What does 1 Corinthians 14:5 mean regarding the gift of tongues and prophecy?

Paul teaches what matters most in worship: the edification of the church. The gift of tongues is not rejected, but an intelligible word that strengthens the faith of the congregation has greater value for corporate worship.

The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 14 to correct disorder in the gatherings of the Corinthian church. The congregation placed a high value on dramatic spiritual manifestations, particularly the gift of tongues, but Paul redirected their attention to the governing principle: everything must serve the spiritual benefit of others. That is why he says he wishes they all spoke with tongues, but even more that they prophesied—that is, shared God's intelligible word for encouragement, instruction, and comfort. For an Adventist understanding, this passage is especially significant because it demonstrates that a genuine spiritual gift is always aligned with order, love, and the edification of the church.

What "even more that you prophesied" means

In this chapter, "to prophesy" does not necessarily mean merely predicting the future. Often, it refers to the inspired, intelligible proclamation of God's truth that touches the hearts and minds of the listeners. Paul directly explains the difference between these gifts:

“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” 1 Cor 14:4

And then he adds:

“I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” 1 Cor 14:5

Thus, the superiority of prophecy lies not in the gift of tongues being bad, but in the fact that an intelligible testimony builds up everyone. God does not give gifts for spiritual competition, but for ministry. When God's word is proclaimed clearly, the church grows in truth, unity, and faith.

Why intelligibility in church is so important

Paul does not deny the supernatural nature of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but he emphasizes that public worship requires intelligibility. If people hear words they do not understand, they cannot say "Amen," they cannot learn, and they cannot be strengthened. Therefore, the apostle raises the question of the practical benefit of such ministry.

“So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.” 1 Cor 14:9

And further:

“Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” 1 Cor 14:19

This is a very practical principle. God is not glorified by chaos or confusion. True spirituality does not divorce a person from reason; on the contrary, the Holy Spirit works so that the truth may be heard, understood, and embraced. That is why Seventh-day Adventists emphasize biblical, meaningful worship where the center is the Word of God.

The gift of tongues and its biblical place

In the New Testament, the gift of tongues was a real gift of the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, people heard God's message in their own native languages, and this served a missionary purpose: to convey the Gospel clearly to various nations.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4

However, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul clarifies that if this gift is used in the assembly without an explanation, it does not achieve the goal of edification. Therefore, he permits such ministry only on the condition of interpretation.

“But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.” 1 Cor 14:28

This approach fully accords with the Adventist understanding of spiritual gifts: every gift is good if it is subject to biblical order and serves the common good. Ellen White also repeatedly emphasized that the genuine operation of the Holy Spirit does not lead to disorder, self-exaltation, or emotional dominance, but points to Christ, truth, and holiness of life.

The principle of order, love, and edification

Everything in this chapter is summarized by a simple criterion: does this build up the church? Paul writes:

“Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Cor 14:26

And toward the end, he adds:

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” 1 Cor 14:33

And also:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Cor 14:40

Therefore, 1 Corinthians 14:5 does not demean one gift in favor of another, but establishes a biblical hierarchy of values in corporate worship. What holds higher value is that which clearly communicates God's will and brings benefit to the whole congregation. It is love for our brothers and sisters that requires our service to be not only sincere, but also intelligible.

Ultimately, Paul teaches that in church, it is far more important to build up than to impress. If someone possesses any spiritual gift, they must ask themselves whether it helps others come to know God better. The practical application of this passage is this: let us pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but above all, let us strive to speak, sing, teach, and serve in such a way that the church receives edification, peace, and spiritual growth in Christ.