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1 Corinthians 14:17

1 Corinthians 14:17 in Multiple Translations

You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

For your giving of the blessing is certainly well done, but of no profit to the man without knowledge.

You might have said a great prayer of thanks, but the other hasn't been helped!

For thou verely giuest thankes well, but the other is not edified.

for thou, indeed, dost give thanks well, but the other is not built up!

For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

For thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

You may be thanking God very well, but you are not helping them.

You might be thanking God, but your words don’t help anyone else.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 14:17

BAB
Word Study

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1 Corinthians 14:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK συ μεν γαρ καλως ευχαριστεις αλλ ο ετερος ουκ οικοδομειται
συ su G4771 you Pron-2NS
μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
καλως kalōs G2573 well Adv
ευχαριστεις eucharisteō G2168 to thank Verb-PAI-2S
αλλ alla G235 but Conj
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
ετερος heteros G2087 other Adj-NSM
ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N
οικοδομειται oikodomeō G3618 to build Verb-PPI-3S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 14:17

συ su G4771 "you" Pron-2NS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle
This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.
Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
καλως kalōs G2573 "well" Adv
To do something kalos means to do it well or rightly, as in Luke 6:48 and 1 Corinthians 14:17, often with a moral tone.
Definition: καλῶς adv. (καλός), [in LXX for parts and derivatives of יָטַב ;] finely, rightly, well: Luk.6:48, 1Co.14:17, Gal.4:17 5:7, Jas.2:3; λέγειν, λαλεῖν, etc., Mat.15:7, Mrk.7:6 12:28, Luk.6:26 20:39, Jhn.4:17 8:48 13:13 18:23, Act.28:25; as exclamation of approval, Mrk.12:32, Rom.11:20; κ. ποιεῖν, Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37-38 Jas.2:8, 19; with dative of person(s) (cl. accusative; WM, § 32, 1 β), Luk.6:27; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.7:37; with ptcp., Act.10:33 (M, Pr., 131), Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jn.6; προϊστάναι (-ασθαι), 1Ti.3:4 3:12 5:17; διακονεῖν, 1Ti.3:13; ἀνατρέφεσθαι, Heb.13:18; ironically, Mrk.7:9, 2Co.11:4 (but see CGT, in l); κ. ἔχειν, to be well: Mrk.16:18. Compar., κάλλιον (for superl., B1., § 44, 3), very well: Act.25:10.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: (in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 4:17; Hebrews 13:18.
ευχαριστεις eucharisteō G2168 "to thank" Verb-PAI-2S
To thank means to express gratitude, as seen in Romans 1:21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This word is about being thankful and giving thanks, especially before meals, as in Matthew 15:36 and Mark 8:6.
Definition: εὐχαριστέω, -ῶ [in LXX: Jdth.8:25 Wis.18:2, 2Ma.1:11 2Mac 10:7 A 2Ma.12:31 R, 3Ma.7:16 * ;] to be thankful, give thanks (chiefly in late writers and Inscr.; cf. Milligan, Th., 5; Ellic. on Col.1:12; Lft., Notes, 9): Rom.1:21, 1Co.14:17, 1Th.5:18; of giving thanks before meat, Mat.15:36 26:27, Mrk.8:6 14:23, Luk.22:17, 19, Jhn.6:11, 23, 1Co.11:24; with dative pens., τ. θεῷ, Luk.17:16, Act.27:35 28:15, Rom.14:6 16:4, 1Co.14:18, Php.1:3, Col.1:3, 12, Phm 4; before διὰ Ἰ. Χριστοῦ, Rom.1:8 7:25 R, WH, mg., Col.3:17; ἐν ὀνόματι Χρ., Eph.5:20; before περί, 1Th.1:2, 2Th.1:3; ὅτι, Rom.1:8, 2Th.2:13; ἐπι, with dative of thing(s), 1Co.1:4; ὐπέρ, 1Co.10:30, Eph.1:16 5:20; ὅτι, Luk.18:11, Jhn.11:41, 1Co.1:14, 1Th.2:13, Rev.11:17; pass. (Deiss., BS, 122 f.), 2Co.1:11.† SYN.: see: αἰνέω; and cf. Cremer, 903 f (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 39 NT verses. KJV: (give) thank(-ful, -s) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; John 6:11; Revelation 11:17.
αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj
But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.
Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ετερος heteros G2087 "other" Adj-NSM
This word means something or someone that is different or other, like in Luke 5:7 where it talks about another boat. It's used to distinguish one thing from another.
Definition: ἕτερος, -α, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for אַחֵר ;] distributive pron., prop. dual (BL, §13, 5; 51, 6), denoting the second of a pair, but in late Gk. encroaching on ἄλλος (M, Pr., 79f.); __1. of number, other; with art., the other; __(a) of two, Luk.5:7 9:56, al.; opposite to ὁ πρῶτος, Mat.21:30; ὁ εἷς, Mat.6:24, Luk.7:41, Act.23:6, al.; ἕ. μὲν . . . ἕ. δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.15:40; the next: Luk.6:6 9:56 (sc. ἡμέρα, Xen.), Act.20:15 27:3; = ὁ πλησίον, one's neighbour: Rom.2:1 13:8, 1Co.6:1, al.; __(b) of more than two, another: Mat.8:21 11:3, Luk.6:6 22:65, Jhn.19:37, Rom.8:39, al.; pl., Act.2:13; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δὲ . . . ἕ. δέ, Mat.16:14; τινὲς . . . ἕ. δέ, Luk.11:16. __2. Of kind or quality, other, another, different (Plat., Dem., al.): Mrk.16:[12], Luk.9:29, Act.2:4, 1Co.14:21, 2Co.11:4, Gal.1:6, al. (cf. ἑτερό-γλωσσος, -διδασκαλέω, -ζυγέω). SYN.: ἄλλος, which see (see reff. ut supr., also Robertson, Gr., 748ff.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 93 NT verses. KJV: altered, else, next (day), one, (an-)other, some, strange See also: 1 Corinthians 3:4; Luke 3:18; Hebrews 5:6.
ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
οικοδομειται oikodomeō G3618 "to build" Verb-PPI-3S
To build or construct something, like a house, is the meaning of this word. In Luke 11:48 and 1 Peter 2:7, it refers to building or confirming something, whether physical or spiritual.
Definition: οἰκοδομέω, -ῶ (οἰκοδόμος), [in LXX chiefly for בָּנָה ;] to build a house, to build: absol., Luk.11:48 14:30 17:28; οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, the builders (as Psa.118:22, בָּנָה), Mat.21:42, Mrk.12:10, Luk.20:17, 1Pe.2:7" (LXX) ; ἐ π ̓ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰ., proverb., Rom.15:20; with accusative of thing(s), Gal.2:18; πύργον), Mat.21:33, Mrk.12:1, Luk.14:28; ἀποθήκας, Luk.12:18; ναόν, Mrk.14:58; pass., Jhn.2:20; οἰκία, Luk.6:48; with accusative of thing(s) before dative of person(s) (cf. Gen.8:20, Eze.16:24), Luk.7:5, Act.7:47, 49; accusative before ἐπί, Mat.7:24, 26 Luk.6:49; πόλιν ἐπ ̓ ὄρους, Luk.4:29; of rebuilding, or restoring, Mat.23:29 26:61 27:40, Mrk.15:29, Luk.11:47, Metaphorical, τ. ἐκκλησίαν, Mat.16:18; of the growth of Christian character (cf. בָּנָה, in Psa.28:5, Jer.24:6, al.), to build up (AV, edify): absol., Act.20:32, 1Co.8:1 10:23; with accusative of person(s), 1Co.14:4, 1Th.5:11; pass., Act.9:31, 1Co.14:17, 1Pe.2:5; of blameworthy action (AV, embolden), 1Co.8:10 (cf. ἀν-, ἐπ-, συν-οικοδομέω).† οἰκο-δόμος, -ου, ὁ (οἶκος + δέμω, to build), [in LXX for בָּנָה, etc. ;] a builder: Act.4:11.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden See also: 1 Corinthians 8:1; Luke 11:48; 1 Peter 2:5.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 14:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
2 1 Corinthians 14:6 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?

