1 Corinthians 14:4

4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth 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 he that speaketh in an [unknown] language, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth [him]; yet in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth, speaketh to men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spoke in languages, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh in languages, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in languages, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
The Webster Bible is in the public domain.