Scripture · New Testament
1 Corinthians 14:19
1 Corinthians 14:19 is verse 19 of 1 Corinthians chapter 14, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
King James Version
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.
World English Bible
However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.
Read in context
1 Corinthians 14:17–21 · Berean Standard Bible
17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
19 But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
21 It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”
Read all of 1 Corinthians 14Greek words
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Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Corinthians 14:4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Corinthians 14:21It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 14:22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.