1 Corinthians 14:5 kjv — I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that…

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."

— 1 Corinthians 14:5, King James Version

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1 Corinthians 14:5 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • ASV

    “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. ”

  • WEB

    “Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather 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.”

  • NET

    “I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.”

  • DRB

    “And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification.”

  • BBE

    “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.”

  • KJVA

    “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.”

1 Corinthians 14 — Context

2

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.

3

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

4

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

5

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.

6

Now, 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?

7

And 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?

8

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

1 Corinthians 14:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:5 say?
1 Corinthians 14:5 in the King James Version reads: “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.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:5 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:5 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 5.
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 14:5.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:5 in?
1 Corinthians 14:5 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 14:5?
1 Corinthians 14:5 reads (KJV): “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.” 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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