1 corinthians 14:6 - But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?
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What does "1 corinthians 14:6" mean?
In 1 Corinthians 14:6, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's obsession with speaking in tongues (other languages). He's essentially saying that speaking in tongues, without interpretation or a clear purpose, is useless for the congregation.
Let's break it down:
"But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages..." Paul sets up a hypothetical situation where he visits the Corinthians and only speaks in tongues.
"...what would I profit you..." This highlights the core question: what good would it do them? What benefit would they receive from his visit?
"...unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?" This is the key part. Paul clarifies that his speaking in tongues could be beneficial only if it's accompanied by:
Revelation: Direct divine insight or unveiling of something previously hidden.
Knowledge: Understanding and insight into scripture or spiritual truths.
Prophesying: Speaking God's message in a way that edifies, encourages, and comforts. (In this context, it doesn't necessarily mean predicting the future.)
Teaching: Explaining and applying spiritual principles in a clear and understandable way.
In other words, the tongues must be translated, interpreted, or explained in a way that imparts spiritual understanding, guidance, or edification to the listeners. Without that, it's just noise.
The main point: Paul is emphasizing the importance of intelligibility and edification in worship. Speaking in tongues is not inherently wrong, but it should always serve a purpose – to communicate God's message in a way that builds up the church. If it doesn't do that, it's just a self-serving display. The emphasis is on serving others rather than oneself.
1 corinthians 14:6 - But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?
What does "1 corinthians 14:6" mean?
In 1 Corinthians 14:6, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's obsession with speaking in tongues (other languages). He's essentially saying that speaking in tongues, without interpretation or a clear purpose, is useless for the congregation.
Let's break it down:
"But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages..." Paul sets up a hypothetical situation where he visits the Corinthians and only speaks in tongues.
"...what would I profit you..." This highlights the core question: what good would it do them? What benefit would they receive from his visit?
"...unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?" This is the key part. Paul clarifies that his speaking in tongues could be beneficial only if it's accompanied by:
Revelation: Direct divine insight or unveiling of something previously hidden.
Knowledge: Understanding and insight into scripture or spiritual truths.
Prophesying: Speaking God's message in a way that edifies, encourages, and comforts. (In this context, it doesn't necessarily mean predicting the future.)
Teaching: Explaining and applying spiritual principles in a clear and understandable way.
In other words, the tongues must be translated, interpreted, or explained in a way that imparts spiritual understanding, guidance, or edification to the listeners. Without that, it's just noise.
The main point: Paul is emphasizing the importance of intelligibility and edification in worship. Speaking in tongues is not inherently wrong, but it should always serve a purpose – to communicate God's message in a way that builds up the church. If it doesn't do that, it's just a self-serving display. The emphasis is on serving others rather than oneself.