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First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 14

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1 Corinthians 14 NWT - New World Translation1 Corinthians 14 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ Pursue love, yet keep zealously seeking the spiritual gifts,1 but preferably that YOU may prophesy.2
  2. For he that speaks in a tongue speaks, not to men, but to God, for no one listens,3 but he speaks sacred secrets4 by the spirit.
  3. However, he that prophesies upbuilds5 and encourages and consoles men by his speech.
  4. He that speaks in a tongue upbuilds himself, but he that prophesies upbuilds a congregation.
  5. Now I would like for all of YOU to speak in tongues,6 but I prefer that YOU prophesy.7 Indeed, he that prophesies is greater than he that speaks in tongues,8 unless, in fact, he translates, that the congregation may receive upbuilding.
  6. But at this time, brothers, if I should come speaking to YOU in tongues, what good would I do YOU unless I spoke to YOU either with a revelation[a]9 or with knowledge10 or with a prophecy or with a teaching?
  7. ¶ As it is, the inanimate things[b] give off sound,11 whether a flute or a harp; unless it makes an interval to the tones, how will it be known what is being played on the flute or on the harp?
  8. For truly, if the trumpet sounds an indistinct call, who will get ready for battle?12
  9. In the same way also, unless YOU through the tongue utter speech easily understood,13 how will it be known what is being spoken? YOU will, in fact, be speaking into the air.14
  10. It may be that there are so many kinds of speech sounds in the world, and yet no [kind] is without meaning.
  11. If, then, I do not understand the force of the speech sound, I shall be a foreigner15 to the one speaking, and the one speaking will be a foreigner to me.
  12. So also YOU yourselves, since YOU are zealously desirous of [gifts of the] spirit,[c]16 seek to abound in them for the upbuilding of the congregation.17
  13. ¶ Therefore let the one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may translate.18
  14. For if I am praying in a tongue, it is my [gift of the] spirit that is praying,19 but my mind is unfruitful.
  15. What is to be done, then? I will pray with the [gift of the] spirit, but I will also pray with [my] mind. I will sing praise20 with the [gift of the] spirit, but I will also sing praise with [my] mind.21
  16. Otherwise, if you offer praise with a [gift of the] spirit, how will the man occupying the seat of the ordinary person say “Amen”22 to your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?
  17. True, you give thanks in a fine way, but the other man is not being built up.23
  18. I thank God, I speak in more tongues than all of YOU do.24
  19. Nevertheless, in a congregation I would rather speak five words with my mind, that I might also instruct others orally, than ten thousand words in a tongue.25
  20. ¶ Brothers, do not become young children in powers of understanding,26 but be babes as to badness;27 yet become full-grown in powers of understanding.28
  21. In the Law it is written: “‘With the tongues of foreigners and with the lips of strangers[d]29 I will speak to this people,30 and yet not even then will they give heed to me,’ says Jehovah.”[e]31
  22. Consequently tongues are for a sign,32 not to the believers, but to the unbelievers,33 whereas prophesying is, not for the unbelievers, but for the believers.34
  23. Therefore, if the whole congregation comes together to one place and they all speak in tongues,35 but ordinary people or unbelievers come in, will they not say that YOU are mad?
  24. But if YOU are all prophesying and any unbeliever or ordinary person comes in, he is reproved by them all,36 he is closely examined by all;
  25. the secrets of his heart become manifest,37 so that he will fall upon [his] face[f] and worship God, declaring: “God is really among YOU.”38
  26. ¶ What is to be done, then, brothers? When YOU come together, one has a psalm,[g] another has a teaching, another has a revelation, another has a tongue, another has an interpretation.39 Let all things take place for upbuilding.40
  27. And if someone speaks in a tongue, let it be limited to two or three at the most, and in turns; and let someone translate.41
  28. But if there be no translator, let him keep silent in the congregation and speak to himself42 and to God.
  29. Further, let two or three prophets43 speak, and let the others discern the meaning.44
  30. But if there is a revelation to another45 one while sitting there, let the first one keep silent.
  31. For YOU can all prophesy46 one by one, that all may learn and all be encouraged.47
  32. And [gifts of] the spirit[h] of the prophets are to be controlled by the prophets.
  33. For God is [a God], not of disorder,48 but of peace.49
    ¶ As in all the congregations of the holy ones,
  34. let the women keep silent50 in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection,51 even as the Law52 says.
  35. If, then, they want to learn something, let them question their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful53 for a woman to speak in a congregation.
  36. ¶ What? Was it from YOU that the word of God came forth,54 or was it only as far as YOU that it reached?
  37. ¶ If anyone thinks he is a prophet or gifted with the spirit,[i] let him acknowledge the things I am writing to YOU, because[j] they are the Lord’s commandment.55
  38. But if anyone is ignorant, he continues ignorant.
  39. Consequently, my brothers, keep zealously seeking the prophesying,56 and yet do not forbid the speaking in tongues.57
  40. But let all things take place decently and by arrangement.[k]58

