Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:4
He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself ] Not necessarily because he understands what he is saying, but because his spirit, stirred up by the Spirit of God, is led by the experience of the inward emotion to praise God. Estius. See 1Co 14:14.
but he that prophesieth edifieth the church ] The profit of the brethren is ever St Paul’s object. Cf. 1Co 14:6 ; 1Co 14:12; ch. 1Co 6:12, &c. Prophecy is to be preferred to the gift of tongues because it is more directly useful. See note, ch. 1Co 12:28.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Edifieth himself – That is, the truths which are communicated to him by the Spirit, and which he utters in an unknown language, may be valuable, and may be the means of strengthening his faith, and building him up in the hopes of the gospel, but they can he of no use to others. His own holy affections might be excited by the truths which he would deliver, and the consciousness of possessing miraculous powers might excite his gratitude. And yet, as Doddridge has well remarked, there might be danger that a man might be injured by this gift when exercised in this ostentatious manner.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue] In the Hebrew for instance, the knowledge of the depth and power of which he has got by a Divine revelation, edifieth himself by that knowledge.
But he that prophesieth] Has the gift of preaching.
Edifieth the Church.] Speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort, 1Co 14:3.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; knowledge or understanding of the things that any man speaketh, is necessary to the improvement of them, by their being a means to promote faith and love; for how shall what men say in the least promote, either my faith in God or Christ, or my love to him, if I understand not what they say?
How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Rom 10:14. So that, though he that speaketh in an unknown tongue may (if he understand what he says) have his own heart affected with what he saith, yet it is not possible he should affect another.
But he that prophesieth edifieth the church; but he that preacheth in an intelligible language and style to all that hear him, he doth what in him lieth to edify all those that hear him.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
4. edifieth himselfas heunderstands the meaning of what the particular “tongue”expresses; but “the church,” that is, the congregation,does not.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
He that speaketh its an unknown tongue,…. Be it the Hebrew language, or any other; some copies, and the Ethiopic version, read, “with tongues”:
edifieth himself; his heart may be warmed, his affections raised, his devotion kept up, and he be in a very spiritual and comfortable frame, knowing and understanding what he himself says:
but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church: which is the great end of the Gospel ministry, which is for the edifying the body of the church: wherefore that which tends to the edification of more, even the whole church, must be preferable to that, which at most can only edify one, and that the speaker himself.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The church (). No article, literally, “a church” (local use). Not .
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;” (ho lalon glosse heauton oikodomei) – The one speaking in a tongue (intelligible language) strengthens or helps himself.” The one centered on speaking in a language that the masses do not understand, even if it were by charismatic gift, if no interpreter be present, helps himself only, selfishly, disturbs others, steals their time to his ego profit, Paul asserted, 1Co 14:14; 1Co 14:28.
2) “But he that prophesieth edifieth the church.” (ho de propeteuton ekklesian oikomei) “But the one prophesying edifies, strengthens, or builds up the church.” This is why Paul desired that the Corinth brethren pursue prophecy rather than tongues and other spiritual gifts, even before the Bible was completed, 1Co 14:1; 1Co 14:12. The issue was should one be selfish or unselfish in the motive of the charismatic gift he pursued, Mat 6:33? The cause of God should always have first place, priority in one’s will of pursuits in life.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
4. He that speaketh in another tongue, edifieth himself. In place of what he had said before — that he speaketh unto God, he now says — he speaketh to himself But whatever is done in the Church, ought to be for the common benefit. Away, then, with that misdirected ambition, which gives occasion for the advantage of the people generally being hindered! Besides, Paul speaks by way of concession: for when ambition makes use of such empty vauntings, (811) there is inwardly no desire of doing good; but Paul does, in effect, order away from the common society of believers those men of mere show, who look only to themselves.
(811) “ Iettent ainsi de grandes bouffees et se brauent en leur parler;” — “Make use in this way of great puffings, and boast themselves in their talk.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue.Better, He that speaketh in a tongue. The introduction of the word unknown destroys the whole force of the passage. All tonguesas distinct from languageswere unknown, i.e., unintelligible. The gift of prophecy is superior in usefulness to that of tongues, and therefore to be preferred. The use of the word edify, as applied to an individual solely, as distinct from the individual as a part of the whole Church, is unusual with St. Paul (see Note on 1Co. 8:1), but is introduced so as to make the antithesis verbally as well as logically more striking.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
4. Edifieth himself The very inspiration elevates and delights his spirit, while his own utterance of divine mysteries reacts upon and edifieth himself. Though he keep silence, (1Co 14:28,) he goes not unblest.
Edifieth the Church By clear and instructive thought, and, perhaps, supernatural prediction.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.’
For this is the nature of these gifts. Tongues are for self-edification, prophecy is in order to edify all. Thus, in church, prophecy should have preference.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Co 14:4. In an unknown tongue. By , tongue, Dr. Lightfoot, in this chapter, understands the Hebrew tongue; which, he observes, was used in the synagogue in reading the scripture, in praying, and in preaching. “If that be the meaning oftongue here, says Mr. Locke, it suits well with the Apostle’s design; which was to take them off from their Jewish false apostle, who probably might have encouraged and promoted this speaking of the Hebrew in their assemblies.” But it appears to me more likely that the word , here signifies any known tongue, in the general.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Co 14:4 . Difference between the relations of the two in respect of the just mentioned .
] in so far, namely, as he not merely believes that he feels (Wetstein), but really does feel in himself the edifying influence of what he utters. This does not presuppose such an understanding of what he utters as could be communicated to others, but it does assume an impression on the whole of a devout and elevating, although mystical kind, experienced in his own spiri.
.] a church , without the article, an assembly .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Ver. 4. Edifieth the Church ] Therefore prophecy is the more worthy, because profitable. Prodesse melius quam praeesse.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
4. ] . . does not necessarily involve his understanding what he speaks: the exercise of the gift in accordance with the prompting of the Spirit may be regarded as an : the intensity of the feeling of prayer or praise in which he utters the words is edifying to him, though the words themselves are unintelligible. This view is necessary on account of what is said in 1Co 14:5 , that if he can interpret , he can edify not only himself but the church.
] [i.e. the assembled Christians: see note on ch. 1Co 11:18 ] not, as Meyer, a congregation , but = : the art. being often omitted when a noun in government has an emphatic place before the verb: accordingly in 1Co 14:5 , it is . which is edified.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Co 14:4 . “He that speaks with a tongue edifies himself, but he that prophesies edifies a church (assembly)” not one but many persons, not himself but a whole community. The impression made on the by his utterance, since it was delivered in a rapture and without clear conception (1Co 14:12 ff.), must have been vague; but it powerfully confirmed his faith, since it left an abiding sense of possession by the Spirit of God ( cf. 2Co 12:1-10 ). Our deepest feelings frequently enter the mind below the surface consciousness.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
edifieth. Greek. oikodomeo. See Act 9:31.
church. App-186.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
4.] . . does not necessarily involve his understanding what he speaks: the exercise of the gift in accordance with the prompting of the Spirit may be regarded as an : the intensity of the feeling of prayer or praise in which he utters the words is edifying to him, though the words themselves are unintelligible. This view is necessary on account of what is said in 1Co 14:5, that if he can interpret, he can edify not only himself but the church.
] [i.e. the assembled Christians: see note on ch. 1Co 11:18] not, as Meyer, a congregation, but = : the art. being often omitted when a noun in government has an emphatic place before the verb: accordingly in 1Co 14:5, it is . which is edified.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 14:4. , himself) understanding the meaning of what the tongue speaks.-, the church) the whole congregation.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 14:4
1Co 14:4
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself;-He speaks the truths of God that will build up and strengthen himself.
but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.-The church can understand him, and he instructs and strengthens it.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
edifieth himself: 1Co 14:14
edifieth the: 1Co 14:3, 1Co 14:18, 1Co 14:19
Reciprocal: Gen 20:7 – a prophet Act 9:31 – were edified 1Co 14:12 – seek 1Co 14:17 – but 1Co 14:26 – Let Eph 4:12 – the edifying
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Co 14:4. Being the possessor of the gift of tongues, this man will be benefited by its use, but the church as a whole would not be benefited as it is by prophesying.
1Co 14:5
1Co 14:5. Paul did not begrudge any man his possession of the gift of tongues, and he was not conducting the present discussion from that motive. He had a practical reason, however, for preferring the gift of prophesying, namely, it edifies the church (verse 4). Except he interpret. I believe this is correctly translated, and hence that at least some men were given two gifts, that of speaking in a foreign tongue, and also of interpreting it; otherwise he could not “edify himself” (verse 4). Verses 13, 14 also indicates that the same man may possess both gifts.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Observe here, 1. Another argument used by the apostle to prove the gift of prophesying, that is, of interpreting the holy scripture, to be far more excellent than the gift of tongues, separated from the gift of interpretation: he that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifies none but himself, because none but himself understands it; but he that teacheth, instructeth, and exhorteth others, edifieth the church, or the whole assembly that he spake in.
Observe, 2. The apostle wishes they all had the gift of tongues, because they were so very covetous and desirous of them: though alas! rather for their own ostentation than the church’s edification: yet he rather desires, with Moses, that all the Lord’s people were prophets; that is, directed and assisted by the Spirit of God, to deliver plainly and persuasively the will of God to men; for he is the greatest in the church who is most edifying; and he that prophesieth, edifieth more than he that speaketh all languages uninterpreted.
