Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:3
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian assembly, mid-argument, correcting a congregation that privileges tongues over intelligible speech. He is setting a functional test for what counts as useful utterance in a gathered church.
The words — oikodomē (οἰκοδομή) is a construction term, literally "building," applied here to people; paraklēsin (παράκλησιν) shares its root with paraklētos, the title given to the Spirit in John 14:16.
The thread — The same building logic recurs in 1 Corinthians 14:4 and 14:12, where the standard is whether a gift "edifies the church." 1 Timothy 4:13 pairs exhortation with teaching as the pastor's ongoing task, and Jude 1:20 frames the believer's duty as "building yourselves up."
Why it lands — The verse gives a congregation a measurable criterion: if speech does not build, encourage, or comfort the people present, it fails its purpose regardless of its spiritual origin.
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
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 14:12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
- 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
- Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
- Ephesians 6:22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
- Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.
- Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
- 1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.