What does 1 Corinthians 14:3 mean?

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:3 speaks to the role and value of prophecy within the Christian community. In this verse, prophecy is characterized not by the prediction of future events, but by speaking to people in a way that builds them up (edification), encourages them (exhortation), and comforts them (comfort). The Apostle Paul is emphasizing that prophecy should serve practical purposes within the church body, contributing positively to the spiritual development and emotional wellbeing of the believers.

Historical Context

The First Letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul approximately in the mid-50s A.D. to address issues within the church in Corinth. At that time, the early Christian church was grappling with its identity and practices. Issues of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy, were causing division and confusion within the Corinthian church. Paul wrote this letter to bring order to the worship services, emphasizing love and intelligibility in the use of spiritual gifts.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the priority of edification within the church. In some Christian traditions, prophecy is considered one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, intended to strengthen and guide the church. Unlike speaking in tongues, which is often seen as a personal prayer language or a sign for unbelievers, prophecy is directed toward believers for their collective upbuilding.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can encourage believers to focus on what builds others up in their faith and personal lives. In modern contexts, this might involve providing wise counsel, sharing encouraging words, teaching, or even giving constructive feedback—all done with the aim of building, encouraging, and comforting within the community.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:12 – “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
• Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to consider include:

• “prophesieth” (προφητεύων – prophēteuon): to prophesy, to speak under divine inspiration.
• “edification” (οἰκοδομή – oikodomē): construction, building up, especially in a metaphorical sense of building up the church.
• “exhortation” (παράκλησις – paraklēsis): a calling to one’s side to advise, entreat, comfort, or encourage.
• “comfort” (παραμυθία – paramythia): speaking closely, consoling, comforting. These words emphasize the personal, relational aspect of the act of prophecy in Paul’s view.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to other ancient religions, where prophecy might be seen as a declaration of fate or the will of the gods, the Christian concept of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:3 focuses on the wellbeing of the individual and community. It aligns more with the Jewish tradition of prophecy as seen in the role of the Hebrew prophets, who also provided guidance and direction for the people.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, while prophecy as a spiritual phenomenon cannot be tested or proven, the effects of positive speech—that which edifies, exhorts, or comforts—on human psychology can be significant. Modern psychology recognizes the power of positive communication in improving mental health and social bonds within a community.

Commentaries

Various commentaries offer different perspectives on 1 Corinthians 14:3:

• John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible emphasizes the contrast between the use of intelligible prophecy and the speaking in unknown tongues that cannot edify without interpretation.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that the gift of prophecy is given for the purposes that this verse states, and it should be exercised for the edification of the church.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament stresses the communal nature of the gift and that Paul regards prophecy as superior to speaking in tongues because of its understandable and edifying nature to the church.