1 Corinthians 14:4

4 He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself, but he that prophesies edifies the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}.

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 speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God, for no one understands him, even though by the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

3 But he that prophesies speaks unto men for edification and exhortation and comfort.

4 He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself, but he that prophesies edifies the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}.

5 I would that ye all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied, for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} may receive edifying.

6 Now, brothers, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either with revelation or with knowledge or with prophecy or with doctrine?