1
Pursue love, and strive to obtain the gifts of the Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy.

2
For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God. For no one understands him; by the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

3
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and comfort.

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

5
I would like you all to speak in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. For the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he also interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6
So then, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I do for you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

7
It is the same with lifeless instruments that give sound, such as a flute or a harp—how can anyone know what tune is being played on the flute or harp, unless they give distinct notes?

8
Or if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will prepare himself for battle?

9
So it is with you who speak in tongues: if you do not use clear words, how can anyone understand what you are saying? You will be speaking into the air!

10
There are many—how many, no one knows—kinds of languages in the world; yet not one of them is without meaning.

11
But if I do not know the meaning of the language, I am a foreigner to the one who uses it, and he is a foreigner to me.

12
So also with you: you are eager to obtain the gifts of the Spirit, but even more, strive to use them for the building up of the church.

13
Therefore the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may also be given the gift of interpreting it.

14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind does not pray.

15
What then should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing and praise with my spirit, but I will also sing and praise with my mind.

16
For if you give thanks with your spirit alone, how can the ordinary person who is present as a listener say “amen” to your thanksgiving? Does he not know what you are saying?

17
For even if your thanksgiving is excellent, yet the other person is not built up by it.

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

19
But in the assembly of the church I would rather speak five words that can be understood, so that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20
Brothers and sisters, do not be like children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but mature in your thinking!

21
In the Law it is written: “By people of other tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

22
Therefore the gift of tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; while the gift of prophecy is a sign, not for unbelievers, but for believers.

23
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?

24
But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or a newcomer enters, he will be convicted by all and examined by all;

25
the secrets of his heart will become known, so that he will fall down and worship God and confess: “Truly, God is among you.”

26
So what then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, let each one bring something: one a psalm, another instruction, or a revelation from God, or a gift of tongues, or an interpretation of tongues, but all these things must be used for building up.

27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be two or at the most three, one at a time, and let someone else interpret.

28
If there is no one who can interpret, let them keep silent in the church assembly and speak only to themselves and to God.

29
Concerning prophets—let two or three of them speak, and let the others respond to what they say.

30
But if another person sitting there receives a revelation, the first one must keep silent.

31
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be strengthened.

32
The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

33
For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.

34
Likewise, in all the congregations of the saints, the women should keep silent in the meetings of the church. For they are not permitted to speak. They must be in submission, as the Law also says.

35
If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church meeting.

36
Or did the word of God go out from you? Or has it come to you only?

37
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or a person with spiritual gifts, he must understand that what I am saying to you is the Lord’s command.

38
But if anyone does not pay attention to this, do not pay attention to him.

39
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, strive to obtain the gift of prophesying, and do not forbid anyone who speaks in tongues.

40
But let all things be done properly and in order.

📖 1 Corinthians 14 – Prophecy and Tongues in the Church

🧾 Summary of Contents

Paul discusses in detail two spiritual gifts: prophesying and speaking in tongues, with the emphasis that all things must be done for the building up of the church. He gives instructions on how these gifts are to be used so that they do not cause disorder in the worship gathering.

✨ Explanation by Section

1. Prophesying Is Better Than Tongues (verses 1–19)

“It is better that you prophesy than speak in tongues.”

Paul encourages the congregation to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophesying.
Tongues are useful for personal edification, whereas prophecy builds up the church because it can be understood by everyone.
If tongues are used in public, there must be interpretation so that it may benefit all.

💡 Lesson: Spiritual gifts should be used to strengthen the faith of others, not for personal satisfaction.

2. Order in Worship (verses 20–33)

“For God does not desire confusion, but peace.”

Paul warns that worship must not become chaotic or confusing, especially when too many speak in tongues without interpretation.
There must be order and discipline in worship, so that everyone may learn and be strengthened.
Only two or three may speak in tongues and must be accompanied by an interpreter.
Prophecy is also given in turn, and the congregation evaluates what is said.

💡 Lesson: Order in worship reflects the character of God, who is peace and order.

3. The Role of Women in Worship (verses 34–35)

Paul states that women should keep silent in the congregation (a debated topic that needs to be read in the context of that time’s culture and the rest of the chapter).
Many interpreters judge that this command is related to order in worship, not a prohibition of all forms of women’s ministry.

💡 Note: It must be interpreted carefully so as not to conflict with other parts of the Bible where women also serve and prophesy.

4. All Things Must Be for Building Up (verses 36–40)

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Paul affirms that these instructions come from the authority of the Lord, not merely from personal opinion.
The main purpose of worship and the use of gifts is to build up the church, not to display greatness.

💡 Lesson: Order and the purpose of building faith must be the chief principles in Christian worship.

📘 Main Teachings of 1 Corinthians 14

Spiritual gifts must be used for the building up of the body of Christ.
Prophecy is more useful in public worship than tongues without interpretation.
Worship must take place in an orderly, decent, and non-chaotic manner.
Every action in worship must be centered on love and build up others.
Spiritual leadership must be open to evaluation and shared learning.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of 1 Corinthians 14

Paul teaches that spiritual gifts are not for personal display, but as a means to strengthen and unite God’s people. The Holy Spirit works within a framework of peace, love, and order. If gifts are used without love and wisdom, the result can be confusing or even harmful to the congregation.