Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:39KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:39 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:39 encourages believers to strongly desire the gift of prophecy and not to prevent others from speaking in tongues. Paul is telling the church that both gifts have value and should not be discouraged.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing confusion and disorder in their gatherings about spiritual gifts. He wants them to prioritize prophecy because it builds up the church, but he also makes it clear that speaking in tongues should not be forbidden. This verse balances the use of different spiritual gifts, urging the church to seek what helps everyone while not shutting down genuine expressions of faith.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:39

  • "Covet" (ζηλοῦτε, zēloute): This word means to earnestly desire or be zealous for something. Paul is not just suggesting, but strongly urging the Corinthians to want prophecy.
  • "Prophesy" (προφητεύειν, prophēteuein): In this context, it refers to speaking messages from God that encourage, strengthen, or comfort others in the church.
  • "Forbid" (κωλύετε, kōluete): This means to prevent or hinder. Paul is specifically telling them not to stop people from speaking in tongues, showing that both gifts have a place in the church.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:39 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that some spiritual gifts are more important than others by showing that both prophecy and tongues are valuable when used properly.
  • Paul’s instruction helps prevent division in the church over which gifts are allowed or preferred, promoting unity and respect for different ways God works among believers.
  • The verse ties together the whole chapter’s teaching on order and purpose in worship, reminding readers that spiritual gifts should build up the church, not cause confusion or exclusion.

Where else these words appear

“covet” Greek G2206 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
  • Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

“forbid” Greek G2967 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
  • Acts 24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

“prophesy” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

“tongues” Greek G1100 · used in 47 verses

  • Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.