Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. New Living Translation Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. English Standard Version Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Berean Standard Bible Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. Berean Literal Bible Earnestly pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you might prophesy. King James Bible Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. New King James Version Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. New American Standard Bible Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. NASB 1995 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. NASB 1977 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Legacy Standard Bible Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Amplified Bible Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people]. Christian Standard Bible Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. Holman Christian Standard Bible Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. American Standard Version Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Contemporary English Version Love should be your guide. Be eager to have the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy. English Revised Version Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. GOD'S WORD® Translation Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of speaking what God has revealed. Good News Translation It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. International Standard Version Keep on pursuing love, and keep on desiring spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy. Majority Standard Bible Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. NET Bible Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. New Heart English Bible Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual things, and especially that you may prophesy. Webster's Bible Translation Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Weymouth New Testament Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestly ambitious for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may prophesy. World English Bible Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionPursue love, and earnestly seek the spiritual things, and rather that you may prophesy, Berean Literal Bible Earnestly pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you might prophesy. Young's Literal Translation Pursue the love, and seek earnestly the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy, Smith's Literal Translation Pursue love, and be emulous of spiritual things, and rather that ye might prophesy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFOLLOW after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy. Catholic Public Domain Version Pursue charity. Be zealous for spiritual things, but only so that you may prophesy. New American Bible Pursue love, but strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy. New Revised Standard Version Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFOLLOW after love, and desire spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Run after love and be zealous for the gifts of The Spirit, but especially that you may prophesy. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentCultivate love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. Godbey New Testament Follow after divine love; and seek the spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. Haweis New Testament FOLLOW earnestly after love, and zealously seek spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Mace New Testament Cultivate social virtue; then desire spiritual gifts, but chiefly that of explaining the prophetical writings. Weymouth New Testament Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestly ambitious for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may prophesy. Worrell New Testament Pursue love; and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Worsley New Testament Labour after charity, and be desirous of spiritual gifts: but especially that ye may prophesy. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Prophecy and Tongues1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.… Cross References 1 Corinthians 12:31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. / For we know in part and we prophesy in part, / but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Ephesians 4:11-12 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 Do not extinguish the Spirit. / Do not treat prophecies with contempt, 1 Peter 4:10-11 As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. Acts 2:17-18 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Numbers 11:29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” Joel 2:28-29 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ... Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Treasury of Scripture Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. Follow. Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Isaiah 51:1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. charity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8,13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal… 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Peter 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. desire. 1 Corinthians 12:1,31 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant… Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:3-5,24,25,37,39 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort… 1 Corinthians 13:2,9 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing… Numbers 11:25-29 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease… Jump to Previous Aim Ambitious Charity Chiefly Desire Desiring Eager Eagerly Earnestly Emulous Especially Follow Gift Gifts Gives Love Manifestations Order Power Prophecy Prophesy Prophet's Pursue Pursuit Rather Seek Spirit Spiritual WayJump to Next Aim Ambitious Charity Chiefly Desire Desiring Eager Eagerly Earnestly Emulous Especially Follow Gift Gifts Gives Love Manifestations Order Power Prophecy Prophesy Prophet's Pursue Pursuit Rather Seek Spirit Spiritual Way1 Corinthians 14 1. Prophecy is commended,2. and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments. 12. Both must be referred to edification, 22. as to their true and proper end. 26. The true use of each is taught, 27. and the abuse rebuked. 34. Women in the churches. Earnestly pursue love The call to "earnestly pursue love" is a continuation of the themes from 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter." Love is presented as the highest virtue and the foundation for all Christian conduct. In the Greco-Roman world, love (agape) was not commonly emphasized as a virtue, making Paul's exhortation counter-cultural. This love is selfless and sacrificial, reflecting the love of Christ (John 13:34-35). The pursuit of love is not passive but active, requiring intentional effort and commitment, aligning with Jesus' command to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). and eagerly desire spiritual gifts especially the gift of prophecy Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance on spiritual gifts and the importance of love. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and dynamic early Christian community known for its spiritual gifts but also for its challenges, including divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual matters. 3. Spiritual Gifts Special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church, such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, and healing. 4. Prophecy A spiritual gift emphasized by Paul in this passage, involving speaking forth God's message to edify, encourage, and comfort the church. 5. Love (Agape) The highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice, which Paul highlights as the foundation for all spiritual gifts. Teaching Points Pursue Love as a PriorityLove should be the driving force behind the desire and use of spiritual gifts. Without love, gifts can become self-serving rather than edifying. Desire Spiritual Gifts It is good and encouraged to desire spiritual gifts, as they are given for the common good and the building up of the church. The Importance of Prophecy Prophecy is highlighted as a particularly valuable gift because it directly edifies, encourages, and comforts the church community. Balance and Discernment While desiring spiritual gifts, believers should seek balance and discernment, ensuring that their use aligns with God's purposes and the edification of others. Active Participation in the Church Believers are encouraged to actively participate in the life of the church, using their gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ.XIV. (1) Follow after charity.--Better, Follow after love. The preceding chapter is parenthetical, and the Apostle here returns to the subject with which he had been immediately occupied before he branched off into that great Psalm of Love. He has spoken enthusiastically in praise of the superiority of love as the greatest amongst graces, and of all graces as superior to all gifts; but still, though we are to "do this," we are not to leave the other undone. Spiritual gifts are to be "earnestly striven for." As there was a priority in graces, so there is in gifts. To prophesy is the greatest gift; it is so, as we see afterwards, because it makes us useful to our brethren; therefore it is to be striven for rather than any other gift. Verses 1-25. - The gift of preaching superior to the gift tongues. Verse 1. - Follow after charity; literally, chase; pursue. The word is one of which St. Paul is fond (Romans 9:30, 31; Romans 13:13; Romans 14:19; Philippians 3:12, 14; 1 Timothy 6:11, etc.). And desire; rather, yet be zealous for. But rather that ye may prophesy; and yet more strive after the gift of sacred preaching.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Earnestly pursueΔιώκετε (Diōkete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1377: To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. love ἀγάπην (agapēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. eagerly desire ζηλοῦτε (zēloute) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2206: From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against. spiritual gifts, πνευματικά (pneumatika) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 4152: Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious. especially μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. [the gift] ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. of prophecy. προφητεύητε (prophēteuēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4395: From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. Links 1 Corinthians 14:1 NIV1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT 1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:1 NASB 1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV 1 Corinthians 14:1 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 14:1 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 14:1 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 14:1 French Bible 1 Corinthians 14:1 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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