King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:1 in the King James Version says “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”

1 Corinthians 14:1 · KJV

Context

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. understandeth: Gr. heareth

3

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Follow after charity (διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην, diōkete tēn agapēn—"pursue love")—Paul transitions from chapter 13's love hymn by making agapē the primary spiritual pursuit. Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy contrasts zēloō ("be zealous for") with mallon ("more, rather")—not forbidding tongues, but establishing a hierarchy based on edification.

The imperative "pursue" (present active, continuous action) frames the entire chapter: love governs all spiritual expression. Prophēteuō (προφητεύω, "prophesy") here means Spirit-inspired, intelligible speech that builds up the church—not merely foretelling, but "forth-telling" God's truth. This sets up the chapter's central argument: intelligibility serves love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written to Corinth circa AD 55, where ecstatic worship (influenced by pagan mystery religions with glossolalia) had created chaos. Paul addresses a church prizing showy gifts over edifying ones, needing to learn that love determines a gift's value.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'pursuing love' (v. 1) practically govern your use of spiritual gifts?
  2. Why does Paul prioritize prophecy over tongues if both are Spirit-given?
  3. In what ways might modern worship prioritize the spectacular over the edifying?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Διώκετε1 of 11

“Follow”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

τὴν2 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγάπην3 of 11

“after charity”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ζηλοῦτε4 of 11

“desire”

G2206

to have warmth of feeling for or against

δὲ5 of 11

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὰ6 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνευματικά7 of 11

“spiritual”

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

μᾶλλον8 of 11

“rather”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

δὲ9 of 11

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἵνα10 of 11

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

προφητεύητε11 of 11

“ye may prophesy”

G4395

to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:391 Timothy 4:14Hebrews 12:141 Corinthians 16:141 Corinthians 12:11 Corinthians 14:3-5

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