Appropriate Use Of Prophecy And Tongues

1 Pursue love; nevertheless be envious of the spiritual gifts, - and, rather, that ye may be prophesying.

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 (A)Pursue love, yet (B)desire earnestly (C)spiritual gifts, but especially that you may (D)prophesy.

1 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy.

1 Keep on pursuing love, and keep on desiring spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy.

2 For, he that speaketh with a tongue, not unto men, doth speak, but, unto God, - for, no one, understandeth, although, in spirit, he is speaking sacred secrets;

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

2 For one who (E)speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one (a)understands, but (b)in his spirit he speaks (F)mysteries.

2 For the person who speaks in another language(A) is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.(a)

2 For the person who speaks in a foreign language is not actually speaking to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands him, because he is talking about secrets by the Spirit.

3 But, be that prophesieth, unto men, doth speak - edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

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

3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for (G)edification and (H)exhortation and consolation.

3 But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation.

3 But the person who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh with a tongue, buildeth up, himself, whereas, he that prophesieth, buildeth up, an assembly.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

4 One who (I)speaks in a tongue (J)edifies himself; but one who (K)prophesies (L)edifies the church.

4 The person who speaks in another language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church.

4 The person who speaks in a foreign language builds himself up, but the person who prophesies builds up the church.

5 Howbeit I wish you all to speak with tongues, but, rather, that ye may prophesy, - moreover, greater, is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, - unless indeed he translate, that, the assembly, may receive upbuilding.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

5 Now I wish that you all (M)spoke in tongues, but (N)even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who (O)speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive (P)edifying.

5 I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

5 Now I wish that all of you could speak in foreign languages, but especially that you could prophesy. The person who prophesies is more important than the person who speaks in a foreign language, unless he interprets it so that the church may be built up.

6 But, now, brethren - if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit, you, except I speak, unto you, either by way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophesying, or teaching?

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of (Q)revelation or of (R)knowledge or of (S)prophecy or of (T)teaching?

6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in other languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation(B) or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

6 Indeed, brothers, if I come to you speaking in foreign languages, what good will I be to you unless I speak to you in some revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching?

7 In like manner, the things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, if, a distinction in the sounds, they do not give, how shall it be known, what is being piped or harped?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?

7 Even inanimate things that produce sounds—whether flute or harp(C)—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?

7 In the same way, lifeless instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. But if there's no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played?

8 For, if also, an uncertain sound, a trumpet, should give, who shall prepare himself for battle?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

8 For if (U)the (c)bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

8 In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle?(D)

8 For example, if a bugle doesn't sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

9 So, also, ye, through means of the tongue, except ye give intelligible discourse, how shall it be known what is being spoken? for ye will be speaking, to the air.

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be (V)speaking into the air.

9 In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air.

9 In the same way, unless you speak an intelligible message with your language, how will anyone know what is being said? You'll be talking into the air!

10 There may happen to be so many kinds of languages in the world, and, not one, unspoken: -

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of (d)languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning.

10 There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning.(b)

10 There are, I suppose, many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

11 If, then, I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be, unto him that is speaking, a foreigner, and, he that is speaking, shall be, in my case, a foreigner.

11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a (e)(W)barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a (f)barbarian (g)to me.

11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner(c) to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.

11 If I don't know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.

12 So, ye, also - since ye are, envious, of spirits, unto the upbuilding of the assembly, seek to be pre-eminent.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

12 So also you, since you are zealous of (h)spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the (X)edification of the church.

12 So also you—since you are zealous(E) for spiritual gifts,(d)(F) seek to excel in building up the church.

12 In the same way, since you're so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for building up the church.

13 Wherefore, he that speaketh with a tongue, let him pray that he may translate;

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

13 Therefore the person who speaks in another language should pray that he can interpret.

13 Therefore, the person who speaks in a foreign language should pray for the ability to interpret it.

14 For, if I am praying in a tongue, my spirit, is praying, but, my mind, is unfruitful.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit(G) prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.(H)

14 For if I pray in a foreign language, my spirit prays but my mind is not productive.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray also with the mind, - I will strike the strings with the spirit, butI will strike the strings also with the mind.

