Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:39
So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church as he concludes his instructions on spiritual gifts, positioned between a warning about ignoring his teaching and a command for orderly conduct.
The words — ζηλοῦτε (zēloute) translates to "do earnestly desire," and προφητεύειν (prophēteuein) means "to prophesy."
The thread — The text echoes the call to pursue spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:1 and the prohibition against despising prophecy in 1 Thessalonians 5:20.
Why it lands — The verse commands believers to actively desire the gift of prophecy while refusing to restrict the practice of speaking in tongues.
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
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 12:31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.
- 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,