Appropriate Use Of Prophecy And Tongues

1 Hotly pursue this love, yet seek earnestly spiritual gifts, and chiefly that you may prophesy.

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

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may 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 who speaks in a "tongue" speaks not to man but to God, for no one understands him, but in the Spirit he utters secret truths.

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 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 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 he who prophesies addresses words to men that build up, encourage, and console.

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

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

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 who speaks in a tongue upbuilds himself; but he who prophesies upbuilds the church.

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

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth 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 Now I should like you all to speak with "tongues"; but I should rather that you prophesied, For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up.

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 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 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 Now brothers, if I should come to you speaking with tongues, what should I benefit you, unless I speak to you some revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or teaching?

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 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, 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 For if lifeless instruments such as the flute or the harp give no distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is fluted 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 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 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 Or, for example, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, what soldier will be prepared for battle?

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

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the 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 In the same way with you, if you utter unintelligible words with your tongue, how can what you say be understood? You will be speaking to the winds!

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 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 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 are, let us say, so many languages in the world, and none without its meaning.

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

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

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 force of expression, I shall seem a barbarian to the one who uses it, and he will seem a barbarian to 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 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 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 also in your case, since you are ambitious for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in them for the upbuilding 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 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(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 So let him who speaks with tongues pray that he may interpret.

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

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown 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 pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is barren.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, 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 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 then? I will pray with my spirit, and I will pray also with my mind. I will praise God with my spirit, but I will praise him with my mind, 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 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 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 For if you in your spirit bless God, how shall he who fills the place of the unlearned say the Amen to your thanksgiving, when he does not know what you are talking about?

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 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 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 You on the one hand offer a good thanksgiving, but the other is not built up.

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

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not 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 Thank God I speak with tongues more than you all,

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

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye 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 the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, so as to instruct others, than ten thousand 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 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 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 Brothers, do not become children in understanding; be babes in malice, but in understanding become mature 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 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

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 men of other tongues, and by the lips of strangers, will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says 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 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 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 then the gift of tongues is for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for those who 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 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 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 Accordingly, when the whole church assemblies, and everybody is speaking "with tongues," if there enter men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that you 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 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 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 are prophesying when an unlearned or unbelieving man enters, he is convicted in conscience by your speaker, he feels himself judged by 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 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 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 the secret depths of his heart are laid open. So he will fall upon his face and worship God, saying, "Of a truth, God is with you."

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 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 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 follows, then, brothers? Whenever you meet together, each contributes something; a psalm, a sermon, a revelation, a tongue, an interpretation. Let all be done for edification.

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 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 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 any one speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that in turn, and let some 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 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 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 is no one to interpret, let them keep silence in the church, and speak to themselves 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 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, 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 Let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others exercise their judgment.

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

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

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 But if to one as he sits there some revelation is made, let the first be silent.

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

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

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 you can all prophesy one by one; so that all may be learning, and all may be encouraged.

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

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 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 The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets,

32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the 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. This custom prevails in all the 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 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the 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 "In your congregation" you write, "as in all the churches of the saints, let the women keep silence in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak. On the contrary let them be subordinate, as also says 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 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(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 And if they want to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a women to speak in 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 will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the 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 What, was it from you that the word of God went forth, or to you only did it come?

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

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto 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 any one thinks himself a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that what I am now writing you is a command 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 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 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 any one disregard it he will be disregarded.

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

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

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

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

39 So, my brothers, be ambitious for the gift of prophecy, and speak not against the gifts of tongues.

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

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with 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 Let everything be done decently and in order.

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

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

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

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

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