1-corinthians 14:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.
American King James Version (AKJV)
He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.
American Standard Version (ASV)
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
He who makes use of tongues may do good to himself; but he who gives the prophet's word does good to the church.
Webster's Revision
He that speaketh in an unknown language edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
World English Bible
He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly.
English Revised Version (ERV)
He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Definitions for 1-corinthians 14:4
Clarke's 1-corinthians 14:4 Bible Commentary
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue - In the Hebrew for instance, the knowledge of the depth and power of which he has got by a Divine revelation, edifieth himself by that knowledge.
But he that prophesieth - Has the gift of preaching.
Edifieth the Church - Speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort, 1 Corinthians 14:3.
Barnes's 1-corinthians 14:4 Bible Commentary
Edifieth himself - That is, the truths which are communicated to him by the Spirit, and which he utters in an unknown language, may be valuable, and may be the means of strengthening his faith, and building him up in the hopes of the gospel, but they can he of no use to others. His own holy affections might be excited by the truths which he would deliver, and the consciousness of possessing miraculous powers might excite his gratitude. And yet, as Doddridge has well remarked, there might be danger that a man might be injured by this gift when exercised in this ostentatious manner.
Wesley's 1-corinthians 14:4 Bible Commentary
14:4 Edifieth himself - Only, on the most favourable supposition. The church - The whole congregation.
