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Bible >1 Corinthians >Chapter 14 > Verse 4

◄ 1 Corinthians 14:4►

New International Version
Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

New Living Translation
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.

English Standard Version
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

Berean Standard Bible
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

Berean Literal Bible
Theone speaking in a tongue edifies himself, but theone prophesying edifiesthe church.

King James Bible
He that speaketh in anunknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

New King James Version
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

New American Standard Bible
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

NASB 1995
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

NASB 1977
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

Legacy Standard Bible
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

Amplified Bible
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church [promotes growth in spiritual wisdom, devotion, holiness, and joy].

Christian Standard Bible
The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The person who speaks in another language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church.

American Standard Version
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Contemporary English Version
By speaking languages that others don't know, you help only yourself. But by prophesying you help everyone in the church.

English Revised Version
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When a person speaks in another language, he helps himself grow. But when a person speaks what God has revealed, he helps the church grow.

Good News Translation
Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

International Standard Version
The person who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, but the person who prophesies builds up the church.

NET Bible
The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

New Heart English Bible
He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Webster's Bible Translation
He that speaketh in an unknown language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Weymouth New Testament
He who speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself, but he who prophesies does good to the Church.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

World English Bible
He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue, edifies himself, and he who is prophesying, edifies the Assembly;

Berean Literal Bible
Theone speaking in a tongue edifies himself, but theone prophesying edifiesthe church.

Young's Literal Translation
he who is speaking in an unknown tongue, himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he speaking in a tongue builds himself; and he prophesying builds the church.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
He that speaketh in a tongue, edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever speaks in tongues edifies himself. But whoever prophesies edifies the Church.

New American Bible
Whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but whoever prophesies builds up the church.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He who speaks in languages builds himself up, and he who prophesies builds the church up.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
He that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself; but he that prophesies, edifies the church.

Godbey New Testament
The one speaking with a tongue edifies himself; but the one prophesying edifies the church.

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

Mace New Testament
he that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself alone: but he that expounds, edifies the church.

Weymouth New Testament
He who speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself, but he who prophesies does good to the Church.

Worrell New Testament
He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifiesthe assembly.

Worsley New Testament
He, that speaketh in anunknown tongue, edifieth himself: but he, that prophesieth, edifieth the church.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Prophecy and Tongues
…3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself,but the one who prophesies edifies the church.5I wish that all of you could 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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Ephesians 4:12
to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

1 Corinthians 12:7-10
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. / To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, / to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ...

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:12
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:39
So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 13:9-10
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, / but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1 Corinthians 10:23
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

2 Corinthians 12:19
Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.

Treasury of Scripture

He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.

edifieth himself.

1 Corinthians 14:14
For if I pray in anunknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

edifieth the.

1 Corinthians 14:3,18,19
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto mento edification, and exhortation, and comfort…

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1 Corinthians 14

1.Prophecy is commended,
2.and preferred before speaking in tongues,
6.by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.
12.Both must be referred to edification,
22.as to their true and proper end.
26.The true use of each is taught,
27.and the abuse rebuked.
34.Women in the churches.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself
In the early church, speaking in tongues was a spiritual gift that involved speaking in a language unknown to the speaker. This gift was first manifested at Pentecost (Acts 2:4) and served as a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). The phrase "edifies himself" suggests that speaking in tongues primarily benefits the individual spiritually, as it is a form of personal prayer and communion with God (1 Corinthians 14:2). This self-edification is important for personal spiritual growth, but it lacks the communal benefit that other gifts, like prophecy, provide. The emphasis on self-edification highlights the need for balance between personal spiritual experiences and the edification of the church body.

but the one who prophesies edifies the church
Prophecy in the New Testament context refers to speaking forth the word of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Unlike speaking in tongues, prophecy is intelligible to the congregation and serves to build up, encourage, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). The communal aspect of prophecy aligns with the broader biblical principle of love and service to others (1 Corinthians 13). Prophecy's role in edifying the church underscores the importance of spiritual gifts being used for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). This reflects the early church's emphasis on unity and mutual edification, as seen in the communal life of the believers inActs 2:42-47. The contrast between self-edification and church edification in this verse calls believers to prioritize the latter, aligning with the teachings of Jesus on serving others (Mark 10:45).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Apostle Paul
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding spiritual gifts and their proper use within the church community.

2.Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, which presented unique challenges and opportunities for the early Christian church.

3.The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts.

4.Speaking in Tongues
A spiritual gift involving speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, intended for personal edification unless interpreted for the church.

5.Prophecy
A spiritual gift involving speaking forth God's message to edify, exhort, and comfort the church community.

Teaching Points

Personal Edification vs. Corporate Edification
Speaking in tongues primarily benefits the individual, while prophecy serves to build up the entire church. Believers should prioritize gifts that edify the community.

Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of strengthening the church. Believers should seek to use their gifts in ways that promote unity and growth.

Discernment in Worship
The church should exercise discernment in the use of spiritual gifts during worship, ensuring that all practices contribute to the edification of the congregation.

Pursuing Love and Edification
In the context of spiritual gifts, love should be the guiding principle. Believers are encouraged to pursue love and seek gifts that edify others.

Balancing Personal and Corporate Spiritual Life
While personal spiritual growth is important, believers are called to balance it with a commitment to the growth and edification of the church community.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:4?

2.How does 1 Corinthians 14:4 encourage personal spiritual growth through speaking in tongues?

3.What is the difference between edifying oneself and edifying the church in this verse?

4.How can we balance personal edification with church edification in our spiritual practices?

5.How does 1 Corinthians 14:4 relate to the use of spiritual gifts in worship?

6.What practical steps can you take to edify the church as Paul advises?

7.What does "edifies himself" mean in 1 Corinthians 14:4, and why is it significant?

8.How does speaking in tongues edify the speaker according to 1 Corinthians 14:4?

9.Why does 1 Corinthians 14:4 emphasize personal edification over communal edification?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14?

11.What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?

12.When will the gift of tongues end?

13.What were Charles Parham's biography, beliefs, and influence?

14.How can speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2) be validated if it has no observable or scientific basis?

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:4 Mean

Setting the context

Paul is writing to a gifted but divided church, urging them to use spiritual gifts so that “the church may be edified” (1 Corinthians 14:12). Chapters 12–14 flow together:

• Chapter 12 lists diverse gifts as parts of one body (v. 4-27).

• Chapter 13 sets love as the indispensable motive.

• Chapter 14 applies both truths to tongues and prophecy.

Against that backdrop, verse 4 contrasts two good gifts, highlighting their different effects on the body.

“The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself”

• Tongues are Spirit-given words spoken to God (1 Corinthians 14:2) that bypass normal understanding.

• Personal benefit is real—Paul himself said, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you” (v. 18).

• Private use builds faith, refreshes the spirit, and strengthens intimacy with the Lord (see Jude 20;Romans 8:26-27).

• Yet the gain is primarily inward; listeners remain uninformed unless interpretation is provided (1 Corinthians 14:28).

Paul is not dismissing the gift—he is simply measuring its reach.

“But the one who prophesies edifies the church”

• Prophecy delivers a Spirit-prompted message in words the congregation understands (1 Corinthians 14:3).

• Results: “strengthening, encouragement, and comfort” for many, not just one (Acts 15:32;1 Thessalonians 5:20).

• Because it is intelligible, prophecy knits believers together, aligns them with God’s will, and spurs obedience (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Paul therefore says, “I would rather have you prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:5), underscoring its broader blessing.

Paul’s clear priority: building up the body

• Love seeks the good of others (1 Corinthians 13:5); therefore, the best public gift is the one that helps the most people.

• “Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12).

• Even tongues can serve the body—if paired with interpretation so that all understand (v. 13, 27).

• The principle echoes throughout Scripture: “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:24; cf.Romans 14:19).

Practical application today

• Enjoy private tongues as a grace-gift; it is God’s provision for personal renewal.

• In gatherings, aim for clarity. If you sense a prophetic word, share it humbly so all may “weigh carefully” (1 Corinthians 14:29).

• Measure every contribution by its edifying effect—does it strengthen faith, spread hope, draw attention to Christ?

• Remember, every believer has something to give: “Use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10).

• When love guides order, the Spirit’s gifts bring life, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

summary

1 Corinthians 14:4 contrasts two authentic gifts. Speaking in tongues builds up the individual; prophecy builds up the congregation. Paul’s yardstick is edification. Personal blessing is good, but the highest goal in public worship is the strengthening of the whole body. Pursue gifts eagerly, use them lovingly, and let everything point the church to Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4)He that speaketh in an unknown tongue.--Better,He that speaketh in a tongue. The introduction of the word "unknown" destroys the whole force of the passage. All tongues--as distinct from languages--were unknown,i.e., unintelligible. The gift of prophecy is superior in usefulness to that of tongues, and therefore to be preferred. The use of the word "edify," as applied to an individual solely, as distinct from the individual as a part of the whole Church, is unusual with St. Paul (see Note on1Corinthians 8:1), but is introduced so as to make the antithesis verbally as well as logically more striking.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. -Edifieth himself. When the "tongue" was genuine, and under due control (ver. 32); when it avoided the physical and orgiastic manifestations by which a sort of spiritual possession was indicated in the ancient oracular shrines; when the self consciousness was not wholly obliterated, - a sense of ennobling conviction would be produced by this spiritual outpouring. Those who have experienced the emotion describe this very result. They felt enlarged and elevated - their whole being was for a time expanded - by this emotion.The Church. Primarily the body of assembled Christians which he is addressing, and through them the Church of God in general.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

speaks
λαλῶν(lalōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

in a tongue
γλώσσῃ(glōssē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1100:The tongue; by implication, a language.

edifies
οἰκοδομεῖ(oikodomei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3618:From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.

himself,
ἑαυτὸν(heauton)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.

but
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

prophesies
προφητεύων(prophēteuōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4395:From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.

edifies
οἰκοδομεῖ(oikodomei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3618:From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.

[the] church.
ἐκκλησίαν(ekklēsian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577:From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in another language edifies (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)