1 Corinthians 14:1–3
Paul asks us to follow love and seek what builds up, encourages and comforts
Study it word by word1Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
3But the one who prophesies speaks to people words of building up and encouragement and comfort.
In its context
…
4The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the assembly.
5Now I want all of you to speak in tongues, but even more that you prophesy; and the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the assembly may receive building up.
Its words in the original
- ΔιώκετεDiōkete· persecute, pursue
Persecute, pursue; also strive after.
- ἀγάπηνagapēn· love
Love.
- ζηλοῦτεzēloute· be jealous, desire
Be jealous, envious; desire eagerly, be zealous for.
- πνευματικάpneumatika· spiritual
Spiritual: coming from the Spirit or belonging to him.
- μᾶλλονmallon· more, rather
More, rather.
- προφητεύητεprophēteuēte· prophesy
Prophesy: speak on God's behalf.
- λαλῶνlalōn· speak
Speak, talk.
- γλώσσῃglōssēi· tongue
Tongue.
- ἀνθρώποιςanthrōpois· human being, man
Human being, person, man (without distinguishing male or female).
- θεῷtheōi· God, god
God. In the plural or in another sense, "gods".
- ἀκούειakouei· hear, listen
Hear, listen; also heed.
- πνεύματιpneumati· spirit, Spirit
Spirit; also wind and breath. With "holy", the Holy Spirit of God.
- μυστήριαmystēria· mystery
Mystery: what was hidden and God makes known.
- οἰκοδομὴνoikodomēn· building
Building, structure; also building up.
- παράκλησινparaklēsin· encouragement, comfort
Encouragement, comfort; also an appeal or exhortation.
- παραμυθίανparamythian· comfort
Comfort: a word that encourages and consoles.