1 Corinthians 14:3

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh to men unto edification and exhortation and comfort.

1 Corinthians 14:3 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:3

But he that prophesieth
Preaches, prays, or sings, in a language understood by the common people:

speaketh unto men to edification;
to the building of them up in Christ, and on their most holy faith, so that they grow up as an holy temple to the Lord: and exhortation; to the more vigorous exercise of grace, and the more cheerful and fervent discharge of duty:

and comfort;
of distressed minds, either through the temptations of Satan, or divine desertions, or inward corruptions, or outward afflictions; for all which ends and purposes the Scriptures are written, and gifts are bestowed on men to explain them; and which ends are answered when God gives a blessing to the word; but can never be expected, if delivered in a language not understood. This bears hard upon the Papists performing any part of divine worship in a language unintelligible to the common people.

1 Corinthians 14:3 In-Context

1 Follow after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh to men unto edification and exhortation and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.

5 And I would have you all to speak with tongues, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification.