1 Corinthians 14:4

4 The person who speaks in [another] language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:4

He that speaketh its an unknown tongue
Be it the Hebrew language, or any other; some copies, and the Ethiopic version, read, "with tongues":

edifieth himself;
his heart may be warmed, his affections raised, his devotion kept up, and he be in a very spiritual and comfortable frame, knowing and understanding what he himself says:

but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church:
which is the great end of the Gospel ministry, which is for the edifying the body of the church: wherefore that which tends to the edification of more, even the whole church, must be preferable to that, which at most can only edify one, and that the speaker himself.

1 Corinthians 14:4 In-Context

2 For the person who speaks in [another] language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.
3 But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation.
4 The person who speaks in [another] language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church.
5 I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.
6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in [other] languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
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