1 Corinthians 14:39

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1 Corinthians 14:39 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

King James Version KJV

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

American Standard Version ASV

Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So then, my brothers, let it be your chief desire to be prophets; but let no one be stopped from using tongues.

Free Bible Version FBV

So my brothers and sisters, make it your aim to speak for God. Don't prohibit speaking in tongues.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherefore, brethren, couet to prophecie, and forbid not to speake languages.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

so that, brethren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid;

World English Bible WEB

Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak in languages.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Wherefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy; and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Translation for Translators T4T

So, my fellow believers, be eager to speak messages that come directly from God, and do not prevent anyone from speaking in a language that he has not learned.

Plain English Version PEV

So, my Christian friends, this is what I’m telling you about your meetings. If you want to tell messages from God, that is good. And don’t stop people from talking in special languages.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 14:39

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Word Study

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1 Corinthians 14:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ωστε αδελφοι ζηλουτε το προφητευειν και το λαλειν γλωσσαις μη κωλυετε

ωστε hōste G5620 so Conj

αδελφοι adelphos G80 brother Noun-VPM

ζηλουτε zēloō G2206 be eager Verb-PAM-2P

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

προφητευειν prophēteuō G4395 to prophesy Verb-PAN

και kai G2532 and Conj

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

λαλειν laleō G2980 to speak Verb-PAN

γλωσσαις glōssa G1100 tongue Noun-DPF

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

κωλυετε kōluō G2967 to prevent Verb-PAM-2P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 14:39

ωστε hōste G5620 "so" Conj

This word means so or therefore, used to show a result or conclusion. It appears in Matthew 8:24 and Romans 7:6.

Definition: ὥσ-τε consecutive particle, __1. with infin., expressing result, so as to: Mat.8:24 12:22, Mrk.1:27, Luk.5:7, Act.1:19, Rom.7:6, 1Co.1:7, Heb.13:6, al.; of a designed result, Mat.10:1, Luk.4:29, al.; preceded by οὕτως, Act.14:1; by τοσοῦτος, Mat.15:33. __2. C. indic., __(a) so that: Gal.2:13, preceded by οὕτως, Jhn.3:16; __(b) so then, therefore: Mat.12:12, Mrk.2:28, Rom.7:4, 1Co.3:7, Gal.3:9, al. __3. so then, therefore: with subjc., 1Co.5:8; with imperat., 1Co.3:21 4:5, Php.2:12 1Th.4:18, 1Pe.4:19, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 83 NT verses. KJV: (insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 13:6; 1 Peter 1:21.

αδελφοι adelphos G80 "brother" Noun-VPM

The Greek word for brother refers to a male sibling or a fellow Christian, as seen in Matthew 1:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:1. It implies a close relationship.

Definition: ἀδελφός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀ- copul., δελφύς, womb), in cl., a brother, born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja., 102f.), for אָח ;] __1. lit. of a brother (Gen.4:2, al.). __2. Of a neighbour (Lev.19:17). __3. Of a member of the same nation (Exo.2:14, Deu.15:3). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mat.1:2, al.; 2. Mat.7:3; 3. Rom.9:3) and also, __4. of a fellow-Christian: 1Co.1:1, Act.9:30. This usage finds illustration in π., where ἀ. is used of members of a pagan religious community (M, Th., I, 1:4; MM, VGT, see word). The ἀδελφοὶ τ. Κυρίου (Mat.12:46-49 13:55 28:10, Mrk.3:31-34, Luk.8:19-21, Jhn.2:12 7:3, 5 10 20:17, Act.1:14, 1Co.9:5) may have been sons of Joseph and Mary (Mayor, Ja., Intr. viff.; DB, i, 320ff.) or of Joseph by a former marriage (Lft., Gal., 252ff.; DCG, i, 232ff.), but the view of Jerome, which makes ἀ. equivalent to ἀνεψιός, is inconsistent with Greek usage. (Cremer, 66.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 318 NT verses. KJV: brother See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:37; 1 Peter 5:12.

