1 CORINTHIANS 14:19 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“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.”
But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue — the numerical contrast (5 vs. 10,000) is hyperbolic but decisive: five teaching-words accomplish ecclesial purpose; ten thousand ecstatic utterances do not. This is the chapter's thesis-statement: prophecy for others surpasses glossolalia for self.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 14:19
“Howbeit in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also.” What is that, “speak with my understanding, that I might instruct others also?” “Understanding what I say,” and “words which I can both interpret to others, and speak intelligently, and teach the hearers.” “Than ten thousand words in a tongue.” Wherefore? “That I may instruct others,” says he. For the one has but display only; the other, great utility: this being…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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