1Cor.14.1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Cor.14.1
Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it--because it does. Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you. Most of all, try to proclaim his truth.
1Cor.14.1
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1Cor.14.1
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1Cor.14.1
Let love be your highest goal, but also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, especially the gift of prophecy.
1Cor.14.2
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.
1Cor.14.2
If you praise him in the private language of tongues, God understands you but no one else does, for you are sharing intimacies just between you and him.
1Cor.14.2
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
1Cor.14.2
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
1Cor.14.2
For if your gift is the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking to God but not to people, since they won't be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.
1Cor.14.3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Cor.14.3
But when you proclaim his truth in everyday speech, you're letting others in on the truth so that they can grow and be strong and experience his presence with you.
1Cor.14.3
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
1Cor.14.3
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
1Cor.14.3
But one who prophesies is helping others grow in the Lord, encouraging and comforting them.
1Cor.14.4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Cor.14.4
The one who prays using a private "prayer language" certainly gets a lot out of it, but proclaiming God's truth to the church in its common language brings the whole church into growth and strength.
1Cor.14.4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
1Cor.14.4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
1Cor.14.4
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.
1Cor.14.5
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.
1Cor.14.5
I want all of you to develop intimacies with God in prayer, but please don't stop with that. Go on and proclaim his clear truth to others. It's more important that everyone have access to the knowledge and love of God in language everyone understands than that you go off and cultivate God's presence in a mysterious prayer language--unless, of course, there is someone who can interpret what you are saying for the benefit of all.
1Cor.14.5
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
1Cor.14.5
I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
1Cor.14.5
I wish you all had the gift of speaking in tongues, but even more I wish you were all able to prophesy. For prophecy is a greater and more useful gift than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church can get some good out of it.
1Cor.14.6
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?
1Cor.14.6
Think, friends: If I come to you and all I do is pray privately to God in a way only he can understand, what are you going to get out of that? If I don't address you plainly with some insight or truth or proclamation or teaching, what help am I to you?
1Cor.14.6
Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
1Cor.14.6
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
1Cor.14.6
Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you talking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you some revelation or some special knowledge or some prophecy or some teaching--that is what will help you.
1Cor.14.7
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?
1Cor.14.7
If musical instruments--flutes, say, or harps--aren't played so that each note is distinct and in tune, how will anyone be able to catch the melody and enjoy the music?
1Cor.14.7
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
1Cor.14.7
Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
1Cor.14.7
Even musical instruments like the flute or the harp, though they are lifeless, are examples of the need for speaking in plain language. For no one will recognize the melody unless the notes are played clearly.
1Cor.14.8
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1Cor.14.8
If the trumpet call can't be distinguished, will anyone show up for the battle?
1Cor.14.8
Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
1Cor.14.8
For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
1Cor.14.8
And if the bugler doesn't sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?
1Cor.14.9
So 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.
1Cor.14.9
So if you speak in a way no one can understand, what's the point of opening your mouth?
1Cor.14.9
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
1Cor.14.9
So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
1Cor.14.9
And it's the same for you. If you talk to people in a language they don't understand, how will they know what you mean? You might as well be talking to an empty room.
1Cor.14.10
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1Cor.14.10
There are many languages in the world and they all mean something to someone.
1Cor.14.10
Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
1Cor.14.10
There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.
1Cor.14.10
There are so many different languages in the world, and all are excellent for those who understand them,
1Cor.14.11
Therefore 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.
1Cor.14.11
But if I don't understand the language, it's not going to do me much good.
1Cor.14.11
If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
1Cor.14.11
Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
1Cor.14.11
but to me they mean nothing. I will not understand people who speak those languages, and they will not understand me.
1Cor.14.12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1Cor.14.12
It's no different with you. Since you're so eager to participate in what God is doing, why don't you concentrate on doing what helps everyone in the church?
1Cor.14.12
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
1Cor.14.12
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
1Cor.14.12
Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church.
