1 Corinthians 14:4 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁴ The person who speaks in a language [supernaturally], builds up [only] himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁴ 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].

American Standard Version (1901)

⁴ He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Common English Bible

⁴ People who speak in a tongue build up themselves; those who prophesy build up the church.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁴ Whoever speaks in tongues edifies himself. But whoever prophesies edifies the Church.

1 Corinthians 14:4 Cross References

Mark 16:17

And these [miraculous] signs will attend [the conversion of] those who believe. [Note: This refers to the supernatural miracles performed by the apostles and their associates during the apostolic age. See verse 20 and Acts 2:43]. In my name [i.e., by my authority], they will drive out evil spirits; they will speak in languages [supernaturally];

Romans 14:19

So then, let us pursue such things that produce peace and things that build one another up [spiritually].

1 Corinthians 12:10

Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally].

1 Corinthians 12:28

Now God has placed some [ministries] in the church [as follows]: First apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then [those able to perform] miracles, then gifts [enabling people] to perform [supernatural] healings, [those able] to help the needy, [wise] administrators, [and] those able to speak in different languages.

1 Corinthians 13:1

If I have the ability to speak in the languages of human beings and angels [Note: Perhaps the idea is supernaturally and eloquently], but do not have love [for people], I have become [no more than] a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God’s] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 14:12

So, you people also, since you are eager for [supernatural] spiritual gifts, should look for ways to excel in building up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:22

Therefore, languages [i.e., spoken supernaturally] are for a [miraculous] sign to unbelievers, not to believers. But prophesying is for a [miraculous] sign to believers, not to unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 14:26

So, what is the conclusion, brothers? When you people assemble together, each one of you has a psalm [to sing], or a lesson [to teach], or a [supernatural] revelation [to give], or a language [to speak supernaturally], or an interpretation [of that language]. Everything that is done should be for the building up [of the church].

1 Corinthians 14:3

But the person who prophesies speaks [God’s message] to people to build them up [spiritually], encourage them and comfort them.

1 Corinthians 14:5

Now I would like all of you to speak in languages [supernaturally], but I would rather have you prophecy. For the person who prophesies is more important [i.e., to the church] than those who speak in languages [supernaturally], unless that person interprets [the languages], so the church can be built up [spiritually].