1 Corinthians 14:1

Prophecy and Tongues

14:1 Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:3-4

14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, ¹  encouragement, and consolation. 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, ²  but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:31

14:31 For you can all prophesy one after another, so all can learn and be encouraged.

1 Corinthians 14:39

14:39 So then, brothers and sisters, ³  be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues. ⁴ 

1 Corinthians 14:5

14:5 I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.

[14:3]  ¹ tn Grk “edification.”

[14:4]  ¹ sn The Greek term builds (himself) up does not necessarily bear positive connotations in this context.

[14:39]  ¹ tc ‡ μου (mou, “my”) is found after ἀδελφοί (adelfoi) in a number of significant witnesses (א A B* D¹ 048 326 1175 2464 al), but lacking in most other witnesses (Ì⁴⁶ B² D* F G Ψ 0243 33 1739 1881 Ï lat). Every other time Paul says “So then, brothers (and sisters)” he adds “my” (ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου; {wste, adelfoi mou). There is no good reason why scribes would intentionally omit “my” here but not elsewhere. Thus, the longer reading is in conformity with Paul’s general style and as such seems to be scribally motivated. NA²⁷ has the word in brackets, indicating doubt as to its authenticity.

[14:39]  ² tn Grk “speaking in tongues.” The words “anyone from” are supplied for the sake of clarity.