1 Corinthians 14:1–2
FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
¶ Follow after charitie, and desire spirituall giftes, but rather that yee may prophesie.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
For he that speaketh in an vnknowen tongue, speaketh not vnto men, but vnto God: for no man †vnderstandeth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Greek wordingGr. heareth
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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Cross References
10 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 1
- 1 Timothy 4:14Rank 1 from verse 1
- 1 Corinthians 14:39Rank 2 from verse 1
- 1 Corinthians 16:14Rank 3 from verse 1
- 1 Corinthians 12:1Rank 4 from verse 1
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20Rank 5 from verse 1
- Hebrews 12:14Rank 6 from verse 1
- 1 Corinthians 14:3–5Rank 7 from verse 1
3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5I 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.
3But he that prophesieth, speaketh vnto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4He that speaketh in an vnknowen tongue, edifieth himselfe: but hee that prophesieth, edifieth the Church.
5I would that yee all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is hee that prophesieth, then hee that speaketh with tongues, except hee interprete, that the Church may receiue edifying.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13Rank 8 from verse 1
- Proverbs 15:9Rank 9 from verse 1
- 1 Peter 3:11–13Rank 10 from verse 1
11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
11Let him eschew euil and do good, let him seeke peace and ensue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are ouer the righteous, and his eares are open vnto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is †against them that doe euill.
13And who is hee that will harme you, if ye bee followers of that which is good?
- 1 Timothy 6:11Rank 11 from verse 1
- 1 Corinthians 12:31–9Rank 12 from verse 1
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- 1 Corinthians 14:24–25Rank 13 from verse 1
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
24But if all prophesie, and there come in one that beleeueth not, or one vnlearned: he is conuinced of all, he is iudged of all.
25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest, and so falling downe on his face, hee will worship God, and report that God is in you of a trueth.
- 1 Corinthians 14:37Rank 14 from verse 1
37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
37If any man thinke himselfe to be a Prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge, that the things that I write vnto you, are the commandements of the Lord.
- Isaiah 51:1Rank 15 from verse 1
1HEARKEN to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
1¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousnesse, ye that seeke the LORD: looke vnto the rocke whence yee are hewen, and to the hole of the pitte whence ye are digged.
- 1 Timothy 5:10Rank 16 from verse 1
10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
10Well reported of for good works, if shee haue brought vp children, if shee haue lodged strangers, if she haue washed the Saints feet, if shee haue releeued the afflicted, if shee haue diligently followed euery good worke.
- 2 Peter 1:7Rank 17 from verse 1
- Ephesians 1:3Rank 18 from verse 1
- Proverbs 21:21Rank 19 from verse 1
- 3 John 1:11Rank 20 from verse 1
- Numbers 11:25–29Rank 21 from verse 1
25And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
26But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.
27And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
29And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!
25And the LORD came downe in a cloude, and spake vnto him, and tooke of the spirit that was vpon him, and gaue it vnto the seuentie Elders: and it came to passe that when the spirit rested vpon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
26But there remained two of the men in the campe, the name of the one was Eldad, & the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested vpon them, (and they were of them that were written, but went not out vnto the Tabernacle) and they prophesied in the campe.
27And there ranne a yong man, and tolde Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad doe prophesie in the campe.
28And Ioshua the sonne of Nun the seruant of Moses, one of his yong men, answered and said, My lord Moses, Forbid them.
29And Moses said vnto him, Enuiest thou for my sake? Would God that all the LORDs people were Prophets, and that the LORD would put his Spirit vpon them.
- Romans 12:6Rank 22 from verse 1
- 2 Timothy 2:22Rank 23 from verse 1
- Romans 9:30Rank 24 from verse 1
30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
30What shall wee say then? That the Gentiles which followed not after righteousnesse, haue attained to righteousnesse, euen the righteousnesse which is of faith:
- Romans 14:19Rank 25 from verse 1
From verse 2
- Mark 16:17Rank 1 from verse 2
- Acts 10:46Rank 2 from verse 2
- Acts 2:4–11Rank 4 from verse 2
4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans?
8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
4And they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and began to speake with other tongues, as the spirit gaue them vtterance.
5And there were dwelling at Hierusalem Iewes, deuout men, out of euery nation vnder heauen.
6Now †when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were ‖confounded, because that euery man heard them speake in his owne language.
7And they were all amazed, and marueiled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speake, Galileans?
8And how heare we euery man in our owne tongue, wherein we were borne?
9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Iudea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya, about Cyrene, & strangers of Rome, Iewes and Proselites,
11Cretes, and Arabians, we doe heare them speake in our tongues the wonderfull workes of God.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2Rank 5 from verse 2
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
2And though I haue the gift of prophesie, and vnderstand all mysteries and all knowledge: and though I haue all faith, so that I could remooue mountaines, and haue no charitie, I am nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10Rank 6 from verse 2
- 1 Corinthians 14:9–11Rank 7 from verse 2
9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
9So likewise you, except ye vtter by the tongue words †easie to be vnderstood, how shall it be knowen what is spoken? for ye shall speake into the aire.
10There are, it may bee, so many kindes of voices in the world, and none of them are without signification.
11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voyce, I shall bee vnto him that speaketh, a Barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a Barbarian vnto mee.
- Colossians 1:26–27Rank 8 from verse 2
26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
26Euen the mystery which hath been hid from ages, and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints,
27To whom God would make knowen what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles, which is Christ ‖in you, the hope of glory:
- Ephesians 3:3–9Rank 9 from verse 2
3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
3How that by reuelation hee made knowen vnto me the mysterie, (as I wrote ‖afore in few words,
4Whereby when ye reade, ye may vnderstand my knowledge in the mysterie of Christ.)
