Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

1 CORINTHIANS 14:6KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:6 means that speaking in tongues is not useful to others unless it brings some clear benefit, such as revealing something from God, sharing knowledge, prophesying, or teaching. Paul is telling the church that spiritual gifts should help others understand or grow, not just be impressive displays.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, explaining how spiritual gifts work best when they build up the whole church. He points out that if he came to them speaking only in tongues, it would not help them unless his words brought understanding or instruction. This verse sets up the idea that clarity and usefulness are more important than showing off spiritual abilities.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:6

  • γλῶσσα (glōssa, "tongues"): This word refers to languages, often understood as speaking in languages not naturally learned. Paul uses it to highlight that speaking in tongues alone does not benefit others unless it is understood.
  • ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis, "revelation"): This word means an unveiling or revealing of something hidden. Paul lists it as one way speech can be helpful—if it brings new understanding from God.
  • γνῶσις (gnōsis, "knowledge"): This means knowledge or understanding. Paul includes it to show that sharing what you know is valuable to others.
  • προφητεία (prophēteia, "prophesying"): This means speaking forth a message from God, often for encouragement or guidance. Paul sees this as a practical way to help the church.
  • διδαχή (didachē, "doctrine" or "teaching"): This word means instruction or teaching, emphasizing the importance of making things clear and understandable for everyone.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:6 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that spiritual gifts are not just for personal experience but are meant to benefit the whole group.
  • Paul’s emphasis on revelation, knowledge, prophecy, and teaching shows that understanding and building up others are central to Christian gatherings.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul encourages order and clarity in worship, making sure that everyone can learn and be encouraged.

Where else these words appear

“profit” Greek G5623 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
  • Mark 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“revelation” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,

“prophesying” Greek G4394 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“Now” Greek G3570 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
  • Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled