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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

1 Corinthians 14:12–17

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Else 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?
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

25 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 12

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:26Rank 1 from verse 12
    Open

    26How 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.

  2. 1 Corinthians 12:31Rank 2 from verse 12
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    31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

  3. 1 Corinthians 14:3–4Rank 3 from verse 12
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    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.

  4. 1 Corinthians 14:1Rank 4 from verse 12
    Open

    1FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

  5. 1 Corinthians 12:7Rank 5 from verse 12
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    7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

From verse 13

  1. John 14:13–14Rank 1 from verse 13
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    13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

    14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

  2. Mark 11:24Rank 2 from verse 13
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    24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

  3. 1 Corinthians 12:30Rank 3 from verse 13
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    30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

  4. Acts 1:14Rank 4 from verse 13
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    14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

  5. 1 Corinthians 12:10Rank 5 from verse 13
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    10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

From verse 14

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:2Rank 1 from verse 14
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    2For 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.

  2. 1 Corinthians 14:15–16Rank 2 from verse 14
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    15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

    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?

  3. 1 Corinthians 14:19Rank 3 from verse 14
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    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.

From verse 15

  1. Colossians 3:16Rank 1 from verse 15
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    16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  2. Ephesians 6:18Rank 2 from verse 15
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    18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

  3. Ephesians 5:17–20Rank 3 from verse 15
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    17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

    18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

    19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

    20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

  4. John 4:23–24Rank 4 from verse 15
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    23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

    24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

  5. Jude 1:20Rank 5 from verse 15
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    20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

From verse 16

  1. 1 Chronicles 16:36Rank 1 from verse 16
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    36Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.

  2. Psalms 106:48Rank 2 from verse 16
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    48Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.

  3. Revelation 5:14Rank 3 from verse 16
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    14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  4. 1 Corinthians 11:24Rank 4 from verse 16
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    24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

  5. Deuteronomy 27:15–26Rank 5 from verse 16
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    15Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

    16Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    17Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    18Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    19Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    20Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    21Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    22Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    23Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    24Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    25Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

    26Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

From verse 17

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:4Rank 1 from verse 17
    Open

    4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

  2. 1 Corinthians 14:6Rank 2 from verse 17
    Open

    6Now, 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?

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 14:12

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

spiritual

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

gifts

↗

Sense 1: Things given or bestowed; presents. Sense 2: Endowments or abilities. Sense 3: Bribes.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

excel

↗

To surpass, exceed, or be eminent in quality, ability, or achievement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

church

↗

Sense 1: An assembly or congregation belonging to God or Christ. Sense 2: In passages identifying the church with Christ's body, the body of which Christ is the head.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 14:13

COMBINED MEANING

wherefore

↗

1. For that reason, or as a conclusion from what precedes; therefore or consequently. 2. For what reason or purpose; why.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

unknown

↗

Not known, recognized, identified, understood, disclosed, or familiar to the persons concerned.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

pray

↗

Sense 1: To ask, beseech, request, or entreat. Sense 2: To make requests or supplications to God, or address him in worship.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 14:14

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

pray

↗

Sense 1: To ask, beseech, request, or entreat. Sense 2: To make requests or supplications to God, or address him in worship.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

unknown

↗

Not known, recognized, identified, understood, disclosed, or familiar to the persons concerned.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 14:15

COMBINED MEANING

pray

↗

Sense 1: To ask, beseech, request, or entreat. Sense 2: To make requests or supplications to God, or address him in worship.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sing

↗

To produce musical sounds with the voice; to celebrate, praise, or tell in song.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 14:16

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

bless

↗

To pronounce or bestow good, favor, or happiness; to praise, thank, or glorify God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

say

↗

Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

giving

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of give, meaning to grant, hand, offer, supply, yield, or cause to have.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

seeing

↗

1. As a connective, because, since, or in view of a stated fact. 2. Perceiving with the eyes; observing. 3. Recognizing, discerning, understanding, or foreseeing.

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

COMBINED MEANING

sayest

↗

Second-person singular present form of say. To speak, declare, tell, or express.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 14:17

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

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

COMBINED MEANING

edified

↗

Built up, instructed, or strengthened in understanding or faith.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

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READ THE PASSAGE

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Suggested context · 1 Corinthians 14:1–25

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Read all 25 verses in 1 Corinthians 14:1–25

14:1FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

14:2For 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.

14:3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

14:4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

14:5I 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.

14:6Now, 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?

14:7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

14:8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

14:9So 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.

14:10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

14:11Therefore 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.

14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Selected passage

14:13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Selected passage

14:14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Selected passage

14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Selected passage

14:16Else 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?

Selected passage

14:17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Selected passage

14:18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

14:19Yet 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.

14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

14:21In 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.

14:22Wherefore 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.

14:23If 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?

14:24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

14:25And 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.

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