Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:19KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 14:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:19 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:19 means that Paul would much rather speak just a few words that everyone in the church can understand and learn from, than speak at great length in a language no one understands. Paul is emphasizing the importance of clear communication that helps others grow in understanding.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing their use of spiritual gifts during gatherings. Some people were speaking in unknown languages (tongues) that others could not understand. Paul explains that teaching others in a way they can grasp is far more valuable in a church setting than speaking many words that do not benefit anyone.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:19

  • ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia, "church"): This word refers to the gathered community of believers, not just a building. Paul’s focus is on what happens when Christians come together.
  • νοῒ (noi, "understanding"): This word means the mind or understanding. Paul is highlighting that speech should be thoughtful and intelligible, not just spiritual-sounding.
  • διδάξω (didaxō, "teach"): This word means to instruct or teach. Paul’s goal is to help others learn, not just to display a spiritual gift.
  • γλῶσσῃ (glōssē, "tongue"): This refers to a language, often one not understood by the listeners. Paul contrasts speaking in a known language with speaking in an unknown one.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues are always helpful in church gatherings; Paul says understanding is more important than display.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s main concern in this chapter: that everything done in church should build up and instruct others, not just impress or confuse.
  • It connects to the wider passage where Paul is teaching about order and clarity in worship, showing that love and edification are more important than dramatic spiritual experiences.

Where else these words appear

“thousand” Greek G3463 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

“teach” Greek G2727 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
  • Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

“understanding” Greek G3563 · used in 22 verses

  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
  • 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
  • Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

“five” Greek G4002 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 14:17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?