ζηλουτε zēloō G2206 "be eager" Verb-PAM-2P

To be eager means to have a strong desire or feeling for something, like being jealous or enthusiastic. In 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 14:1, it's about seeking something eagerly, while in Acts 7:9, it's about being jealous. This feeling can be positive or negative.

Definition: ζηλόω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for קָנָא pi. ;] __1. to burn with envy or jealousy, to be jealousy: absol., Act.7:9 17:5, 1Co.13:4, Jas.4:2 (R, mg., cf. Mayor, in l). __2. to seek or desire eagerly: with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.12:31 14:1 14:39 (cf. Sir.50:18, Wis.1:12); with accusative of person(s), 2Co.11:2, Gal.4:17; pass., Gal.4:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous(-ly affect) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:31; Acts 7:9; James 4:2.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

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.

προφητευειν prophēteuō G4395 "to prophesy" Verb-PAN

To prophesy means to speak under inspiration from God, as seen in Matthew 7:22 and Mark 14:65. It involves telling forth God's counsels or foretelling events.

Definition: προφητεύω (προφήτης), [in LXX chiefly for נָבָא ni., hith. ;] to be a προφήτης (which see), to prophesy: in the primary sense of telling forth the Divine counsels, Mat.7:22 26:68, Mrk.14:65, Luk.1:67 22:64, Act.19:6, 1Co.11:4-5 13:9 14:1 14:3-5 14:24 14:31 14:39, Heb.11:3; with the idea of foretelling future events (an idea merely incidental, not essential; see Lft., Notes, 83 f.), Mat.11:13, Act.2:17-18" (LXX) Act.21:9; before περί, Mat.15:7, Mrk.7:6, 1Pe.1:10; ἐπί, with dative, Rev.10:11; λέγων, Ju 14; ὅτι, Jhn.11:51.† SYN.: μαντεύομαι, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: prophesy See also: 1 Corinthians 11:4; Acts 19:6; 1 Peter 1:10.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

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'.

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.

λαλειν laleō G2980 "to speak" Verb-PAN

To speak or talk, as in Matthew 9:33 and 12:46, where Jesus speaks to the crowds. It can also mean to utter words, like in Revelation 4:1. This word is often translated as preach, say, or tell in the KJV.

Definition: λαλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for דּבר pi., also for אמר, etc. ;] __1. to utter: of inanimate things, Rev.4:1 10:4; metaphorically, Heb.11:4 12:24. __2. to talk, speak, say: absol., Mat.9:33 12:46, Mrk.5:35, Luk.8:49; before ὡς, 1Co.13:11, Rev.13:11; εἰς, 1Co.14:9; ἐκ, Mat.12:34; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.10:19, Mrk.11:32, Jhn.8:30, al.; with dative of person(s), Mat.12:46, Luk.24:6, Rom.7:1, al.; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Mat.9:18, Jhn.10:6, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, Mrk.6:50, Luk.1:19 2:33, al.; ἐν, ἐξ, ἀπό, Mat.13:3, Jhn.12:49 14:10, al.; λ. τ. λόγον, Mrk.8:32, al.; before orat. dir. (not cl.), Mrk.14:31, Heb.5:5 11:18; Hebraistically (Dalman, Words, 25f.), ἐλάλησε λέγων, Mat.14:27, Jhn.8:12, Act.8:26, al. SYN.: see: λέγω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 269 NT verses. KJV: preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; Acts 23:18; 1 Peter 3:10.

γλωσσαις glōssa G1100 "tongue" Noun-DPF

The tongue refers to the organ of speech, as seen in Mark 7:33 and 35. It can also mean a language, such as in Acts 2:11. The Bible talks about the tongue as a powerful tool for communication and expression.

