1 Corinthians 14:39 nasb — Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.

NASB

"Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues."

— 1 Corinthians 14:39, NASB

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1 Corinthians 14:39 in Other Translations

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1 Corinthians 14 — Context

36

Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

37

If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.

38

But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.

39

Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.

40

But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

1 Corinthians 14:39 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:39 say?
1 Corinthians 14:39 in the NASB reads: “Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:39 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:39 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 39.
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 14:39.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:39 in?
1 Corinthians 14:39 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 14:39?
1 Corinthians 14:39 reads (NASB): “Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.” 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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