1 Corinthians 14:39

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, my brothers, desire eagerly to prophesy and [yet] do not prohibit people from speaking in a language [supernaturally].

Cross References

1 Corinthians 12:31

[Obviously not], but you should eagerly desire the more important gifts. And now I will show you a much better way [i.e., a better way to serve one another in the church than using supernatural gifts]:

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 14:1

You should make loving [others] your aim, yet eagerly desire [to possess] spiritual gifts, and especially [the gift of] prophecy.

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 14:38

But if any man does not know this, he should remain ignorant. [Note: The Greek may mean, “If any man does not recognize this (truth), he will not be recognized (in the Judgment)”].

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].

1 Thessalonians 5:20

Do not look down on prophetic messages.