1 Corinthians 14:19 web — However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than…

World English Bible

"However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language."

— 1 Corinthians 14:19, World English Bible

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1 Corinthians 14:19 in Other Translations

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1 Corinthians 14 — Context

16

Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the "Amen" at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn't know what you say?

17

For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

18

I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all.

19

However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.

20

Brothers, don't be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.

21

In the law it is written, "By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord."

22

Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe.

1 Corinthians 14:19 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:19 say?
1 Corinthians 14:19 in the World English Bible reads: “However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:19 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:19 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 19.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 14:19.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:19 in?
1 Corinthians 14:19 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 14:19?
1 Corinthians 14:19 reads (WEB): “However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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