would = wish. App-102 . except . A strong expression. Greek. ektos ei ml. Literally without if not. interpret . Greek. diermeneuo. See Acts 9:36 . edifying . Same as "edification", 1 Corinthians 14:3 . read more
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.Edifieth himself ... The true gift of tongues benefited not others but the tongue-speaker himself. Since not even he understood what was said ("no man understandeth"), the nature of that edification would appear to have been the confirmation to him (by the gift) of his having received the Holy Spirit. No man today could need any such confirmation because the New Testament makes it clear that all believers... read more
Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edification.I would have you all speak with tongues ... The true gift was referred to here; but even of it the apostle said that teaching and edifying the church constituted a far better thing.Except he interpret ... Despite Paul's mention of the interpretation of tongues as a genuine gift, the... read more
1 Corinthians 14:4. In an unknown tongue.— By γλωσση, 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... read more
1 Corinthians 14:5. I would that ye all spake with tongues.— How happily does the Apostle teach us to estimate the value of gifts and talents, not by their brilliancy, but usefulness. Speaking with tongues was, indeed, very serviceable for spreading the gospel abroad; but for those who staid at home, it was much more desirable to be able to discourse well on useful subjects in their own language; which might serve for the improvement of the society to which they belonged, and the conviction of... read more
4. edifieth himself—as he understands the meaning of what the particular "tongue" expresses; but "the church," that is, the congregation, does not. read more
5. Translate, "Now I wish you all to speak with tongues (so far am I from thus speaking through having any objection to tongues), but rather IN ORDER THAT (as my ulterior and higher wish for you) ye should prophesy." Tongues must therefore mean languages, not ecstatic, unintelligible rhapsodie (as NEANDER fancied): for Paul could never "wish" for the latter in their behalf. greater—because more useful. except he interpret—the unknown tongue which he speaks, "that the Church may receive edifying... read more
The superiority of prophecy to tongues 14:1-5The apostle began this discussion of tongues by comparing it to the gift of prophecy that the Corinthians also appreciated (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 13:8). He urged the Corinthians to value prophecy above tongues because it can edify and lead to conversion since it involves intelligible "inspired" speech. read more
4. The need for intelligibility 14:1-25"Paul had discussed the gift of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, and the graces of the Spirit; and now he concluded this section by explaining the government of the Spirit in the public worship services of the church. Apparently there was a tendency for some of the Corinthians to lose control of themselves as they exercised their gifts, and Paul had to remind them of the fundamental principles that ought to govern the public meetings of the church.... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Corinthians 14:4
edifieth . Greek. oikodomeo. See Acts 9:31 . church . App-186 . read more