King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:5 Mean?

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that s... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 14:5 · King James Version

Context

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?

7

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? sounds: or, tunes

Read 1 Corinthians 14 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied—Paul affirms tongues as a genuine gift (thelō, "I wish/desire") while maintaining prophecy's superiority (mallon, "more, rather"). Greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues uses meizōn (μείζων, "greater") to establish a hierarchy based on edification, not authenticity.

Except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying—the critical exception: tongues plus interpretation equals prophecy in effect. The purpose clause hina hē ekklēsia oikodomēn labē ("that the church may receive edification") reveals the governing principle: edification is the goal, and intelligibility is the means. Tongues without interpretation fail this test; with interpretation, they serve love.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's "I wish you all" echoes his pastoral heart—he doesn't despise any legitimate gift. But in Corinth's chaotic worship, prophecy served love better than uninterpreted ecstasy. The exception clause ("except he interpret") shows Paul's flexibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul wish all spoke in tongues if prophecy is 'greater'?
  2. How does interpretation transform tongues from self-serving to church-serving?
  3. What modern worship elements might need the 'interpretation' test—is it edifying?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
θέλω
1 of 27

“I would”

G2309
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
δὲ
2 of 27

“but”

G1161
but, and, etc
πάντας
3 of 27

“all”

G3956
all, any, every, the whole
ὑμᾶς
4 of 27

“that ye”

G5209
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
λαλῶν
5 of 27

“he that speaketh”

G2980
to talk, i.e., utter words
γλώσσαις
6 of 27

“with tongues”

G1100
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
μᾶλλον
7 of 27

“rather”

G3123
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
δὲ
8 of 27

“but”

G1161
but, and, etc
ἵνα
9 of 27

“that”

G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
προφητεύων
10 of 27

“is he that prophesieth”

G4395
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
μείζων
11 of 27

“greater”

G3187
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
γὰρ
12 of 27

“for”

G1063
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
13 of 27
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητεύων
14 of 27

“is he that prophesieth”

G4395
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
ἢ
15 of 27

“than”

G2228
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
ὁ
16 of 27
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαλῶν
17 of 27

“he that speaketh”

G2980
to talk, i.e., utter words
γλώσσαις
18 of 27

“with tongues”

G1100
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
ἐκτὸς
19 of 27

“except”

G1622
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
εἰ
20 of 27
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
μὴ
21 of 27
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
διερμηνεύῃ
22 of 27

“he interpret”

G1329
to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate
ἵνα
23 of 27

“that”

G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ἡ
24 of 27
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησία
25 of 27

“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
οἰκοδομὴν
26 of 27

“edifying”

G3619
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
λάβῃ
27 of 27

“may receive”

G2983
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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 14:5 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 14:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:28-301 Corinthians 12:10Numbers 11:28-291 Corinthians 13:11 Corinthians 14:3-4Mark 16:17

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