He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:4KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“prophesieth” 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.

“edifieth” 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.

“tongue” 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 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

“church” Greek G1577 · used in 115 verses

  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  • Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: