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Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.
Verse Takeaways
1
Usefulness Defines Value
Paul establishes a crucial principle: a spiritual gift's value is measured by its usefulness to the church, not by how spectacular it seems. Commentators like Barnes and Henry note that prophecy (clear teaching) is called "greater" than tongues because it directly builds up the community. A humble, useful gift is more valuable than a dazzling one that doesn't help others.
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
I would that you all spoke with tongues. It is an important endowment and, in its place, is not to be undervalued.
It may be of gre…
Except he interpret (εκτος ε μη διερμηνευη). Pleonastic combination of εκτος (preposition except) and ε μη (if not, unless) as in …
19th Century
Anglican
I would that ye all spake with tongues.—To avoid the danger of misunderstanding or misrepresentation, the Apostle emphati…
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Paul emphatically restates v.1b: Speak in tongues, you Corinthians, yes; but more than that, I want you to prophesy, because this gift brings under…
16th Century
Protestant
I would that ye all spake with tongues. Again he declares that he does not give such a preference to prophecy as not to leave som…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
I would that you all spoke with tongues This the apostle says, to prevent being misunderstood; for his view was not …
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Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew more attention than the plain interpretation of Scrip…
13th Century
Catholic
Here the Apostle addresses a potential objection or misunderstanding that could arise from what he just said. Some might believe that since the Apo…
