King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:4 in the King James Version says “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”

1 Corinthians 14:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5

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.

6

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself (ἑαυτὸν οἰκοδομεῖ, heauton oikodomei)—Paul concedes tongues have personal devotional value. But he that prophesieth edifieth the church (ἐκκλησίαν οἰκοδομεῖ, ekklēsian oikodomei)—the contrast is between self-edification and corporate edification.

Paul doesn't denigrate private edification (see v. 18, he practices it himself), but in gathered worship, the church's needs trump personal blessing. The repetition of oikodomeo ("build, edify") hammers home the principle: worship's purpose is mutual upbuilding. Love seeks the other's benefit (13:5, "seeketh not her own"), so corporate worship must prioritize corporate edification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthian obsession with tongues likely stemmed from viewing them as evidence of superior spirituality. Paul reframes the issue: in church gatherings, the question isn't "what blesses me?" but "what builds the body?"

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the distinction between self-edification and church edification guide worship practices?
  2. Why doesn't Paul forbid tongues entirely if prophecy is superior for corporate worship?
  3. In what ways might we pursue gifts that showcase us rather than serve others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὁ1 of 10
G3588

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

λαλῶν2 of 10

“He that speaketh”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

γλώσσῃ3 of 10

“in an unknown tongue”

G1100

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

ἑαυτὸν4 of 10

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

οἰκοδομεῖ5 of 10

“edifieth”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

ὁ6 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 10

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

προφητεύων8 of 10

“he that prophesieth”

G4395

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

ἐκκλησίαν9 of 10

“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

οἰκοδομεῖ10 of 10

“edifieth”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:221 Corinthians 14:26Mark 16:171 Corinthians 14:17-191 Corinthians 14:31 Corinthians 14:12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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