Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
14:1-25 Having emphasized the supreme importance of love (ch 13), Paul returns to the subject of spiritual gifts. Their relative value is defined by the benefit they give to others, which is characteristic of love (ch 13). In that light, Paul contrasts the over-valued gift of tongues with the more beneficial gift of prophecy. 14:1 Of all the special abilities the Spirit gives (see study note on 12:1–14:40), Paul encourages the Corinthians to seek the ability to prophesy (see 12:10) because of its greater benefit to the church.
Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
14:1-25 Having emphasized the supreme importance of love (ch 13), Paul returns to the subject of spiritual gifts. Their relative value is defined by the benefit they give to others, which is characteristic of love (ch 13). In that light, Paul contrasts the over-valued gift of tongues with the more beneficial gift of prophecy. 14:1 Of all the special abilities the Spirit gives (see study note on 12:1–14:40), Paul encourages the Corinthians to seek the ability to prophesy (see 12:10) because of its greater benefit to the church.
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.
Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy,
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
διωκετε την αγαπην ζηλουτε δε τα πνευματικα μαλλον δε ινα προφητευητε
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.
Go after love; still desiring to have the things which the Spirit gives, but most of all that you may have the prophet's power.