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

1 CORINTHIANS 14:17KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:17 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:17 points out that while a person may be giving thanks to God in a good and proper way, if others do not understand what is being said, they are not built up or helped by it. The verse highlights the importance of considering others in worship, not just one’s own expression.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth about how spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, should be used in church gatherings. He explains that even if someone is sincerely thanking God (for example, in another language), it does not benefit others unless they can understand and be encouraged by it.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:17

  • εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō, "givest thanks"): This word means to give thanks or express gratitude. Paul acknowledges that the act of giving thanks itself is good, but he is concerned with its effect on others.
  • καλῶς (kalōs, "well"): This word means "well" or "rightly." Paul affirms that the act is done properly, but he contrasts this with the lack of benefit to others.
  • οὐκ οἰκοδομεῖται (ouk oikodomeitai, "is not edified"): This phrase means "is not built up" or "strengthened." Paul’s main point is that the goal in church is to help others grow, not just to have a personal spiritual experience.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that spiritual practices in church should help everyone present, not just the individual practicing them.
  • Paul’s words emphasize that worship is not only about personal connection with God, but also about building up the community.
  • The verse fits into Paul’s larger teaching in this chapter, where he urges the Corinthians to seek gifts and practices that benefit and encourage the whole church, not just themselves.

Where else these words appear

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“is” Greek G3618 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

“other” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.