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.

15 (Y)What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will (Z)sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.

15 What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with my understanding.

15 What does this mean? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing psalms with my spirit, but I will also sing psalms with my mind.

16 Else, if thou be blessing in a spirit, he that filleth up the place of the ungifted person, how shall he say the Amen upon thy thanksgiving? since indeed, what thou art saying, he knoweth not;

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

16 Otherwise if you bless (i)in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the (j)ungifted say (AA)the “Amen” at your (AB)giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?

16 Otherwise, if you praise with the spirit,(e) how will the uninformed person(f) say “Amen”(I) at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?

16 Otherwise, if you say a blessing with your spirit, how can an otherwise uneducated person say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you're saying?

17 For, thou, indeed, excellently art giving thanks, but, the other, is not being built up.

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not (AC)edified.

17 For you may very well be giving thanks, but the other person is not being built up.

17 It's good for you to give thanks, but it does not build up the other person.

18 I give thanks unto God! - More than ye all, am I speaking with tongues;

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all;

18 I thank(J) God that I speak in other languages more than all of you;

18 I thank God that I speak in foreign languages more than all of you.

19 But, in assembly, I desire to speak five words with my mind, that, others also, I may instruct, than myriads of words in a tongue.

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words(K) with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in another language.

19 But in church I would rather speak five words with my mind to instruct others than 10,000 words in a foreign language.

20 Brethren! do not become children, in your understandings; but, in baseness, become babes, while, in your understandings, ye become, full-grown.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

20 (AD)Brethren, (AE)do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil (AF)be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

20 Brothers, don’t be childish in your thinking, but be infants in regard to evil and adult in your thinking.(L)

20 Brothers, stop being childish in your thinking. Be like infants with respect to evil, but think like adults.

21 In the law, it is written - With strange tongues, and with lips of strangers, will I speak unto this people; and, not even so, will they hearken unto me, - saith the Lord.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

21 In (AG)the Law it is written, “(AH)By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to Me,” says the Lord.

21 It is written in the law:I will speak to these peopleby people of other languagesand by the lips of foreigners,and even then, they will not listen to Me,(M)(g)says the Lord.

21 In the Law it is written, "By means of foreign languages and through the mouths of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," declares the Lord.

22 So that, the tongues, are for a sign - not unto them that believe, but, unto them that believe not; whereas, prophesying, is not for them that believe not, but, for them that believe.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but (AI)prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.

22 It follows that speaking in other languages is intended as a sign,(h) not for believers but for unbelievers. But prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.

22 Foreign languages, then, are meant to be a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers, while prophecy is meant, not for unbelievers, but for believers.

23 If, then, the whole assembly come together with one consent, and, all, are speaking with tongues, - and there come in persons unskilled or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are raving?

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and (k)ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that (AJ)you are mad?

23 Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in other languages and people who are uninformed or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

23 Now if the whole church gathers in the same place and everyone is speaking in foreign languages, when uneducated people or unbelievers come in, they will say that you are out of your mind, won't they?

24 But, if, all, be prophesying, - and there come in one who is unbelieving or unskilled, he is convicted by all, he is searched by all, the secrets of his heart, become manifest,

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

24 But if all (AK)prophesy, and an unbeliever or an (l)ungifted man enters, he is (AL)convicted by all, he is called to account by all;

24 But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or uninformed person comes in, he is convicted by all and is judged by all.

24 But if everyone is prophesying, when an unbeliever or an uneducated person comes in he will be convicted and examined by everything that's happening.

25 And, so, falling down upon his face, he will do homage unto God, reporting that, in reality, God is, among you.

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

25 (AM)the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will (AN)fall on his face and worship God, (AO)declaring that God is certainly among you.

25 The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is really among you.”(N)

25 His secret, inner heart will become known, and so he will bow down to the ground and worship God, declaring, "God is truly among you!"

