1 Corinthians 14:3

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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

Cross References

Luke 3:18

So, John preached the good news to the people with many different appeals.

Acts 13:15

And after the reading of the Law of Moses and [the writings of] the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent [word] to Paul and Barnabas, saying, “Brothers, if you [men] have any message that will exhort [or encourage] the people, you may speak.”

Acts 14:22

[Along the way] they strengthened the hearts of the disciples, urging them to continue [to believe and practice] the faith and [explaining] that entering God's [heavenly] kingdom [See II Tim. 4:18] requires enduring many trials.

Acts 15:32

And Judas and Silas, who also were prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many [other] words.

Acts 4:36

And Joseph, who was called by the apostles, Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), was a descendant of the Jewish tribe of Levi, whose family originated from [the island of] Cyprus.

Acts 9:31

So, the church throughout all of Judea, Galilee and Samaria was multiplied in number, enjoyed peace, was built up [spiritually] and lived in awe of the Lord and was comforted by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:8

Or, if our gift is encouraging others, we should devote ourselves to encouraging. Or, if our gift is sharing with others, we should do so generously. Or, if our gift is leading others, we should do so diligently. Or, if our gift is showing caring concern for others, we should do it cheerfully.

Romans 14:19

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

Romans 15:2

[Instead], each of us should do what pleases his neighbor in order to accomplish something good and uplifting [in his life].

1 Corinthians 10:23

“Everything is permissible [to do];” but not everything is profitable [See note at 6:12]. “Everything is permissible [to do];” but not everything builds [people] up.

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 14:17

For [though] you truly offer thanksgiving acceptably, the other person is not built up.

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 14:31

For all of you [i.e., who have the gifts], can prophesy, one at a time, so that all of you may learn and be encouraged.

1 Corinthians 8:1

I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually].

2 Corinthians 1:4

He comforts us [Note: Most commentators view the editorial “us,” “we,” and “our” in this passage as a reference to a tragic personal experience of Paul. See verses 8-11] in all our troubles so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any [kind of] trouble, through the comfort we ourselves have received from Him.

2 Corinthians 2:7

So instead, you people should [now] forgive and comfort him, in order that such a person does not become overwhelmed with extreme grief.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

Ephesians 6:22

I have sent [i.e., am sending] him to you for this very purpose, so you can know our situation and that he can encourage your hearts.

Colossians 4:8

I have sent [i.e., am sending] him to you for this very purpose, so that you can know our situation and that he can encourage your hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:11

For you know that we treated each one of you like a father treats his own children, exhorting you, and comforting you,

1 Thessalonians 2:3

For our appeal [to you was] not based on error, or impure [motives], or deception.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

and so we [i.e., I] sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow-worker in [the ministry of] the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Finally then, brothers, we request and urge you, in [the fellowship of] the Lord, that you should live [dedicated lives] and please God. Just as you people received direction from us [on doing this], see that you [continue to] do it more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

So, encourage one another with these words.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now we command and urge such people, in [the fellowship of] the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work quietly and earn their own living.

1 Timothy 1:4

and not to listen to legends or exhaustive lists of ancestors. These [only] serve to arouse speculations, rather than [promote] God’s plan which is based on faith.

1 Timothy 4:13

Until I come [to you], pay attention to the [public] reading [of Scripture], to exhorting people and to teaching.

1 Timothy 6:2

And those slaves who have believing masters should not despise them, since they are [Christian] brothers, but rather they should serve them all the more [faithfully]. For those [masters] who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved [by them and God]. Teach and exhort people regarding these things.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the [Gospel] message; be prepared [to do it both] when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient; reprove [i.e., convince people of their wrongdoing], rebuke [i.e., convict people of their sin], and exhort [i.e., urge people to act], with great patience and teaching.

Titus 1:9

[He must] hold on firmly to the trustworthy message, which is according to [our] teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort people with sound teaching and to convince those who contradict it.

Titus 2:15

You should teach these things and exhort and rebuke people with full authority. Do not let anyone look down on you. [See note on I Tim. 4:12].

Titus 2:6

In the same way, you should exhort the younger men to be sensible.

Titus 2:9

Slaves should be in subjection to their own masters in everything. They should try hard to please them, without talking back

Hebrews 10:25

We should not neglect our assembling together [as a church], as some people are in the habit of doing, but we should encourage one another [spiritually], and [do it] all the more [diligently] as you see the day [of judgment] coming closer.

Hebrews 13:22

But I urge you, brothers [and sisters], listen to these words of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

Hebrews 3:13

But [instead], encourage one another each day, as long as it is [still] called “Today,” so that none of you becomes stubborn [as a result] of the deceitfulness of sin.

1 Peter 5:12

This brief message is being inscribed [or delivered] by Silvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother. [In it] I am exhorting you and giving testimony that it is a message about God’s genuine unearned favor upon you. So, continue to follow [and obey] what it says.

Jude 1:20

But, you dearly loved ones, build yourselves up [spiritually] on [the foundation of] your most sacred faith; pray in [the power of] the Holy Spirit.