1 Corinthians 14:12
New International Version
So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

New Living Translation
And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.

English Standard Version
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

Berean Standard Bible
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Berean Literal Bible
So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, search for the edification of the church, that you should cause it to abound.

King James Bible
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

New King James Version
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

New American Standard Bible
So you too, since you are eager to possess spiritual gifts, strive to excel for the edification of the church.

NASB 1995
So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

NASB 1977
So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

Legacy Standard Bible
So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

Amplified Bible
So it is with you, since you are so very eager to have spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in ways that will build up the church [spiritually].

Christian Standard Bible
So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church.

American Standard Version
So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.

Contemporary English Version
If you really want spiritual gifts, choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church.

English Revised Version
So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the same way, since you're eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in them so that you help the church grow.

Good News Translation
Since you are eager to have the gifts of the Spirit, you must try above everything else to make greater use of those which help to build up the church.

International Standard Version
In the same way, since you're so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for building up the church.

Majority Standard Bible
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

NET Bible
It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.

New Heart English Bible
So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the church.

Webster's Bible Translation
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, seeing that you are ambitious for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in them so as to benefit the Church.

World English Bible
So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so you also, since you are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, seek for the building up of the Assembly that you may abound;

Berean Literal Bible
So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, search for the edification of the church, that you should cause it to abound.

Young's Literal Translation
so also ye, since ye are earnestly desirous of spiritual gifts, for the building up of the assembly seek that ye may abound;

Smith's Literal Translation
So also ye, since ye are zealous of spirits, for the building up of the church seek that ye may abound.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So it is with you also. And since you are zealous for what is spiritual, seek the edification of the Church, so that you may abound.

New American Bible
So with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the church.

New Revised Standard Version
So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Likewise you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, seek that you may excel in these gifts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
So also you, because you are zealous of the gifts of The Spirit, seek to excel for the edification of the church.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So, also, do you, since you greatly desire spiritual gifts, seek to excel to the building up of the church.

Godbey New Testament
So also you, since you are zealots of spirits, seek that you may abound unto the edification of the church.

Haweis New Testament
So also ye, if ye zealously affect spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them for the edification of the church.

Mace New Testament
But since there is emulation among you concerning spiritual gifts, seek to abound in the exercise of such gifts as tend most to the edification of the church.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, seeing that you are ambitious for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in them so as to benefit the Church.

Worrell New Testament
So also ye, since ye are eager for spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them with a view to the edification of the assembly.

Worsley New Testament
So ye also, since ye are so desirous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound in them to the edification of the church.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Prophecy and Tongues
11If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:7
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Ephesians 4:12
to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

1 Corinthians 12:31
But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ...

Ephesians 4:16
From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Romans 1:11
For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.


Treasury of Scripture

Even so you, for as much as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.

forasmuch.

1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 12:7,31
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:32
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

seek.

1 Corinthians 14:3,4,26
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort…

Jump to Previous
Abound Ambitious Assembly Benefit Building Church Desiring Desirous Eager Earnestly Edification Edifying Excel First Forasmuch Gifts Gives Good Manifestations Minds Seek Spirit Spirits Spiritual Strive Try Turned Yourselves Zealous
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Abound Ambitious Assembly Benefit Building Church Desiring Desirous Eager Earnestly Edification Edifying Excel First Forasmuch Gifts Gives Good Manifestations Minds Seek Spirit Spirits Spiritual Strive Try Turned Yourselves Zealous
1 Corinthians 14
1. Prophecy is commended,
2. and preferred before speaking in tongues,
6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.
12. Both must be referred to edification,
22. as to their true and proper end.
26. The true use of each is taught,
27. and the abuse rebuked.
34. Women in the churches.














It is the same with you
This phrase serves as a direct connection to the preceding verses where Paul discusses the use of spiritual gifts. The Greek word for "same" (ὁμοίως, homoios) implies a comparison or similarity. Paul is drawing a parallel between the Corinthians and the broader principles he has been teaching. Historically, the Corinthian church was known for its enthusiasm for spiritual gifts, yet Paul emphasizes that their approach should align with the principles of love and edification he has outlined.

Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit
The word "eager" (ζηλωτής, zēlōtēs) conveys a sense of zeal or fervent desire. The Corinthians were passionate about spiritual gifts, which is commendable. However, Paul is guiding them to channel this zeal appropriately. The phrase "gifts of the Spirit" refers to the charismata, the various spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church. In the historical context, these gifts were signs of divine favor and empowerment, but they were also meant to serve a greater purpose beyond personal edification.

strive to excel
The Greek word for "strive" (ζητέω, zēteō) suggests an active pursuit or endeavor. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to not just passively receive gifts but to actively seek to use them in a way that is most beneficial. "Excel" (περισσεύω, perisseuō) implies abundance or going beyond the ordinary. The call here is to go beyond mere possession of gifts to their excellent use.

in gifts that build up the church
The phrase "build up" (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē) is an architectural term, suggesting construction or edification. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts, according to Paul, is the edification of the church body. This aligns with the broader scriptural theme that the church is the body of Christ, and each member is to contribute to its growth and strengthening. Historically, the early church faced many challenges, and the proper use of spiritual gifts was crucial for its unity and mission. Paul’s instruction is a reminder that the ultimate goal of spiritual gifts is not personal glory but the strengthening and growth of the church community.

(12) Even so ye.--Here follows the practical application of the previous teaching and illustration. The "ye" of 1Corinthians 14:9 was addressed to them as human beings generally; but here the Apostle returns to the immediate subject in hand, viz., the exaltation of particular spiritual gifts in the Corinthian Church. He passes now from the contrast between prophecy and tongues to give practical instruction (1Corinthians 14:12-19) as to how they should seek to use the gift of tongues. The word for "spiritual gifts" is, in the Greek, literally spirits, but is evidently meant to imply the gifts, and especially that one under consideration--the gift of tongues.

Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.--Better, seek, then, to the edifying of the Church, that ye may abound. The point cannot be that they were to seek to excel in spiritual gifts, that so they might edify the Church, for the next verse explains how the gift is to be sought so that it may edify others; but the force of the passage here is as given above--they are to seek this gift for the benefit of others, and so they will themselves, by serving others, abound yet more and more (1Corinthians 8:7; 1Thessalonians 4:1).

Verse 12. - Even so ye. A general form of conclusion from the previous remarks. Of spiritual gifts; literally, since ye are zealots of spirits. That ye may excel to the edifying of the Church; rather, seek them to the edifying of the Church, that ye may abound. The same word is used in Matthew 5:20 ("exceed"); 1 Corinthians 8:8 ("are we the better").

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
It is the same
Οὕτως (Houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

with you.
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Since
ἐπεὶ (epei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1893: Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.

you are
ἐστε (este)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

eager to have
ζηλωταί (zēlōtai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2207: One who is eagerly devoted to a person or a thing, a zealot. From zeloo; a 'zealot'.

spiritual gifts,
πνευμάτων (pneumatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

strive
ζητεῖτε (zēteite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

excel
περισσεύητε (perisseuēte)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4052: From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.

[in gifts that]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

build up
οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619: Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church.
ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:12 So also you since you are zealous (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 14:11
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