Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:1
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian congregation, where competing displays of spiritual gifts have created disorder in worship. He is issuing a corrective priority for their assemblies.
The words — Diōkete (διώκετε) is a hunting verb, the same root used for pursuing prey; it conveys active, sustained pursuit rather than casual interest.
The thread — Paul returns to the same imperative in 1 Corinthians 14:39 ("be eager to prophesy"), and 1 Corinthians 16:14 closes the letter with "do everything in love," bracketing the gift discussion with love as the governing principle.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to treat love as the highest pursuit and prophecy as the most desired gift, not as optional extras but as active, deliberate aims.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.
- 1 Corinthians 14:39 So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.
- 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
- Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.
- Proverbs 15:9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
- 1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.