Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 14 - Verse 4

When interpreting the verse "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church," it is important to consider the context in which it was written. In this verse, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church and discussing the significance of speaking in tongues versus prophesying. Speaking in tongues refers to the practice of speaking in a language that is unknown to the speaker, often associated with spiritual experiences. While speaking in tongues may benefit the individual by strengthening their connection to God, prophecy is seen as more beneficial to the church as a whole. Prophecy involves delivering messages from God to the community, providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction. The act of prophesying is seen as building up or edifying the church collectively, as it imparts wisdom and direction to the entire congregation. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the importance of using one's spiritual gifts not just for personal growth, but for the benefit of the entire church body.

One of the key points in this verse is the distinction between speaking in tongues and prophesying. Speaking in tongues is often seen as a gift of the Holy Spirit that involves speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, which may require interpretation for others to understand. The act of speaking in tongues is said to edify or build up the individual who is speaking, strengthening their faith and connection to God. On the other hand, prophesying is seen as a gift of the Spirit where a person speaks a message from God to the church community. This act of prophesying is said to edify the entire church, providing guidance, encouragement, or revelation that benefits the entire body of believers. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of both individual and communal edification within the Christian community, with each gift serving a unique function in building up the Church.