1 Corinthians 14:3
◄  1 Corinthians 14:3  ►
New International Version (©2011)
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.

New Living Translation (©2007)
But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.

English Standard Version (©2001)
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation.

International Standard Version (©2012)
But the person who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and comfort.

NET Bible (©2006)
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
But he who prophesies speaks edification, encouragement and comfort to children of men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
But when a person speaks what God has revealed, he speaks to people to help them grow, to encourage them, and to comfort them.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

American King James Version
But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

American Standard Version
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.

Douay-Rheims Bible
But he that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Darby Bible Translation
But he that prophesies speaks to men in edification, and encouragement, and consolation.

English Revised Version
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and comfort, and consolation.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he that prophesieth, speaketh to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Weymouth New Testament
But he who prophesies speaks to men words of edification, encouragement and comfort.

World English Bible
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.

Young's Literal Translation
and he who is prophesying to men doth speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort;

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

14:1-5 Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in language such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent, spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, else men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - To edification, and exhortation, and comfort. The "to" should be omitted. His words build up the Christian soul, by rousing its efforts and consoling its sorrows. The "Son of prophecy" (Barnabas) is, as Stanley points out, also "a Son of consolation" (Acts 4:36). "Support" (paraklesis) involves "comfort," i.e. strength and calm.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

But he that prophesieth,.... Preaches, prays, or sings, in a language understood by the common people:

speaketh unto men to edification; to the building of them up in Christ, and on their most holy faith, so that they grow up as an holy temple to the Lord: and exhortation; to the more vigorous exercise of grace, and the more cheerful and fervent discharge of duty:

and comfort; of distressed minds, either through the temptations of Satan, or divine desertions, or inward corruptions, or outward afflictions; for all which ends and purposes the Scriptures are written, and gifts are bestowed on men to explain them; and which ends are answered when God gives a blessing to the word; but can never be expected, if delivered in a language not understood. This bears hard upon the Papists performing any part of divine worship in a language unintelligible to the common people.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. But—on the other hand.

edification—of which the two principal species given are "exhortation" to remove sluggishness, "comfort" or consolation to remove sadness [Bengel]. Omit "to."

1 Corinthians 14:3 Parallel Commentaries

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Prophecy and Tongues
1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. 2For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. …

Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"),
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 15:2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
1 Corinthians 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
1 Corinthians 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.