Observe, 3. He amplifies this by instancing in his own person: If I come to you speaking with tongues; as if he had said, I wonder whether what you so admire in others would please you in me! suppose that I, whom God has eminently endowed with the gift of tongues, should come and speak to you in the Arabian language, what good would it do you? What would you be the wiser or better for me, should I make known to you some revelation which I immediately received from God, or open to you some truth which you knew not before, or urge you to some needful duty, or doctrinally expound to you the matters of faith and obedience recorded in the gospel, if either myself or some interpreter did not make what I say intelligible to you, what will it profit you?
To deliver the mind and will of God plainly and persuasively to the church’s benefit and edification, is much more acceptable to God, profitable to man, and comfortable to ourselves, than to speak with the tongues of men and angels, in language not understood, or not heard.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Vv. 4. He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth, edifieth the Church.
From his intimate communion with God, the glossolalete derives a blessing which, even though it is not transformed into precise notions by the exercise of the understanding, makes itself felt as a power in the depths of his soul; but the Church has received nothing of the kind, for it has understood nothing of the inward dialogue kept up with God. Prophecy, on the contrary, is like a torrent of living water which overspreads and quickens the whole Church. Hence the conclusion drawn, 1Co 14:5.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. [The apostle here lays the groundwork of his argument. Prophecy is superior to the gift of exercising his spiritual gift (Rev 1:10), might indeed speak the divine truths or mysteries of God; but, speaking them in a foreign language, he would be understood only by God and himself, and so would only edify, etc., himself. On the other hand, the prophet, declaring the same or kindred mysteries in the vernacular, would be understood by all present, and thus he would transform the mysteries into revelations, which would benefit the church, either edifying it, so as to enlighten its ignorance; or rousing its latent energies, so as to dispel its sluggishness; or comforting it, so as to remove its sorrows. In short, tongues might excite wonder (Act 2:12), but preaching brought forth fruit (Act 2:36-42) and the Corinthian church had need to be more fruitful, since it was not eminent for its holiness or its works. Paul does not mean to say that no man living could understand the tongues, or that they were mere jargon. He means that no man present in the usual Corinthian assemblies understood them. Had speaking with tongues been mere hysterical “orgiastic” jargon, it certainly would not have bodied forth the mysteries of God, nor would it have edified the one speaking, nor could it have been interpreted by him or by others as Paul directs. Those who belittle the gift by construing it as a mere jargon approach dangerously near making Paul (and themselves likewise) criticize the Holy Spirit for giving such a senseless, abnormal gift. But those who read Paul correctly find that he is only censuring the abuse of the gift and not the nature of it. It was useful to the church while engaged in missionary work in foreign fields. But it became a source of vanity and vainglorious display when used by a church sitting idly at home. To the missionary it was a splendid addition to the gift of prophecy; but to the Corinthian preachers exhorting in their home church, it was a sad subtraction from that gift. The fruits of the Spirit in the Christian life are far enough from being “orgiastic”– Gal 5:22]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 4
Edifieth himself; edifieth no one but himself.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
14:4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the {e} church.
(e) The company.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The person who spoke in tongues in church edified himself or herself. He or she praised God and prayed to God while speaking in a tongue. He or she also benefited from realizing that the Holy Spirit was enabling him or her to speak a language that he or she had not studied. This would have encouraged the tongues-speaker, but that one did not edify himself or herself in the sense of profiting from the message the Holy Spirit had given. He did not know what his words meant unless he also had the gift of interpretation, but in this discussion Paul left that gift out of the picture almost entirely (cf. 1Co 14:5). Had he known what he was saying he could have communicated this to those present in their language. That is what a prophet did. Prophets did not just foretell the future or announce new special revelation from God. They also delivered statements or messages in praise of God, or a word of instruction, refutation, reproof, admonition, or comfort for others. [Note: See my note on 11:4.] Paul’s point was that edifying the church is more important than edifying oneself. He did not deny that speaking in tongues does edify the tongues-speaker (cf. 1Co 14:14-15; 1Co 14:18-19).
"Though he himself would not comprehend the content of that praise, his feelings and emotions would be enlivened, leading to a general exhilaration and euphoria. This was not a bad thing. Paul certainly was no advocate of cold, dispassionate worship. The gifts where not given for personal enrichment, however, but for the benefit of others (1Co 12:7; cf. 1Co 10:24; 1Pe 4:10). Personal edification and exhilaration were often natural by-products of the legitimate exercise of one’s gift, but they were not the main reasons for its exercise." [Note: Lowery, "1 Corinthians," p. 538.]