Specific Instructions For Orderly Worship Services

26 What, then, is it, brethren? Whensoever ye are coming together, each one, hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath a translation: - let, all things, be done, unto building up.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

26 (AP)What is the outcome then, (AQ)brethren? When you assemble, (AR)each one has a (AS)psalm, has a (AT)teaching, has a (AU)revelation, has a (AV)tongue, has an (AW)interpretation. Let (AX)all things be done for edification.

26 What then is the conclusion, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one(i) has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, another language, or an interpretation.(O) All things must be done for edification.

26 What, then, does this mean, brothers? When you gather, everyone has a psalm, teaching, revelation, foreign language, or interpretation. Everything must be done for upbuilding.

27 If, with a tongue, one is speaking, let it be by two, or, at the most, three, - and by turns; and let, one, be translating;

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

27 If anyone speaks in a (AY)tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must (AZ)interpret;

27 If any person speaks in another language, there should be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and someone must interpret.

27 If anyone speaks in a foreign language, only two or three at the most should do so, one at a time, and somebody must interpret.

28 But, if there be none to translate, let him keep silence in assembly, and, unto himself, be speaking, and, unto God!

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.

28 But if there is no interpreter, that person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God.

28 If an interpreter is not present, the speaker should remain silent in the church and speak to himself and God.

29 Prophets, moreover, let two or three speak, and let, the others, judge.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

29 Let two or three (BA)prophets speak, and let the others (BB)pass judgment.

29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate.(P)

29 Two or three prophets should speak, and others should weigh carefully what is said.

30 If, however, unto another, a revelation be made, as he is sitting, let the first be silent;

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.

30 But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent.

30 If a revelation is made to another person who is seated, the first person should be silent.

31 For, one by one, ye can, all, be prophesying, - that, all, may learn, and, all, be encouraged.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;

31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged.(Q)

31 For everyone can prophesy in turn, so that everyone can be instructed and everyone can be encouraged.

32 And, spirits of prophets, unto prophets, do submit themselves;

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;

32 And the prophets’ spirits are under the control of the prophets,

32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets,

33 For God is not a God of confusion, but, of peace: - as in all the assemblies of the saints.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

33 for God is not a God of (BC)confusion but of (m)peace, as in (BD)all the churches of the (BE)saints.

33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.As in all the churches of the saints,(R)

33 for God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

34 As for the women, in the assemblies, let them be silent, for it is not permitted them to be speaking; but let them be in submission, - even as, the law, saith.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

34 The women are to (BF)keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but (BG)are to subject themselves, just as (BH)the Law also says.

34 the women(j) should be silent in the churches,(S) for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says.

34 As in all the churches of the saints, the women must keep silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak out, but must place themselves in submission, as the oral law also says.

35 If, however, they are wishing to learn something, at home, their own husbands, let them question; for it is a shame for a woman to be speaking in assembly.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is (n)improper for a woman to speak in church.

35 And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands(T) at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting.

35 If they want to learn anything, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is inappropriate for a woman to speak out in church.

36 Or, from you, did the word of God come forth? Or, unto you alone, did it extend?

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

36 (o)Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

36 Did the word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only?

36 Did God's word originate with you? Are you the only ones it has reached?

37 If anyone thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge the things which I am writing to you, - that they are, a commandment, of the Lord.

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

37 (BI)If anyone thinks he is a prophet or (BJ)spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you (BK)are the Lord’s commandment.

37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord’s command.

37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or a spiritual person, he must acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.

38 But, if anyone knoweth not, he is unknown!

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he (p)is not recognized.

38 But if anyone ignores this, he will be ignored.(k)

38 But if anyone ignores this, he should be ignored.

39 So, then, my brethren, - be zealous to prophesy, and do not forbid, to be speaking with tongues;

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

39 Therefore, my brethren, (BL)desire earnestly to (BM)prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.

39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager(U) to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages.

39 Therefore, my brothers, desire the ability to prophesy, and do not prevent others from speaking in foreign languages.

40 But let, all things, with comeliness, and by arrangement, be done.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

40 But (BN)all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

40 But everything must be done decently(V) and in order.

40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly way.

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

King James Version Public Domain

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org