1 Corinthians 14:3

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1 Corinthians 14:1–5 · Berean Standard Bible

1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

Greek words

Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).

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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 14:4

The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12

It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:26

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

1 Corinthians 8:1

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1 Corinthians 10:23

“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

Acts 9:31

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:19

So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 15:2

Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Ephesians 4:12

to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Ephesians 4:13

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

Ephesians 4:14

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

Ephesians 4:16

From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

1 Timothy 1:4

or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

Jude 1:20

But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

Luke 3:18

With these and many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people.

Acts 13:15

After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”

Acts 14:22

strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Acts 15:32

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

Romans 12:8

if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Thessalonians 2:3

For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

1 Timothy 4:13

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

1 Timothy 6:2

Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Titus 1:9

He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.

Titus 2:6

In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Titus 2:9

Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Titus 2:15

Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Hebrews 3:13

But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 13:22

I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have only written to you briefly.

1 Peter 5:12

Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

1 Corinthians 14:31

For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

2 Corinthians 1:4

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 2:7

So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

Ephesians 6:22

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Colossians 4:8

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:11

For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—

1 Thessalonians 3:2

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.

1 Thessalonians 5:13

In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.