1 Corinthians 14:39

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:39 in Other Translations

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.

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.

39 Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

39 So, brothers and sisters, desire to speak what God has revealed, and don't keep anyone from speaking in other languages.

39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in [other] languages.

39 Brothers and sisters, you should want to prophesy. And don't stop people from speaking in languages they had not known before.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy
The apostle now draws to a conclusion, and reassumes the exhortation he gave in the beginning of the chapter, pressing the members of this church to desire the gift of prophecy, that being the most eligible and preferable to others, particularly to speaking with tongues, since it was the most useful and edifying, as he abundantly proves:

and forbid not to speak with tongues;
such as have that gift, and are desirous of exercising it, provided they observe the rules prescribed, and have an interpreter; this he adds to promote love, and prevent dissension and discord.

1 Corinthians 14:39 In-Context

37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.

38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Cross References

• 1. ver 1; 1 Corinthians 12:31
• 2. ver 1; S Ephesians 4:11