BibleWord.ai› Bible› 1 Corinthians› Chapter 14› Verse 12

1 Corinthians 14:12

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air.
10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no [kind] is without signification.
11If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
12So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
13Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
← 1 Corinthians 14:111 Corinthians 14:13 →
← Full Chapter 14 1 Corinthians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, etc.] Gr. “of spirits”; that is, “of the gifts of the Spirit”, as the Syriac version renders it; and we rightly, “spiritual gifts”; the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, for which the apostle does not blame them; these being what he had before exhorted them to covet earnestly, and zealously affect and desire: but then he further advises, seek that ye may excel, to the edifying of the church: above all, be desirous of such gifts, and of excelling in them, and abounding in the exercise of them, which may be most profitable and edifying to the members of the church; and what these were, and in what manner to be used, he had before…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“zealous--emulously desirous. spiritual gifts--literally, "spirits"; that is, emanations from the one Spirit. seek that ye may excel to--Translate, "Seek them, that ye may abound in them to the edifying," &c.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Even so ye - Since you desire spiritual gifts, I may urge it upon you to seek to he able to speak in a clear and intelligible manner, that you may edify the church. This is one of the most valuable endowments of the Spirit; and this should be earnestly desired. Forasmuch as ye are zealous - Since you earnestly desire; See the note at 1 Corinthians 12:31. Spiritual gifts - The endowments conferred by the Holy Spirit; See the note at 1 Corinthians 12:1. Seek that ye may excel ... - Seek that you may be able to convey truth in a clear and plain manner; seek to be distinguished for that. It is one of the most rare and valuable endowments of the Holy Spirit. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:12 Special abilities from the Spirit are given to strengthen the whole church (see 12:7; 14:4; cp. Eph 4:15-16).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“forasmuch: Co1 14:1, Co1 12:7, Co1 12:31; Tit 2:14 spiritual gifts: Gr. spirits, Co1 14:32 seek: Co1 14:3, Co1 14:4, Co1 14:26 1 Corinthians 14:13”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 14 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification