1 Corinthians 14:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To have inspiration from the Spirit belongs equally to both, to the one who prophesies and to the one who speaks in tongues. But the former, that is, the one who prophesies, has the advantage over the latter because he is also useful to his hearers.

Those who did not have this gift did not hear those who spoke in tongues. What then? Did they edify no one? Yes, he says, only themselves. Therefore the Apostle adds: “He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself” (1 Cor 14:4).

How is this so, if he does not know what he says? But here the Apostle is speaking of those who knew what they said. They knew it themselves, but could not convey it to others.

Many who spoke in tongues could not explain what they themselves were saying. Therefore they were useful only to themselves. But he who prophesies is useful to all the hearers. Thus the distance between benefit for one person and benefit for the Church is the same as the distance between tongues and prophecy.

He who speaks in a tongue edifies only himself, in that he learns that he has been deemed worthy of the gifts of the Spirit. But he who prophesies edifies the whole Church of God.

By the fact that he alone knows what he says, he edifies himself. But he who prophesies edifies the whole people, because all understand what is said. Paul calls interpreters of Scripture prophets. For just as a prophet foretells the future, which is unknown, so also the one who reveals the meaning of the Scriptures, hidden from many, is called a prophet.

“He who speaks in tongues edifies himself.” For those present did not understand what he said. “But he who prophesies edifies the Church.” For when they saw both the revelation of thoughts and the disclosure of what was secretly taking place, they received very great benefit. And lest it occur to anyone that the Apostle says this out of envy, he necessarily added:

“Edifies himself.” The Apostles, stirred by the Holy Spirit, were not only carried into exaltation themselves, but also stirred others to the same. Thus what they said could be understood by their hearers.

In Corinth this was not the case. An inspired Christian, though he spoke in some tongue, could not edify others or bring them into exaltation. An interpreter was also necessary.

But one who prophesies, or interprets the truths of faith, may bring greater benefit to his hearers without stirring them into exaltation, but by acting upon ordinary feeling. For he offers edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Cor 14:3).

Here the Apostle Paul shows the advantage that belongs to prophecy in comparison with tongues. It consists in this: whoever speaks in languages unknown to the assembly does not serve the edification of those gathered.

But whoever prophesies, that is, explains the subjects of faith, edifies the Church. The Stundists try to turn these apostolic thoughts, as also the thought of verse 19, into a reproach against the Slavonic language used in our divine services, since not all understand it.

But the Apostle Paul does not censure the gift of tongues. He speaks of it with respect: "he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men but to God," "he speaks mysteries in the Spirit," verse 2, and "edifies himself," verse 4.

In the fourteenth chapter, concerning two spiritual gifts in particular: prophecy and tongues.

The Apostle first discloses the superiority of the first gift over the second (1 Cor. 14:1-25). Then he instructs how each gift should be used in the Church (1 Cor. 14:26-38). Finally, he draws a concluding inference about these two gifts (1 Cor. 14:39-40).

The superiority of prophecy over tongues (1 Cor. 14:1-25).

1 Cor. 14:1-5. "He who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men but to God" (the all-knowing God, 1 Cor. 14:2).

"But he who prophesies," that is, who intelligibly declares the will of God, not only concerning the future but also the past and present, "speaks to men for edification, exhortation, and consolation" (1 Cor. 14:3).

Therefore, "he who prophesies," which is the same as teaching, "is greater than he who speaks in tongues," that is, foreign languages, "unless he also interprets, so that the Church may receive edification" (1 Cor. 14:5).

Having shown in chapter 13 the general significance of the extraordinary gifts present in the Corinthian Church, the Apostle Paul now defines the comparative significance of prophecy and tongues. He points out the advantages of the first and teaches how it, and also tongues, should be used.

Some likely abused the gift of tongues, which was so highly valued among the Greeks. As the chief guide in the use of the gifts, the Apostle points to love. Love will show what is more beneficial for the members of the Church.

Christian zeal must direct everything so that what is spiritual has precedence over what is outward. From this it is clear that tongues, as a purely outward gift, must yield first place to prophecy.

The one who speaks in tongues understands only himself. Therefore he edifies only himself. But all who are in the Church understand the one who prophesies, and all are edified.

This is also the purpose of the gifts. They are given for the need of the Church, either for increasing her members by converting them to the faith, for which the gift of tongues also serves, or for building up those who have believed. The prophetic, preaching gift serves this especially.

Some suppose that those who spoke in tongues did not understand themselves. But how would they have edified themselves if they did not understand themselves? “The Apostle is speaking of those who knew what they said. They knew it themselves, but could not convey it to others” (Saint Chrysostom).