1-corinthians 14:3
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But the word of the prophet gives men knowledge and comfort and strength.
Webster's Revision
But he that prophesieth, speaketh to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
World English Bible
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
English Revised Version (ERV)
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and comfort, and consolation.
Definitions for 1-corinthians 14:3
Clarke's 1-corinthians 14:3 Bible Commentary
But he that prophesieth - The person who has the gift of teaching is much more useful to the Church than he is who has only the gift of tongues, because he speaks to the profit of men: viz. to their edification, by the Scriptures he expounds; to their exhortation, by what he teaches; and to their comfort, by his revelation. - Whitby. I must here refer to my sermon on this text, intitled, "The Christian Prophet and his Work," in which I have endeavored to consider the whole of this subject at large.
Barnes's 1-corinthians 14:3 Bible Commentary
But he that prophesieth - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. He that speaks under the influence of inspiration in the common language of his hearers. This seems to be the difference between those who spoke in foreign languages and those who prophesied. Both were under the influence of the Holy Spirit; both might speak the same truths; both might occupy an equally important and necessary place in the church; but the language of the one was intelligible to the church, the other not; the one was designed to edify the church, the other to address those who spoke foreign tongues, or to give demonstration, by the power of speaking foreign languages, that the religion was from God.
Speaketh unto men - So as to be understood by those who were present.
To edification - See the note at 1 Corinthians 10:8, note at 1 Corinthians 10:23. Speaks so as to enlighten and strengthen the church.
And exhortation - See the note at Romans 12:8. He applies and enforces the practical duties of religion, and urges motives for a holy life.
And comfort - Encouragement. That is, he presents the promises and the "hopes" of the gospel; the various considerations adapted to administer comfort in the time of trial. The other might do this, but it would be in a foreign language, and would be useless to the church.
