1 Corinthians 14:4

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1 Corinthians 14:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

American Standard Version ASV

He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Bible in Basic English BBE

He who makes use of tongues may do good to himself; but he who gives the prophet's word does good to the church.

Free Bible Version FBV

Those that speak in a tongue only build themselves up, but those who speak God's message build up the church. I would like it if you all spoke in tongues, but I'd prefer if you could speak God's message.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He that speaketh strange language, edifieth himselfe: but hee that prophecieth, edifieth the Church.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;

World English Bible WEB

He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

He that speaketh in an unknown language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He that speaketh in a tongue, edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.

Translation for Translators T4T

Those who speak in languages that they have not learned are receiving a blessing for themselves, but those who speak messages that come directly from God are giving a blessing to all the believers in the congregation because they are speaking in a language that the congregation knows.

Plain English Version PEV

You see, a person that talks in a special language helps only themselves. But a person that tells messages from God helps all the people in the church to get strong.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 14:4

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Word Study

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1 Corinthians 14:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο λαλων γλωσση εαυτον οικοδομει ο δε προφητευων εκκλησιαν οικοδομει

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

λαλων laleō G2980 to speak Verb-PAP-NSM

γλωσση glōssa G1100 tongue Noun-DSF

εαυτον heautou G1438 themself F-3ASM

οικοδομει oikodomeō G3618 to build Verb-PAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

προφητευων prophēteuō G4395 to prophesy Verb-PAP-NSM

εκκλησιαν ekklēsia G1577 assembly Noun-ASF

οικοδομει oikodomeō G3618 to build Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 14:4

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.

λαλων laleō G2980 "to speak" Verb-PAP-NSM

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.

γλωσση glōssa G1100 "tongue" Noun-DSF

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.

εαυτον heautou G1438 "themself" F-3ASM

This reflexive pronoun means 'themself' or 'themselves', referring back to the subject of a sentence, as in Matthew 27:42 and Luke 23:35.

Definition: ἑαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ, dative -ῷ, etc., accusative -όν, etc., pi. -ῶν, etc. (Att. contr. αὑτοῦ, etc); reflex pron.; __1. prop, of 3rd person (Lat. sui, sibi, se), of himself, herself, itself, etc.: Mat.27:42, Mrk.15:31, Luk.23:35, al.; added to a middle verb, διεμερίσαντο ἑαυτοῖς, Jhn.19:24; to an active verb, Act.14:14 (M, Pr., 157); ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Luk.12:57 21:30, Jhn.5:19, al. (see: ἀπό); δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Rom.14:14; ἐν ἑ., Mat.3:9, Mrk.5:30, al.; εἰς ἑ., Luk.15:17; καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Jas.2:17; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at his own house, 1Co.16:2; πρὸς ἑ., with, to himself, Luk.18:11; as poss. pron. (with emphasis weakened; see M, Pr., 87f.), τ. ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς, Luk.9:60. __2. As reflexive 1st and 2nd of person(s) (so also frequently in cl., chiefly poetry), Mat.23:31, Mrk.9:50, Rom.8:23, 1Th.2:8, al. __3. In pl., for reciprocal pron., ἀλλήλων, -οις, -ους, of one another, etc.: Mat.21:38, Mrk.16:3, Eph.5:19, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 306 NT verses. KJV: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:12.

οικοδομει oikodomeō G3618 "to build" Verb-PAI-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.

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'.

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.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

προφητευων prophēteuō G4395 "to prophesy" Verb-PAP-NSM

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.

εκκλησιαν ekklēsia G1577 "assembly" Noun-ASF

An assembly refers to a group of people gathered together for a common purpose, like a church or community, as seen in Acts 19:32 and Hebrews 2:12. This term is used to describe both Jewish and Christian communities.

Definition: ἐκκλησία, -ας, ἡ (ἐκ-καλέω), [in LXX chiefly for קָהָל, otherwise for one of its cogn. forms ;] __1. prop., an assembly of citizens regularly convened (in Thuc., ii, 22, opposite to σύλλογος, a concourse): Act.19:32, 39 41. __2. In LXX of the assembly, congregation, community of Israel (Deu.4:10 23:2, al.): Act.7:38, Heb.2:12" (LXX) . __3. NT, esp. of an assembly or company of Christians, a (the) church; __(a) of gatherings for worship: 1Co.11:18 14:19, 34 35; __(b) of local communities: Act.8:3, 1Co.4:17; with name added, Act.8:1, Rom.16:1, 1Th.1:1, al.; pl., Act.15:41, 1Co.7:17; τ. Χριστοῦ, Rom.16:16; τ. Ἀσίας, 1Co.16:19; τ. ἁγίων, 1Co.14:33; εἰπο]ν τ. ἐκκλησίᾳ, Mat.18:17 (but see Hort, Ecclesia, 10); of a house-congregation (DB, i, 431a), Rom.16:5, 1Co.16:19, Col.4:15, Phm 2; __(with) of the whole body of Christians: Mat.16:18, 1Co.12:28, Eph.1:22, Php.3:6, al.; τ. θεοῦ, Act.20:28 (Κυρίου, T, R, mg.), 1Co.15:9, Gal.1:13, 1Ti.3:15; ἐ. προτοτόκων ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς, Heb.12:23. SYN.: συναγωγή, which see (see Tr., Syn., §i; DB, i, 426; Hort, Ecclesia, esp. 4ff., 107ff.; Hamilton, People of God, ii, 37ff.; reff. s.vv. "Church," "Congregation," in DB and DCG; Cremer, 332). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 112 NT verses. KJV: assembly, church See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 15:41; Hebrews 2:12.

