Scripture · New Testament
1 Corinthians 14:5
1 Corinthians 14:5 is verse 5 of 1 Corinthians chapter 14, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
King James Version
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.
World English Bible
Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.
Read in context
1 Corinthians 14:3–7 · Berean Standard Bible
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.
6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
7 Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?
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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 12:28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
1 Corinthians 12:30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Numbers 11:28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
Numbers 11:29But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”
1 Corinthians 14:1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:12It 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 14:13Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:26What 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 14:27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:28But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.
1 Corinthians 12:10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.