1 Corinthians · Unlocked Literal Bible
1 Corinthians 14 Unlocked Literal Bible
Audio: World English Bible (WEB), read by Winfred W. Henson · About the recordings
1 Pursue love and be zealous for spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
1 Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2 For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. For no one understands him because he speaks hidden things in the Spirit.
2 For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God, for no one understands, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people to build them up, to encourage them, and to comfort them.
3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.
5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues. But even more than that, I wish that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues (unless someone interprets so that the church may be built up).
5 Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.
6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you? I cannot, unless I speak to you with revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or teaching.
6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?
7 If lifeless instruments are producing sounds—like the flute or the harp—and they do not produce different tones, how will anyone know what tune the flute or harp is playing?
7 Even lifeless things that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet is played with an uncertain sound, how will anyone know when it is time to prepare for battle?
8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?
9 So it is with you. If you utter speech that is unintelligible, how will anyone understand what you have said? You will be speaking, and no one will understand you.
9 So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air.
10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
11 But if I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.
11 If then I don’t know the meaning of the language, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me.
12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for the manifestations of the Spirit, try to excel in the gifts that build up the church.
12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
13 So the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, and I will also sing with my mind.
15 What should I do? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Otherwise, if you praise God with the spirit, how will the outsider say “Amen” when you are giving thanks if he does not know what you are saying?
16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t know what you say?
17 For you certainly give thanks well enough, but the other person is not built up.
17 For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
18 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all.
19 But in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding so that I might instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
19 However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.
20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Rather, in regard to evil, be like infants. But in your thinking be mature.
20 Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.
21 In the law it is written, “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Even then they will not hear me,” says the Lord.
21 In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. They won’t even listen to me that way, says the Lord.”
22 So then, tongues are a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers. But prophesying is for a sign, not for unbelievers, but for believers.
22 Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe.
23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders and unbelievers come in, would they not say that you are insane?
23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won’t they say that you are crazy?
24 But if you all were prophesying and an unbeliever or an outsider came in, he would be convicted by all he hears. He would be judged by all that is said.
24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all.
25 The secrets of his heart would be revealed. As a result, he would fall on his face and worship God. He would declare that God is really among you.
25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.
26 What is next then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Do everything so that you build up the church.
26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at most three, and each one in turn, then someone should interpret what is said.
27 If any man speaks in another language, let there be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in the church. Let each one speak to himself alone and to God.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself and to God.
29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others listen with discernment to what is said.
29 Let two or three of the prophets speak, and let the others discern.
30 But if an insight is given to one who is sitting in the service, let the one who had been speaking be silent.
30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent.
31 For each of you can prophesy one by one so that each one may learn and all may be encouraged.
31 For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be exhorted.
32 For the spirits of the prophets are under the control of the prophets.
32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,
33 For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. This is the rule in all the churches of the saints.
33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.
34 The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak. Instead, they should be in submission, as also the law says.
34 Let the wives be quiet in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to be talking except in submission, as the law also says,
35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
35 if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking in the assembly.”
36 Did the word of God come from you? Are you the only ones it has reached?
36 What!? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone?
37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I write to you are a command of the Lord.
37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
38 But if anyone does not recognize this, let him not be recognized.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 So then, brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues.
39 Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages.
40 But let all things be done properly and in order.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Cross references (38)
Related passages for each verse, from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as collected and ranked by readers at OpenBible.info.