οικοδομει oikodomeō G3618 "to build" Verb-PAI-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.

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 14:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:4

Context — Prophecy and Tongues

2For 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. 3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

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

5I 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. 6Now, 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?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 14:22	Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
2	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.
3	Mark 16:17	And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
4	1 Corinthians 14:17–19	You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
5	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.
6	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.
7	1 Corinthians 14:3	But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
8	1 Corinthians 13:2	If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
9	Romans 14:19	So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4 Summary

[This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:4, teaches us that when we speak in tongues, we are building ourselves up in our faith, but when we prophesy, we are building up the whole church. This is similar to what Paul says in Ephesians 4:12, where he reminds us that spiritual gifts are given to equip the saints for ministry. The goal of our spiritual gifts should be to edify, or build up, others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:7. By using our gifts in a way that prioritizes the church, we can create a more loving and supportive community, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to edify oneself by speaking in tongues?

According to 1 Corinthians 14:4, speaking in tongues edifies the speaker, but this does not necessarily benefit others, as noted in 1 Corinthians 14:2, where it says that no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

Is prophesying more important than speaking in tongues?

In 1 Corinthians 14:4, the Apostle Paul teaches that prophesying edifies the church, while speaking in tongues edifies the individual, suggesting that prophesying has a greater benefit for the community, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 14:5.

Can speaking in tongues still be beneficial to the church?

Yes, as 1 Corinthians 14:5 indicates, if the one speaking in tongues also interprets, then the church may be edified, highlighting the importance of interpretation in this context, as also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:13.

How does this verse relate to the purpose of spiritual gifts?

This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:4, emphasizes that spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and prophesying, should be used to build up and edify the church, as stated in Ephesians 4:12 and 1 Corinthians 12:7, which remind us that gifts are given for the common good.

Reflection Questions

How can I use my spiritual gifts to edify others, rather than just myself?
In what ways can prophesying be a more effective way to build up the church, and how can I cultivate this gift?
What are some ways that speaking in tongues can still be beneficial to the church, and how can I balance my personal edification with the need to edify others?
How can I prioritize the edification of the church in my own spiritual practices and gift-use, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 14:12?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:4

He that speaketh its an unknown tongue,.... Be it the Hebrew language, or any other; some copies, and the Ethiopic version, read, "with tongues": edifieth himself; his heart may be warmed, his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:4

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Edifieth himself - as he understands the meaning, of the particular "tongue;" but "the church," the congregation, does not.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; knowledge or understanding of the things that any man speaketh, is necessary to the improvement of them, by their being a means to promote faith and love; for how shall what men say in the least promote, either my faith in God or Christ, or my love to him, if I understand not what they say? How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? . So that, though he that speaketh in an unknown tongue may (if he understand what he says) have his own heart affected with what he saith, yet it is not possible he should affect another. But he that prophesieth edifieth the church; but he that preacheth in an intelligible language and style to all that hear him, he doth what in him lieth to edify all those that hear him.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Ver. 4. Edifieth the Church] Therefore prophecy is the more worthy, because profitable. Prodesse melius quam praeesse.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4

(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue.—Better, He that speaketh in a tongue. The introduction of the word “unknown” destroys the whole force of the passage. All tongues—as distinct from languages—were unknown, i.e., unintelligible. The gift of prophecy is superior in usefulness to that of tongues, and therefore to be preferred. The use of the word “edify,” as applied to an individual solely, as distinct from the individual as a part of the whole Church, is unusual with St. Paul (see Note on 1 Corinthians 8:1), but is introduced so as to make the antithesis verbally as well as logically more striking.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4

Verse 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue] In the Hebrew for instance, the knowledge of the depth and power of which he has got by a Divine revelation, edifieth himself by that knowledge. But he that prophesieth] Has the gift of preaching. Edifieth the Church.] Speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort, 1 Corinthians 14:3.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:4

4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself] Not necessarily because he understands what he is saying, but because his spirit, stirred up by the Spirit of God, is led by the experience of the inward emotion to praise God. Estius. See 1 Corinthians 14:14.but he that prophesieth edifieth the church] The profit of the brethren is ever St Paul’s object. Cf. 1 Corinthians 14:6; 1 Corinthians 14:12; ch. 1 Corinthians 6:12, &c. Prophecy is to be preferred to the gift of tongues because it is more directly useful. See note, ch. 1 Corinthians 12:28.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:4

Edifieth himself - That is, the truths which are communicated to him by the Spirit, and which he utters in an unknown language, may be valuable, and may be the means of strengthening his faith, and

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:4

4. Edifieth himself—The very inspiration elevates and delights his spirit, while his own utterance of divine mysteries reacts upon and edifieth himself. Though he keep silence, (1 Corinthians 14:28,) he goes not unblest.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:4

	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
	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,
	Pilgrims Problems No. 5 Speaking in Tongues by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of love in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that even if someone has great abilities, knowledge, and generosity, without lov
	What Is Worship by Alan Ives	In this sermon, Pastor Bruce Foster emphasizes the importance of serving others and sharing the gospel without shame. He commends the congregation for their faithfulness and encour
	(1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 14 by Brian Brodersen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and applying 1 Corinthians 14, particularly for Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. The chapter provides practic
	Ministry in the Spirit - 5. the Gift of Tongues and Prayer Language by Michael Flowers	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of exercising spiritual gifts in the context of the corporate gathering. They emphasize the need for order and understanding in
	The Baptism of the Holy Ghost - Part 2 by John G. Lake	John G. Lake preaches on the significance of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing the command of Jesus to His disciples to wait for the power from on high. Lake shares person