1 Corinthians 14:4

“He that speaketh its an unknown tongue, etc.] Be it the Hebrew language, or any other; some copies, and the Ethiopic version, read, “with tongues”: edifieth himself; his heart may be warmed, his affections raised, his devotion kept up, and he be in a very spiritual and comfortable frame, knowing and understanding what he himself says: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church: which is the great end of the Gospel ministry, which is for the edifying the body of the church: wherefore that which tends to the edification of more, even the whole church, must be preferable to that, which at most can only edify one, and that the speaker himself.”

“edifieth himself--as he understands the meaning of what the particular "tongue" expresses; but "the church," that is, the congregation, does not.”

“Edifieth himself - That is, the truths which are communicated to him by the Spirit, and which he utters in an unknown language, may be valuable, and may be the means of strengthening his faith, and building him up in the hopes of the gospel, but they can he of no use to others. His own holy affections might be excited by the truths which he would deliver, and the consciousness of possessing miraculous powers might excite his gratitude. And yet, as Doddridge has well remarked, there might be danger that a man might be injured by this gift when exercised in this ostentatious manner. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Edifieth himself - Only, on the most favourable supposition. The church - The whole congregation. 1 Corinthians 14:5”

“14:4 The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is not self-edification, but the strengthening of the entire church (see 12:7; cp. 8:1; 14:12).”

“edifieth himself: Co1 14:14 edifieth the: Co1 14:3, Co1 14:18, Co1 14:19 1 Corinthians 14:5”