1 Corinthians 14:17 Summary

[This verse reminds us that our worship and thanksgiving should not just be about our personal expression, but also about building up and edifying others. As it says in 1 Corinthians 14:17, even if we are giving thanks well, if others are not being edified, then our worship is not fulfilling its purpose. This is why it's essential to pray and sing with both our spirit and our mind, as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:15, so that everyone can understand and participate. By doing so, we can create an atmosphere of love, consideration, and mutual edification, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of speaking in tongues in the church?

According to 1 Corinthians 14:17, speaking in tongues is not for the edification of others if they do not understand what is being said, but rather it is for personal thanksgiving and prayer, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:15-16.

How can I ensure that my worship is edifying to others?

To edify others in worship, it is essential to pray and sing with both the spirit and the mind, as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:15, so that everyone can understand and participate.

Is it more important to speak in tongues or to speak in a way that others can understand?

According to 1 Corinthians 14:19, it is more important to speak in a way that others can understand, so that they may be instructed and edified, rather than speaking in tongues that no one can comprehend.

What is the role of the mind in worship?

The mind plays a crucial role in worship, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:15, where it is stated that we should pray and sing with our minds, in addition to our spirits, to ensure that our worship is intelligible and edifying to others.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I balance my personal expression of worship with the need to edify others?
  2. In what ways can I use my gifts and abilities to build up and encourage others in the church?
  3. What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of edification in my daily interactions with other believers?
  4. How can I discern when my worship is becoming self-focused rather than others-focused?
  5. What role does love and consideration for others play in my worship and interaction with the church?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:17

For thou verily givest thanks well,.... In very proper words, and pertinent expressions, with great affection and devotion, suitable to the service; but the other is not edified; the rest of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:17

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. Givest thanks. The synagogue prayers were called 'eulogies,' because to each was joined a thanksgiving.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:17

Otherwise, saith the apostle, it is possible that thou mayst give thanks well; but others get no good by it, nor can make any good and spiritual improvement of it.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:17

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. Ver. 17. But the other is not edified] This we should all labour, viz. to edify others. Synesius speaks of some, who having a treasure of tongues and other abilities in them, would as soon part with their hearts as their meditations; the canker of whose great skill shall be a witness against them.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:17

(17) For thou verily givest thanks well.—It is here implied that speaking in a tongue was, as regards an individual, an acceptable mode of worship, and it is the public use of it that all throughout this passage the Apostle is dealing with.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:17

Verse 17. Thou verily givest thanks well] Because he felt gratitude, and, from a sense of his obligation, gave praise to God; but because this was in an unknown tongue, those who heard him received no edification.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:17

17. thou verily givest thanks well] Well, either (1) as referring to the fact that thanks were given—it is well to give thanks—or, (2) to the manner and spirit in which that action was performed—êáëῶ ?ò, nobly, honourably. Some would translate givest thanks by celebratest the Eucharist. See ch. 1 Corinthians 11:24.the other] i.e. he who fills the layman’s place.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:17

For thou verily givest thanks well - That is, even if you use a foreign language. You do it with the heart; and it is accepted by God as your offering; but the other, who cannot understand it, cannot be benefited by it.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:17

17. Not edified—Completely and conclusively does Paul’s language and reasoning forbid the Romish use of the Latin language in divine service all over the world. It is an unknown tongue, and, therefore, the people are not edified.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:17

SermonDescription
Ron Bailey Church Life Revisited- 1 Corinthians 13 by Ron Bailey This sermon focuses on Paul's criteria for what is useful in the church, emphasizing the importance of edification and building up the covenant community. Paul's key question throu
H.J. Vine Eternal Life and Eternal Relationship by H.J. Vine H.J. Vine preaches on the inestimable privilege of being in conscious enjoyment of eternal life and the eternal relationship with God, emphasizing that failures of men cannot hinde
Jim Cymbala Praying in Tongues by Jim Cymbala This sermon delves into the topic of speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of desiring spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy
Zac Poonen New Covenant - the Gifts of the Spirit -Part 6 by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts to serve others in the body of Christ. It highlights the need for believers to seek anointing and guidance from God,

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