1 Corinthians 14:1-5

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

[1] Follow  after charity,  and  desire  spiritual  gifts, but  rather  that  ye may prophesy.  [2] For  he that speaketh  in an unknown tongue  speaketh  not  unto men,  but  unto God:  for  no man  understandeth  him; howbeit  in the spirit  he speaketh  mysteries.  [3] But  he that prophesieth  speaketh  unto men  to edification,  and  exhortation,  and  comfort.  [4] He that speaketh  in an unknown tongue  edifieth  himself;  but  he that prophesieth  edifieth  the church.  [5] I would  all  spake  with tongues,  but  rather  that  ye prophesied:  than  he that speaketh  with tongues,  except  he interpret,  that  the church  may receive  edifying. 

What does 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The apostle began this discussion of tongues by comparing it to the gift of prophecy that the Corinthians also appreciated (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 13:8). He urged the Corinthians to value prophecy above tongues because it can edify and lead to conversion since it involves intelligible "inspired" speech.