1 Corinthians 14:19

“Yet in the church I had rather speak five words, etc.] Referring not to the five books of Moses, as Jerom suggests, and much less, as the Papists say, to the five words, “for this is my body”; by the muttering of which they suppose the bread in the Lord’s supper to be transubtantiated into the body of Christ; but meaning a very few words, which he chose to speak in the church before the congregation, when and where saints were met together for public worship, for their edification and comfort, and the glory of God; for though at other times, and to other people, he might think fit to make use of his gift in speaking with divers tongues, yet at such a time and place he thought it much more…”

“I had rather--The Greek verb more literally expresses this meaning, "I WISH to speak five words with my understanding (rather) than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue"; even the two thousandth part of ten thousand. The Greek for "I would rather," would be a different verb. Paul would NOT wish at all to speak "ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."”

“Yet in the church - In the Christian assembly. The word “church” does not refer to the “edifice” where Christians worshipped, but to the organized body of Christians. I had rather ... - It is probable that in the Christian assembly, usually, there were few who understood foreign languages. Paul, therefore, would not speak in a foreign language when its only use would be mere display. With my understanding - So as to be intelligible to others; so that I might understand it, and so that at the same time others might be benefitted. return to 'Top of Page'”

“With my understanding - In a rational manner; so as not only to understand myself, but to be understood by others. 1 Corinthians 14:20”

“in the: Co1 14:4, Co1 14:21, Co1 14:22 1 Corinthians 14:20”