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Lit., “uncovering; disclosure.” Gr., a·po·ka·lyʹpsei.
  2. ^ Or, “soulless things.” Gr., aʹpsy·kha.
  3. ^ Lit., “zealous of spirits.”
  4. ^ Lit., “of different (ones).”
  5. ^ See App 1D.
  6. ^ Or, “prostrate [himself].”
  7. ^ Or, “sacred composition.”
  8. ^ Lit., “And spirits.”
  9. ^ “Gifted with the spirit.” Lit., “spiritual (one).”
  10. ^ Or, “that.”
  11. ^ Or, “according to order.” Gr., ka·taʹ taʹxin. See Nu 1:52 ftn, “Camp.”

REFERENCES

  1. ^ 1Co 12:1
  2. ^ Ro 12:6; 1Th 5:20
  3. ^ 1Co 14:5
  4. ^ 1Co 13:2
  5. ^ 2Co 10:8
  6. ^ 1Co 12:30
  7. ^ Jl 2:28; Ac 2:17; 21:9
  8. ^ 1Co 12:10
  9. ^ Ga 1:12; 2:2
  10. ^ 1Co 12:8; 2Co 11:6
  11. ^ Jb 21:12
  12. ^ Nu 10:9; Jb 39:25
  13. ^ 1Co 14:19
  14. ^ 1Co 9:26
  15. ^ 2Ki 18:26
  16. ^ 1Co 12:1, 7
  17. ^ 1Co 14:4, 26
  18. ^ 1Co 12:10; 14:5
  19. ^ 1Co 14:2
  20. ^ Col 3:16
  21. ^ Ps 47:7
  22. ^ 2Co 1:20
  23. ^ 1Co 14:26
  24. ^ 1Co 14:6
  25. ^ 1Co 14:4
  26. ^ Ps 119:99; Eph 4:14; Heb 5:13
  27. ^ Je 4:22; Ro 16:19
  28. ^ Pp 3:15; Heb 5:14; 1Pe 2:2
  29. ^ De 28:49; Je 5:15
  30. ^ Is 28:11
  31. ^ Is 28:12
  32. ^ Ac 2:4
  33. ^ Ac 2:13
  34. ^ Ac 2:37
  35. ^ 1Co 14:11
  36. ^ Eph 5:13
  37. ^ Da 2:47
  38. ^ Is 45:14; Zc 8:23
  39. ^ 1Co 12:10
  40. ^ Ro 14:19; 2Co 12:19
  41. ^ 1Co 14:5
  42. ^ 1Co 14:4
  43. ^ Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11
  44. ^ 1Th 5:21
  45. ^ 1Co 12:10
  46. ^ Ro 12:6; 1Th 5:20
  47. ^ Heb 10:25
  48. ^ 1Co 14:40; Ga 5:25; Col 2:5
  49. ^ Ro 15:33
  50. ^ 1Ti 2:11, 12
  51. ^ 1Co 11:3; Eph 5:22; Col 3:18; Ti 2:5; 1Pe 3:1
  52. ^ Ge 3:16
  53. ^ 1Co 11:6
  54. ^ Is 2:3
  55. ^ 1Jo 4:6
  56. ^ 1Co 12:31; 1Th 5:20
  57. ^ 1Co 14:27
  58. ^ 1Co 14:33; Col 2:5

Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

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