- 1 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Corinthians 14:39; 1 Corinthians 16:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 12:1
- 2 Mark 16:17; Acts 19:6; Acts 10:46; Acts 2:4–11; 1 Corinthians 13:2
- 3 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Jude 20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Ephesians 6:22
- 4 1 Corinthians 14:22; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:17–19; 1 Corinthians 14:3
- 5 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 12:28–30; 1 Corinthians 13:1; Numbers 11:28–29; Mark 16:17
- 6 Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 6:17; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 2 John 9
- 7 1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Corinthians 14:8; Numbers 10:2–10; Matthew 11:17; Luke 7:32
- 8 Numbers 10:9; Ezekiel 33:3–6; Jeremiah 4:19; Joel 2:1; Amos 3:6
- 9 1 Corinthians 9:26
- 11 Acts 28:2; Romans 1:14; Acts 28:4; 1 Corinthians 14:21; Colossians 3:11
- 12 1 Corinthians 14:26; 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:3–4; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Corinthians 12:7
- 13 Mark 11:24; John 14:13–14; 1 Corinthians 12:30; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 14:27–28
- 14 1 Corinthians 14:2; 1 Corinthians 14:15–16; 1 Corinthians 14:19
- 15 Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 6:18; John 4:23–24; Ephesians 5:17–20; Jude 20
- 16 1 Chronicles 16:36; Psalm 106:48; Revelation 5:14; Deuteronomy 27:15–26; Nehemiah 8:6
- 17 1 Corinthians 14:4; 1 Corinthians 14:6
- 18 1 Corinthians 1:4–6; 1 Corinthians 4:7
- 19 1 Corinthians 14:21–22; 1 Corinthians 14:4
- 20 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 16:19; Matthew 18:3; 2 Peter 3:18
- 21 Isaiah 28:11–12; Jeremiah 5:15; Deuteronomy 28:49
- 22 Acts 2:6–12; Mark 16:17; 1 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Acts 2:32–36
- 23 Acts 2:13; 1 Corinthians 11:18; John 10:20; Acts 26:24; Hosea 9:7
- 24 Hebrews 4:12–13; Acts 2:37; 1 Corinthians 2:15; John 4:29; John 1:47–49
- 25 Isaiah 45:14; Zechariah 8:23; Psalm 72:11; Luke 17:16; Revelation 5:8
- 26 Ephesians 5:19; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12:7–10; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:16
- 27 1 Corinthians 14:26
- 29 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21; 1 John 4:1–3; 1 Corinthians 14:39
- 30 1 Thessalonians 5:19–20; Job 33:31–33; Job 32:11; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Job 32:15–20
- 31 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Proverbs 1:5; 1 Corinthians 14:35
- 32 1 John 4:1; Acts 4:19–20; 1 Corinthians 14:29–30; 2 Kings 2:5; 1 Samuel 10:10–13
- 33 James 3:17–18; 1 Corinthians 14:40; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Galatians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 11:16
- 34 1 Timothy 2:11–12; Genesis 3:16; Numbers 30:3–13; Colossians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 14:35
- 35 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:12; Ephesians 5:25–27; 1 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Corinthians 11:6
- 36 Zechariah 14:8; Acts 18:1–17; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; Isaiah 2:3; Acts 17:1
- 37 1 John 4:6; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 2 Peter 3:2; Jude 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8
- 38 2 Timothy 4:3–4; 1 Timothy 6:3–5; Matthew 7:6; Revelation 22:11–12; Hosea 4:17
- 39 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 14:24–25; 1 Corinthians 14:5
- 40 Colossians 2:5; Titus 1:5; 1 Corinthians 14:26–33; 1 Corinthians 11:34; Romans 13:13
Cross references: OpenBible.info (CC BY), drawn mainly from the public-domain Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. · Sources & licences
What the Fathers said
Passages from the Church Fathers that expound or quote this chapter, verbatim from the public-domain Schaff edition (19th-century English translations).
How these were chosen
“Commentary” is the opening of a homily or exposition on this chapter (John Chrysostom’s homilies, Augustine’s tractates, sermons and expositions of the Psalms). “Quotes” are sentences where the edition’s own footnotes identify a quotation of a verse here, kept only when the wording matches the verse. Only works whose authorship is not in doubt are used. Psalms follow the Hebrew/English numbering (Augustine numbers them as the Septuagint does: his Psalm 50 is Psalm 51 here).
Thus, inasmuch as he had with exactness rehearsed unto them all the excellence of love, he exhorts them in what follows, with alacrity to lay hold of it.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 12 (1889)
Is it not those who love God, and who believe His promises, and who "in malice have become as little children?"
… is from heaven;" and calleth upon this lower deep, saying, "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." And, "Be not children in understanding, howbeit in malice be ye children," that in "understanding ye may be perfect;" and "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?" But now not in his own voice, …
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 1 (1886)
For signs are "not for them that believe, but for them that believe not." But why in the fashion of a dove?
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 10 (1888)
For the clouds which are the Prophets were removed from them, and are for the future in the Church; as Paul says, Let the Prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge; and again, God gave in the Church, some, Apostles, and some, Prophets.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 7 (1894)