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1 Corinthians 14:39

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:39 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone?
37If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
38But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40But let all things be done decently and in order.
← 1 Corinthians 14:381 Corinthians 14:40 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, etc.] The apostle now draws to a conclusion, and reassumes the exhortation he gave in the beginning of the chapter, pressing the members of this church to desire the gift of prophecy, that being the most eligible and preferable to others, particularly to speaking with tongues, since it was the most useful and edifying, as he abundantly proves: and forbid not to speak with tongues; such as have that gift, and are desirous of exercising it, provided they observe the rules prescribed, and have an interpreter; this he adds to promote love, and prevent dissension and discord.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“covet--earnestly desire. Stronger than "forbid not"; marking how much higher he esteemed "prophecy" than "tongues."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Covet to prophesy - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. This is the “summing up” of all that he had said. It was “desirable” that a man should wish to be able to speak, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, in such a manner as to edify the church. And forbid not ... - Do not suppose that the power of speaking foreign languages is useless, or is to be despised, or that it is to be prohibited. “In its own place” it is a valuable endowment; and on proper occasions the talent should be exercised; see in 1 Corinthians 14:22. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore - To sum up the whole. 1 Corinthians 14:40”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:39-40 Paul summarizes his discussion of spiritual gifts (chs 12–14).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“covet: Co1 14:1, Co1 14:3, Co1 14:5, Co1 14:24, Co1 14:25, Co1 12:31; Th1 5:20 1 Corinthians 14:40”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification