1 Corinthians 14:5 “I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have…”

1 Corinthians 14:5

I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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.

World English Bible

Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

American Standard Version

Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Geneva Bible 1599

I would that ye all spake strange languages, but rather that ye prophecied: for greater is hee that prophecieth, then hee that speaketh diuers tongues, except hee expound it, that the Church may receiue edification.

Darby Translation

Now I desire that ye should all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy. But greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.

Young's Literal Translation

and I wish you all to speak with tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the assembly may receive edification.

Bible in Basic English

Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.

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Cross references

“would”

1 Corinthians 12:28–30 1 Corinthians 13:4 Numbers 11:28 Numbers 11:29

1 Corinthians 12:28–30 · BSB

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

1 Corinthians 13:4 · BSB

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Numbers 11:28 · BSB

Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

Numbers 11:29 · BSB

But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”

“for”

1 Corinthians 14:1 1 Corinthians 14:3

1 Corinthians 14:1 · BSB

Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:3 · BSB

But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

“except”

1 Corinthians 12:10 1 Corinthians 14:12 1 Corinthians 14:13 1 Corinthians 14:26–28 1 Corinthians 12:30

1 Corinthians 12:10 · BSB

to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:12 · BSB

It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:13 · BSB

Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:26–28 · BSB

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

1 Corinthians 12:30 · BSB

Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

Also

Mark 16:17 1 Corinthians 13:1 1 Corinthians 14:18–40

Mark 16:17 · BSB

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

1 Corinthians 13:1 · BSB

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:18–40 · BSB

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

Read 1 Corinthians 14