1 Corinthians 14:17

17 For you most assuredly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

1 Corinthians 14:17 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:17

For thou verily givest thanks well
In very proper words, and pertinent expressions, with great affection and devotion, suitable to the service;

but the other is not edified;
the rest of the people, who do not understand the language in which thanks are given; "thy friend", as the Syriac version reads it; or thy next neighbour, he that stands by thee, receives no manner of profit by it, because he does not understand what is said.

1 Corinthians 14:17 In-Context

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.

16 Else if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the "Amein" at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn't know what you say?

17 For you most assuredly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

18 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all.

19 However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.