1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:4 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:4 says that someone who speaks in an unknown tongue builds up or strengthens themselves, but someone who prophesies builds up or strengthens the whole church. The verse highlights a difference between personal benefit and benefit to the community during worship.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing how spiritual gifts should be used in their gatherings. He points out that speaking in a language others do not understand may help the individual, but prophecy—speaking a message that everyone can understand—helps the entire church community.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:4

• "speaketh" (λαλέω, laleō): This Greek word means "to speak" or "to talk." Here, it refers to someone speaking in a language not understood by others present.
• "tongue" (γλῶσσα, glōssa): This word means "language" or "tongue." In this context, it refers to a language unknown to the listeners, not just a physical tongue.
• "edifieth" (οἰκοδομέω, oikodomeō): This verb means "to build up" or "to strengthen." Paul uses it to describe both personal and community strengthening, depending on the gift used.
• "himself" (ἑαυτὸν, heauton): This pronoun means "himself," making it clear that the benefit of speaking in an unknown tongue is personal, not communal.
• "prophesieth" (προφητεύω, prophēteuō): This means "to prophesy," or to speak forth a message from God in a way others can understand, which benefits the group.
• "church" (ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia): This word means "assembly" or "gathering," referring to the community of believers.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:4 matters

• 1 Corinthians 14:4 helps clear up confusion about spiritual gifts by showing that not all gifts serve the same purpose in a group setting.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of building up the whole church, not just focusing on personal spiritual experiences.
• This distinction sets up Paul’s larger argument in the chapter, encouraging the Corinthians to value gifts that benefit everyone, especially when the church gathers together.