1Cor.14.13
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Cor.14.13
So, when you pray in your private prayer language, don't hoard the experience for yourself. Pray for the insight and ability to bring others into that intimacy.
1Cor.14.13
For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
1Cor.14.13
Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Cor.14.13
So anyone who has the gift of speaking in tongues should pray also for the gift of interpretation in order to tell people plainly what has been said.
1Cor.14.14
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Cor.14.14
If I pray in tongues, my spirit prays but my mind lies fallow, and all that intelligence is wasted.
1Cor.14.14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Cor.14.14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Cor.14.14
For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don't understand what I am saying.
1Cor.14.15
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.
1Cor.14.15
So what's the solution? The answer is simple enough. Do both. I should be spiritually free and expressive as I pray, but I should also be thoughtful and mindful as I pray. I should sing with my spirit, and sing with my mind.
1Cor.14.15
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
1Cor.14.15
What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
1Cor.14.15
Well then, what shall I do? I will do both. I will pray in the spirit, and I will pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will sing in words I understand.
1Cor.14.16
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?
1Cor.14.16
If you give a blessing using your private prayer language, which no one else understands, how can some outsider who has just shown up and has no idea what's going on know when to say "Amen"?
1Cor.14.16
If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?
1Cor.14.16
Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
1Cor.14.16
For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don't understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don't understand what you are saying?
1Cor.14.17
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1Cor.14.17
Your blessing might be beautiful, but you have very effectively cut that person out of it.
1Cor.14.17
You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
1Cor.14.17
For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1Cor.14.17
You will be giving thanks very nicely, no doubt, but it doesn't help the other people present.
1Cor.14.18
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1Cor.14.18
I'm grateful to God for the gift of praying in tongues that he gives us for praising him, which leads to wonderful intimacies we enjoy with him. I enter into this as much or more than any of you.
1Cor.14.18
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1Cor.14.18
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
1Cor.14.18
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1Cor.14.19
Yet 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.
1Cor.14.19
But when I'm in a church assembled for worship, I'd rather say five words that everyone can understand and learn from than say ten thousand that sound to others like gibberish.
1Cor.14.19
But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1Cor.14.19
yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1Cor.14.19
But in a church meeting I would much rather speak five understandable words that will help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.
1Cor.14.20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1Cor.14.20
To be perfectly frank, I'm getting exasperated with your infantile thinking. How long before you grow up and use your head--your adult head? It's all right to have a childlike unfamiliarity with evil; a simple no is all that's needed there. But there's far more to saying yes to something. Only mature and well-exercised intelligence can save you from falling into gullibility.
1Cor.14.20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
1Cor.14.20
Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
1Cor.14.20
Dear brothers and sisters, don't be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature and wise in understanding matters of this kind.
1Cor.14.21
In 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.
1Cor.14.21
It's written in Scripture that God said, In strange tongues and from the mouths of strangers I will preach to this people, but they'll neither listen nor believe.
1Cor.14.21
In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord.
1Cor.14.21
In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord.
1Cor.14.21
It is written in the Scriptures, "I will speak to my own people through unknown languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me," says the Lord.
1Cor.14.22
Wherefore 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.
1Cor.14.22
So where does it get you, all this speaking in tongues no one understands? It doesn't help believers, and it only gives unbelievers something to gawk at. Plain truth-speaking, on the other hand, goes straight to the heart of believers and doesn't get in the way of unbelievers.
1Cor.14.22
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
1Cor.14.22
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
1Cor.14.22
So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers.
1Cor.14.23
If 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?
1Cor.14.23
If you come together as a congregation and some unbelieving outsiders walk in on you as you're all praying in tongues, unintelligible to each other and to them, won't they assume you've taken leave of your senses and get out of there as fast as they can?
1Cor.14.23
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
1Cor.14.23
Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
1Cor.14.23
Even so, if unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your meeting and hear everyone talking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy.