Definition: γλῶσσα, -ης, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לָשׁוֹן ;] __1. the tongue, as the organ of speech: Mrk.7:33, 35 Luk.1:64 16:24, Act.2:26" (LXX), Rom.3:13 (LXX) 14:11 (LXX), 1Co.14:9, Php.2:11, Jas.1:26 3:5, 6 8, 1Pe.3:10" (LXX), 1Jo.3:18, Rev.16:10; of a tongue-like object, Act.2:3. __2. a tongue, language: Act.2:11; joined with φυλή, λαός, ἔθνος, frequently in pl., Rev.5:9 7:9 10:11 11:9 13:7 14:6 17:15; λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γ., Act.2:4; γ. λαλεῖν καιναῖς, WH, txt. (RV, mg., omit καιναῖς), Mrk.16:17; λαλεῖν γλώσσαις, γλώσσῃ (see ICC, ll. with; DB, iv, 793ff.), Mrk.16:17, WH, txt., R, mg., Act.10:46 19:6, 1Co.12:30 13:1 14:2, 4-6, 13, 18, 23, 27, 39; γλῶσσαι (= λόγοι ἐν γλώσσῃ, 1Co.14:19), 1Co.13:8 14:22; γένη γλωσσῶν, 1Co.12:10, 28; προσεύχεσθαι γλώσσῃ, 1Co.14:14; γλῶσσαν ἔχειν, 1Co.14:26 (Cremer, 163, 679).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 47 NT verses. KJV: tongue See also: 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 2:11; 1 Peter 3:10.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

κωλυετε kōluō G2967 "to prevent" Verb-PAM-2P

To prevent or stop something from happening, often used to describe hindering or forbidding someone. In the Bible, it appears in Matthew 19:14 and Acts 8:36. It means to restrain or withhold something.

Definition: κωλύω (κόλος), [in LXX for כָּלָא, מָנַע, etc. ;] to hinder, restrain, forbid, withhold: with accusative and inf., Mat.19:14, Luk.23:2, Act.8:36 16:6 24:23, 1Th.2:16, Heb.7:23; inf. om., Mrk.9:38-39 10:14, Luk.9:49-50 11:52 18:16, Act.11:17, Rom.1:13, 3Jn.10; accusative om., 1Ti.4:3; with accusative of person(s) and genitive of thing(s), Act.27:43; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.14:39, 2Pe.2:16; id. before τοῦ μή, Act.10:47; id. before ἀπό (like Heb. מִן כָּלָא, Gen.23:6, al.), Luk.6:29 (cf. δια-κωλύω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand See also: 1 Corinthians 14:39; Hebrews 7:23; Romans 1:13.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 14:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:39 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:39

Context — Orderly Worship

37If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. 38But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

39So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

40But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 12:31	But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
2	1 Corinthians 14:1	Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
3	1 Thessalonians 5:20	Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
4	1 Corinthians 14:3	But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
5	1 Corinthians 14:24–25	But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”
6	1 Corinthians 14:5	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.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Summary

[This verse is saying that we should be excited to share God's messages with others, and we shouldn't stop people from speaking in tongues. It's like when we're so excited to tell someone good news, and we can't wait to share it with them. We should be that excited to share God's love and messages with others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:1. We should also remember to do everything in a respectful and orderly way, like it says in 1 Corinthians 14:40, so that everyone can understand and be blessed.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be eager to prophesy?

Being eager to prophesy means having a desire to speak God's words and messages to others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:1, where it says to pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

Is speaking in tongues still relevant for today's church?

Yes, speaking in tongues is still a valid gift for today's church, as 1 Corinthians 14:39 says not to forbid it, and it is also mentioned in other verses such as Acts 2:4 and Acts 10:46 as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence.

How does this verse relate to the rest of 1 Corinthians 14?

This verse is part of a larger discussion on the use of spiritual gifts in the church, specifically prophecy and tongues, and how they should be used in an orderly and respectful manner, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40.

