What does 1 Corinthians 14:17 mean?

Explanation

In 1 Corinthians 14:17, the Apostle Paul is addressing issues that were arising within the Corinthian church regarding the use of spiritual gifts, specifically the gift of tongues (speaking in unknown languages).

He acknowledges that a person who gives thanks well is indeed offering a proper thanksgiving to God, but he emphasizes the need for this expression of gratitude to edify others.

Edification means building up or strengthening in a spiritual sense.

The verse implies that unless thanksgiving is understood by others, it does not serve to build up the church community. The underlying message is that worship and spiritual expression are not solely for personal gratification but should contribute to the communal and spiritual growth of others.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church, to which Paul is writing, was a relatively new church set in the midst of a cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic, and pagan society with a multitude of religions and spiritual practices.

They were experiencing issues with the use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues.

This charismatic gift was highly esteemed by some members of the church, as it was one potentially visible and miraculous sign of divine presence.

However, there lacked order and an emphasis on the common good in worship services. Paul writes to correct these issues, advocating for orderly worship that promotes the edification of the entire church.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights several key points.

Firstly, it brings into focus the communal aspect of Christian worship - it is not only about the individual's relationship with God but also about building up the faith community.

Secondly, it demonstrates a preference for intelligible words in the context of corporate worship, so that all can understand and be encouraged.

Thirdly, the verse aligns with Paul's belief in the primacy of love and the purpose of spiritual gifts, which is to serve the Body of Christ.

Diverse interpretations may emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in gifting believers, the need for order in church services, or the priorities within a worship setting.

Practical Applications

From 1 Corinthians 14:17, believers today can apply the principle that while personal expressions of faith are valuable, they should also seek to encourage and build up others.

In modern worship services, this might apply to ensuring that music, prayers, and sermons are accessible and uplifting to the whole congregation.

In broader terms, it could extend to all forms of ministry and service, encouraging believers to consider the community's needs and to communicate in ways that are clear and edifying to others.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 14:19: "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
• 1 Corinthians 14:16: "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?"
• Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
• Romans 14:19: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text are "εὐχαριστεῖς" (eucharisteis) meaning "giving thanks," "καλῶς" (kalōs) meaning "well," and "οἰκοδομεῖται" (oikodomeitai) meaning "is edified" or "is built up." In the context of this verse, "εὐχαριστεῖς" signifies the act of giving thanks, which when done "καλῶς" implies a proper and genuine expression of gratitude.

However, unless others are "οἰκοδομεῖται," meaning in this context strengthened in their faith or built up in understanding, the expression of thanks does not fulfill its communal purpose.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to the individualistic aspects of some mystery religions in ancient Greece and Rome where personal ecstatic experiences were prominent, Paul's writings reflect a departure towards community and clarity of communication.

Unlike secret cultic practices, Paul pushes for activities that benefit the whole assembly.

This collectivism seen in Paul's teachings aligns more closely with some Jewish synagogue practices, where public reading and explanation of the Torah were meant for the edification of all present.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse touches on the concept of effective communication and social dynamics within groups. Research in psychology and sociology affirms the importance of clear communication for group cohesion and mutual understanding.

While the verse is not making a scientific statement, it does align with contemporary understanding that group practices, to be effective, need to be intelligible and beneficial to all members of the community.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various perspectives on this verse.

Some emphasize the importance of intelligibility in spiritual gifts; others on Paul's broader concern for church order and mutual edification.

Many agree that Paul is not dismissing the gift of tongues but rather placing it in its proper context within worship, that it must serve the common good.

John Chrysostom, an early church father, for instance, argued that tongues is a lesser gift compared to prophecy because prophecy edifies the church more directly.

Contemporary commentators explore the balance between personal spirituality and common edification that Paul advocates.