I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:5KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:5 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 14:5, Paul values speech in a church gathering according to how it helps the people who hear it. He welcomes speaking in tongues, but he gives a higher place to prophecy because the church can receive help from it; interpreted tongues can also serve that purpose.

Paul is addressing the believers in Corinth about their gatherings. His phrase “except he interpret” makes an important qualification: speech in a tongue can benefit the group when its meaning is made understandable.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:5

  • “tongues” — γλῶσσα (glōssa): The word can mean the tongue or a language. Here it refers to a way of speaking whose meaning needs interpretation for the gathering to understand.
  • “prophesied” — προφητεύω (prophēteuō): The word means to speak as a prophet. In the nearby verse 3, Paul describes such speech as bringing help, encouragement, and comfort to others.
  • “edifying” — οἰκοδομή (oikodomē): The word carries the picture of building something up. Here Paul uses that picture for strengthening the people gathered as a church.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:5 matters

  • Paul’s preference is not a rejection of tongues. He begins, “I would that ye all spake with tongues,” before explaining why he prefers prophecy in the gathering.
  • “Greater” describes a comparison tied to the church’s benefit. The exception “except he interpret” shows why the meaning of the speech matters to Paul’s comparison.
  • The concern is whether others can follow what is said. A few verses later, Paul asks how someone will understand a message spoken in a tongue without interpretation (verse 9).

Where else these words appear

“interpret” Greek G1329 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

“except” Greek G1622 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

“edifying” Greek G3619 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

“prophesied” 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.