Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:4
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers regarding their corporate gatherings, contrasting the effects of two specific spiritual practices within the assembly.
The words — οἰκοδομεῖ (oikodomei) means "edifies" or builds up, while προφητεύων (prophēteuōn) translates to "prophesying." The verse directly links prophesying to corporate construction and speaking in tongues to personal construction.
The thread — This contrast between personal and communal benefit runs alongside 1 Corinthians 14:22, which distinguishes tongues as a sign for unbelievers and prophecy for believers, and 1 Corinthians 14:26, which requires all gathered contributions to build up the church. The practice of tongues also appears in Mark 16:17 as a sign accompanying believers.
Why it lands — The text demands that believers evaluate their spiritual expressions by their objective effect on the community rather than personal experience. It requires prioritizing practices that communicate clear truth to others over private spiritual benefits.
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
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 14:22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
- 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.
- Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
- 1 Corinthians 14:17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
- 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 14:12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
- Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.