5Which in other ages was not made knowen vnto the sonnes of men, as it is now reueiled vnto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit,
6That the Gentiles should be fellow heires, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ, by the Gospel:
7Whereof I was made a Minister, according to the gift of the grace of God giuen vnto mee, by the effectuall working of his power.
8Unto mee, who am lesse then the least of all Saints, is this grace giuen, that I should preach among the Gentiles the vnsearchable riches of Christ,
9And to make all men see, what is the fellowship of the mysterie, which from the beginning of the world, hath bene hid in God, who created all things by Iesus Christ:
- 1 Corinthians 14:18–23Rank 10 from verse 2
18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
18I thanke my God, I speake with tongues more then you all.
19Yet in the Church I had rather speake fiue words with my vnderstanding, that by my voyce I might teach others also, then ten thousand words in an vnknowen tongue.
20Brethren, bee not children in vnderstanding: how be it, in malice be yee children, but in vnderstanding be †men.
21In the Law it is *written, With men of other tongues, and other lippes will I speake vnto this people: and yet for all that will they not heare me, saith the Lord.
22Wherfore tongues are for a signe, not to them that beleeue, but to them that beleeue not: But prophesying serueth not for them that beleeue not, but for them which beleeue.
23If therefore the whole Church be come together into some place, and all speake with tongues, & there come in those that are vnlearned, or vnbeleeuers, will they not say that ye are mad?
- 1 Corinthians 2:7Rank 11 from verse 2
- 1 Timothy 3:16Rank 12 from verse 2
16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
16And without controuersie, great is the mysterie of godlinesse: God was manifest in the flesh, iustified in the Spirit, seene of Angels, preached vnto the Gentiles, beleeued on in the world, receiued vp into glory.
- 1 Timothy 3:9Rank 13 from verse 2
- Colossians 2:2Rank 14 from verse 2
2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in loue, and vnto all riches of the full assurance of vnderstanding, to the acknowledgement of the mysterie of God, and of the Father, and of Christ,
- Ephesians 6:19Rank 15 from verse 2
- Revelation 10:7Rank 16 from verse 2
7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
7But in the dayes of the voice of the seuenth Angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mysterie of God should be finished, as hee hath declared to his seruants the Prophets.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51Rank 17 from verse 2
- Deuteronomy 28:49Rank 18 from verse 2
49The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;
49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from farre, from the end of the earth, as swift as the Eagle fleeth, a nation whose tongue thou shalt not †vnderstand:
- Genesis 42:23Rank 19 from verse 2
11And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
11And he said vnto them, Unto you it is giuen to know the mystery of the kingdome of God: but vnto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
- Genesis 11:7Rank 22 from verse 2
- Matthew 13:11Rank 23 from verse 2
- Psalms 49:3–4Rank 24 from verse 2
3My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
4I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
3My mouth shall speake of wisedome: and the meditation of my heart shalbe of vnderstanding.
4*I will incline mine eare to a parable; I will open my darke saying vpon the harpe.
- Psalms 78:2Rank 25 from verse 2
- Romans 16:25Rank 26 from verse 2
25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Iesus Christ, according to the reuelation of the the mysterie, which was kept secret since the world began:
- 1 Corinthians 14:16Rank 27 from verse 2
16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
16Else, when thou shalt blesse with the spirit, how shall hee that occupieth the roome of the vnlearned, say Amen at thy giuing of thankes, seeing he vnderstandeth not what thou sayest?
- 1 Corinthians 14:27–28Rank 28 from verse 2
27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
27If any man speake in an vnknowen tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course, and let one interprete.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keepe silence in the Church, and let him speake to himselfe, and to God.
- 2 Kings 18:26Rank 29 from verse 2
26Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rab-shakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews’ language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.
26Then said Eliakim the sonne of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Ioah, vnto Rabshakeh, Speake, I pray thee, to thy seruants in the Syrian language, (for wee vnderstand it) and talke not with vs in the Iewes language, in the eares of the people that are on the wall.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
1 Corinthians 14:1
1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Love that seeks another's good.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
Sense 1: A wish, longing, request, pleasure, or thing wished for. Sense 2: To wish for, long for, request, or take pleasure in.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Pertaining to spirit or to the Holy Ghost. 2. Nonmaterial or not carnal. 3. Governed by the Spirit.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Things given or bestowed; presents. Sense 2: Endowments or abilities. Sense 3: Bribes.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To declare or convey a message as divinely inspired, including foretelling, whether truly or falsely.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
1 Corinthians 14:2
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Speaks; expresses or communicates words or meaning.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Not known, recognized, identified, understood, disclosed, or familiar to the persons concerned.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. The organ of the mouth used for tasting and speech. 2. Speech, words, or a language. 3. A tongue-shaped projection or arm of land or water.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
understandeth
Third-person singular present form of understand, meaning to comprehend, perceive, discern, or know the meaning or significance of something.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Nevertheless; yet; however; introducing a contrast, exception, or qualification.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
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Related Concepts
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love and charity
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Surrounding Verses
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1FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1¶ Follow after charitie, and desire spirituall giftes, but rather that yee may prophesie.
Selected passage2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
2For he that speaketh in an vnknowen tongue, speaketh not vnto men, but vnto God: for no man †vnderstandeth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Selected passage3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
3But he that prophesieth, speaketh vnto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.