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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church during a discussion on spiritual gifts, contrasting the private nature of tongues with the communal benefit of prophecy.

The words — The Greek verb θέλω (thelō) means "I desire," and μᾶλλον (mallon) means "rather," framing Paul's explicit preference for prophecy over uninterpreted tongues.

The thread — The text's focus on edification links directly to 1 Corinthians 14:4, which states tongues edify the speaker while prophecy edifies the church, and 1 Corinthians 14:6, which questions how tongues benefit a gathering without revelation or teaching.

Why it lands — The passage requires readers to treat interpretation as the necessary boundary that transforms personal spiritual expression into corporate edification.

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

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Numbers 11:28 Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
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 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 14:1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
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 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.