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Journey Through the Bible

1 Corinthians 14:4-26

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I would like every one of you to 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 and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?

8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

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

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

21 In the Law it is written:
“Through men of strange tongues
and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
but even then they will not listen to me,”
says the Lord.

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all,

25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

26 Orderly Worship
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

Cross References for 1 Corinthians 14:4-26

Genesis 20:7 - Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But... Click to read the verse Genesis 20:7 Click to read the verse Genesis 20:7

1 Corinthians 14:5 - I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:5 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:5

1 Corinthians 13:2 - If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a ... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 13:2 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 13:2

Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Click to read the verse Romans 14:19 Click to read the verse Romans 14:19

1 Corinthians 14:3 - But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:3 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:3

1 Corinthians 14:12 - So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that buil... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:12 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:12

1 Corinthians 14:19 - But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thou... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:19 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:19

Mark 16:17 - And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they w... Click to read the verse Mark 16:17 Click to read the verse Mark 16:17

1 Corinthians 14:26 - Orderly Worship What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, ... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:26 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:26

1 Corinthians 14:17 - You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:17 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:17

1 Corinthians 14:22 - Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for bel... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:22 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:22

1 Corinthians 14:17-19 - You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:17-19 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:17-19