1Cor.14.24
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1Cor.14.24
But if some unbelieving outsiders walk in on a service where people are speaking out God's truth, the plain words will bring them up against the truth
1Cor.14.24
But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all,
1Cor.14.24
But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
1Cor.14.24
But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin, and they will be condemned by what you say.
1Cor.14.25
And 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.
1Cor.14.25
and probe their hearts. Before you know it, they're going to be on their faces before God, recognizing that God is among you.
1Cor.14.25
and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
1Cor.14.25
And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
1Cor.14.25
As they listen, their secret thoughts will be laid bare, and they will fall down on their knees and worship God, declaring, "God is really here among you."
1Cor.14.26
How 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.
1Cor.14.26
So here's what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight.
1Cor.14.26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
1Cor.14.26
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
1Cor.14.26
Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord.
1Cor.14.27
If 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.
1Cor.14.27
If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three's the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you're saying.
1Cor.14.27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
1Cor.14.27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
1Cor.14.27
No more than two or three should speak in an unknown language. They must speak one at a time, and someone must be ready to interpret what they are saying.
1Cor.14.28
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Cor.14.28
Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself.
1Cor.14.28
If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
1Cor.14.28
But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
1Cor.14.28
But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.
1Cor.14.29
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1Cor.14.29
And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart.
1Cor.14.29
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
1Cor.14.29
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
1Cor.14.29
Let two or three prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.
1Cor.14.30
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1Cor.14.30
Take your turn, no one person taking over.
1Cor.14.30
And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop.
1Cor.14.30
But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.
1Cor.14.30
But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop.
1Cor.14.31
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1Cor.14.31
Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other.
1Cor.14.31
For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
1Cor.14.31
For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.
1Cor.14.31
In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.
1Cor.14.32
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1Cor.14.32
If you choose to speak, you're also responsible for how and when you speak.
1Cor.14.32
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
1Cor.14.32
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1Cor.14.32
Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can wait their turn.
1Cor.14.33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1Cor.14.33
When we worship the right way, God doesn't stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches--no exceptions.
1Cor.14.33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
1Cor.14.33
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
1Cor.14.33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches.
1Cor.14.34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1Cor.14.34
Wives must not disrupt worship, talking when they should be listening,
1Cor.14.34
As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.
1Cor.14.34
Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
1Cor.14.34
Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says.
1Cor.14.35
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
1Cor.14.35
asking questions that could more appropriately be asked of their husbands at home. God's Book of the law guides our manners and customs here. Wives have no license to use the time of worship for unwarranted speaking.
1Cor.14.35
If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
1Cor.14.35
And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
1Cor.14.35
If they have any questions to ask, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.
1Cor.14.36
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
1Cor.14.36
Do you--both women and men--imagine that you're a sacred oracle determining what's right and wrong? Do you think everything revolves around you?
1Cor.14.36
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?
1Cor.14.36
Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?
1Cor.14.36
Do you think that the knowledge of God's word begins and ends with you Corinthians? Well, you are mistaken!
1Cor.14.37
If 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.
1Cor.14.37
If any one of you thinks God has something for you to say or has inspired you to do something, pay close attention to what I have written. This is the way the Master wants it.
1Cor.14.37
If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.
1Cor.14.37
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
1Cor.14.37
If you claim to be a prophet or think you are very spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself.
1Cor.14.38
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1Cor.14.38
If you won't play by these rules, God can't use you. Sorry.
1Cor.14.38
If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
1Cor.14.38
But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1Cor.14.38
But if you do not recognize this, you will not be recognized.
1Cor.14.39
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1Cor.14.39
Three things, then, to sum this up: When you speak forth God's truth, speak your heart out. Don't tell people how they should or shouldn't pray when they're praying in tongues that you don't understand.
1Cor.14.39
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
1Cor.14.39
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
1Cor.14.39
So, dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking in tongues.
1Cor.14.40
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1Cor.14.40
Be courteous and considerate in everything.
1Cor.14.40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1Cor.14.40
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1Cor.14.40
But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.
