King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:5 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:5 in the King James Version says “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 · KJV


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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
θέλω1 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),

δὲ2 of 27

but

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντας3 of 27

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμᾶς4 of 27

that ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

λαλῶν5 of 27

he that speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

γλώσσαις6 of 27

with tongues

G1100

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

μᾶλλον7 of 27

rather

G3123

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

δὲ8 of 27

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἵνα9 of 27

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

προφητεύων10 of 27

is he that prophesieth

G4395

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

μείζων11 of 27

greater

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

γὰρ12 of 27

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

13 of 27
G3588

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

προφητεύων14 of 27

is he that prophesieth

G4395

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

15 of 27

than

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

16 of 27
G3588

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

λαλῶν17 of 27

he that speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

γλώσσαις18 of 27

with tongues

G1100

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

ἐκτὸς19 of 27

except

G1622

the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides

εἰ20 of 27
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ21 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

διερμηνεύῃ22 of 27

he interpret

G1329

to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate

ἵνα23 of 27

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

24 of 27
G3588

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

ἐκκλησία25 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

οἰκοδομὴν26 of 27

edifying

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

λάβῃ27 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

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