1 Corinthians · Noah Webster's Bible (1833)
1 Corinthians 14 Noah Webster's Bible (1833)
Audio: World English Bible (WEB), read by Winfred W. Henson · About the recordings
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts] , but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] language, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth [him] ; yet in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
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 he that prophesieth, speaketh to men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.
5 I would that ye all spoke in languages, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh in languages, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
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 Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in languages, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
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 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
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 shall give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will speak into the air.
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, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
11 Therefore, if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [will be] a barbarian 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 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts] , seek that ye may excel to the edifying of 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 Wherefore, let him that speaketh in an [unknown] language, 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 an [unknown] language, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? 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.
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 Else, when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
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 thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
17 For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.
18 I thank my God, I speak in languages more than ye all:
18 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all.
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] language.
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 Brethren, be not children in understanding: yet in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
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, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith 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 Wherefore languages are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them who believe.
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 is assembled in one place, and all speak in languages, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye 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 all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced by all, he is judged by all:
24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all.
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face, he will worship God, and report that God is in you in truth.
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 How is it then, brethren? when ye are assembled, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a language, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done to edification.
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 any man speaketh in an [unknown] language, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.
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 interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, 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 the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge.
29 Let two or three of the prophets speak, and let the others discern.
30 If [any thing] is revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
31 For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be exhorted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,
33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all 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 Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted to them to speak: but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
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 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women 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 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it to you only?
36 What!? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone?
37 If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments 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 any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak in languages.
39 Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages.
40 Let all things be done decently, 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)