King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:19 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:19 in the King James Version says “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:19 · KJV


Context

17

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age

21

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding—the emphatic contrast: alla en ekklēsia (ἀλλὰ ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ, "but in church"), Paul prefers pente logous dia tou noos mou (πέντε λόγους διὰ τοῦ νοός μου, "five words through my mind"). That by my voice I might teach others also (hina kai allous katēchēsō, "that I might instruct others also")—the purpose is katēcheō (κατηχέω, "instruct, teach," root of "catechize").

Than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue—the hyperbolic contrast (5 vs. 10,000) emphasizes the point. In corporate worship, comprehensibility so outweighs incomprehensibility that five intelligible words trump ten thousand unintelligible ones. The ratio reveals Paul's values: edification through instruction is infinitely more valuable than impressive but unintelligible speech.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse likely silenced objections: Paul, who speaks in tongues more than any Corinthian, chooses intelligible instruction in corporate worship. His authority and experience make the argument unanswerable.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul use such extreme hyperbole (5 words vs. 10,000)?
  2. What's the relationship between intelligibility, teaching, and edification?
  3. How should this verse shape our priorities in corporate worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀλλ'1 of 20

Yet

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν2 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκκλησίᾳ3 of 20

the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

θέλω4 of 20

I had rather

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

πέντε5 of 20

five

G4002

"five"

λόγους6 of 20

words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

διὰ7 of 20

with

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ8 of 20
G3588

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

νοός9 of 20

understanding

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

μου10 of 20

my

G3450

of me

λαλῆσαι11 of 20

speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἵνα12 of 20

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ13 of 20

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄλλους14 of 20

others

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

κατηχήσω15 of 20

by my voice I might teach

G2727

to sound down into the ears, i.e., (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of

16 of 20

than

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

μυρίους17 of 20

ten thousand

G3463

ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many

λόγους18 of 20

words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἐν19 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γλώσσῃ20 of 20

an unknown tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)


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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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