of Scripture) and that that which is spoken, be by the means understood of the hearers.
  28. 1 Corinthians 14:23 Another argument: The gift of tongues without prophecy is not only unprofitable to the faithful: but also doth very much hurt as well to them as to the unfaithful which should be won in the public assemblies. For by this means it cometh to pass, that the faithful seem to others to be mad, much less can the unfaithful be instructed thereby.
  29. 1 Corinthians 14:23 See Acts 4:13.
  30. 1 Corinthians 14:26 The conclusion: The edifying of the Congregation is a rule and square of the right use of all spiritual gifts.
  31. 1 Corinthians 14:27 The manner how to use the gift of tongues. It may be lawful for one or two, or at the most three, to use the gift of tongues, one after another in an assembly, so that there be some to expound the same: but if there are none to expound, let him that hath that gift, speak to himself alone.
  32. 1 Corinthians 14:29 The manner of prophesying: Let two or three propound, and let the other judge of that that is propoundeth, whether it be agreeable to the word of God or no: If in this examination the Lord give any man nought to speak, let them give him leave to speak. Let every man be admitted to prophesy, severally and in his order, so far forth as it is required for the edifying of the Church. Let them be content to be subject to each other’s judgment.
  33. 1 Corinthians 14:32 The doctrine which the Prophets bring which are inspired with God’s Spirit.
  34. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Women are commanded to be silent in public assemblies, and they are commanded to ask of their husbands at home.
  35. 1 Corinthians 14:36 A general conclusion of the treatise of the right use of spiritual gifts in assemblies: with a sharp reprehension, lest the Corinthians might alone seem to themselves to be wise.
  36. 1 Corinthians 14:37 Skillful in knowing and judging spiritual things.
  37. 1 Corinthians 14:38 The Church ought not to care for such as be stubbornly ignorant, and will not abide to be taught, but to go forward notwithstanding in those things which are right.
  38. 1 Corinthians 14:39 Prophecy ought simply to be retained and kept in Congregations, the gift of tongues is not to be forbidden, but all things must be done orderly.
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1 Corinthians 14
New International Version

Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love(A) and eagerly desire(B) gifts of the Spirit,(C) especially prophecy.(D) 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a](E) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;(F) they utter mysteries(G) by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,(H) encouraging(I) and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue(J) edifies(K) themselves, but the one who prophesies(L) edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy.(M) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(N)

6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation(O) or knowledge(P) or prophecy or word of instruction?(Q) 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?(R) 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.(S) 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit,(T) try to excel in those that build up(U) the church.

13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.(V) 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,(W) but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,(X) but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing(Y) with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[d] say “Amen”(Z) to your thanksgiving,(AA) since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.(AB)

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.(AC)

20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.(AD) In regard to evil be infants,(AE) but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law(AF) it is written:

“With other tongues
    and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
    but even then they will not listen to me,(AG)
says the Lord.”[e]

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,(AH) however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?(AI) 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets(AJ) of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”(AK)

Good Order in Worship

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?(AL) When you come together, each of you(AM) has a hymn,(AN) or a word of instruction,(AO) a revelation, a tongue(AP) or an interpretation.(AQ) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.(AR) 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

29 Two or three prophets(AS) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.(AT) 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, 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 the control of prophets.(AU) 33 For God is not a God of disorder(AV) but of peace(AW)—as in all the congregations(AX) of the Lord’s people.(AY)

34 Women[f] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak,(AZ) but must be in submission,(BA) as the law(BB) says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.[g]

36 Or did the word of God(BC) originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet(BD) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,(BE) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.(BF) 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.[h]

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager(BG) to prophesy,(BH) and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly(BI) way.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or in another language; also in verses 4, 13, 14, 19, 26 and 27
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  4. 1 Corinthians 14:16 The Greek word for inquirer is a technical term for someone not fully initiated into a religion; also in verses 23 and 24.
  5. 1 Corinthians 14:21 Isaiah 28:11,12
  6. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or peace. As in all the congregations of the Lord’s people, 34 women
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:35 In a few manuscripts these verses come after verse 40.
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:38 Some manuscripts But anyone who is ignorant of this will be ignorant
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