What is the importance of doing everything in a proper and orderly manner?

Doing everything in a proper and orderly manner, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:40, is important because it shows respect for God and for others, and it helps to avoid confusion and chaos, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33, where it says that God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

Reflection Questions

What role does prophecy play in my life, and how can I be more open to hearing God's voice?
How can I balance the desire to speak in tongues with the need for order and respect in the church service?
In what ways can I be more eager to prophesy and speak God's words to others, and what steps can I take to pursue this gift?
How does this verse challenge my current understanding of spiritual gifts, and what changes can I make to be more open to the Holy Spirit's work in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy,.... The apostle now draws to a conclusion, and reassumes the exhortation he gave in the beginning of the chapter, pressing the members of this church to desire

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Covet - earnestly desire with prayer, in submission to God's will.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39

The apostle concludeth his discourse, summarily repeating all that he before had said. He had, , encouraged their desire of spiritual gifts; all along the chapter he hath been magnifying the gift of prophecy above the gift of tongues, as being of much more general use, and more for the profit of others; but he minds them here, that he did not forbid those to whom God had given the gift of tongues, to make use of it at due times, and in a due manner and order.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Ver. 39. Wherefore, brethren] This he adds as a corollary, to prevent mistakes, as if that he were an enemy either to prophecy or tongues, so soberly and orderly used. Arbitror nonnullos in quibusdam locis librorum meorum, opinaturos me, sensisse quod non sensi, aut non sensisse quod sensi, saith Augustine (lib. iii. de Trin. c. 3): I foresee that some will construe many passages of my writings far otherwise than I intend them: and it happened accordingly, as Baronius testifieth. (Annul. tom. 6, A. D. 450, n. 17.)

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39

(39) Wherefore, brethren.—The practical summing up of the whole matter. Seek earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. The phraseology intimates the relative importance of the two gifts in the estimation of the Apostle, which was inverted by those to whom he wrote at Corinth. This ought you to do, but not leave the other undone.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39

Verse 39. Covet to prophesy] Let it be your endeavour and prayer to be able to teach the way of God to the ignorant; this is the most valuable, because the most useful gift of the Spirit. And forbid not to speak with tongues.] Let every gift have its own place and operation; let none envy another; nor prevent him from doing that part of the work to which God, by giving the qualification, has evidently called him.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:39

39. Wherefore, brethren] The Apostle, as is his wont, sums up the whole section in a few concluding words. Prophecy is a gift to be earnestly sought (see for covet, the note on ch. 1 Corinthians 12:31). Speaking with tongues is a gift not to be discouraged.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:39

Covet to prophesy - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. This is the “summing up” of all that he had said.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:39

39. Wherefore—The net conclusion of the entire section. Covet… forbid not—The settled rank of these two gifts; one to be a chief aim, the other to be regulated and allowed.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:39

	Sermon	Description
	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
	(Clip) What Is a Prophetic Word? Are They for Today? by Shane Idleman	This sermon discusses the role of prophetic words in the church, emphasizing the importance of genuine messages from God that edify, encourage, and align with Scripture. It explore
	Holy Spirit 8 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of believing in God's word without seeing. They then shift the focus to the topic of healing, acknowledging the pre
	Tongues - Part 1 by Ken Baird	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Ephesians chapter 4, verse 7, which talks about how every believer is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. The preach
	Earlier Years of the Modern Tongues Movement by G.H. Lang	G.H. Lang delves into the history of the Brethren and the modern Movement associated with speaking in tongues, aiming to provide a comprehensive and accurate account. He shares lit
	(Knowing God's Way) 19. the Truth About Speaking in Tongues by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of the gift of speaking in tongues, asserting that it is a perfect gift from God, who never changes and knows the needs of the church. He add
	Holy Spirit 6 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of spiritual gifts and their importance in Christian life and service. He emphasizes the need to use these gifts in love and humil