Definition: Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:1. It's a really important one about how we should approach ministry – speaking in tongues (also known as “glossolalia”) – and focusing on what truly matters. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “Don’t just focus on being charismatic or trying to be special by having amazing vocal abilities. Instead, focus your energy on spreading good and helping others through kindness and a desire to share God's word.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "Follow after charity..." – This means be kind, compassionate, and generous with your words and actions. It’s about treating everyone with respect and empathy. Think of it as being a good person who wants to help others. "...and desire spiritual gifts..." - This refers to the abilities that God gives us – like speaking in tongues, singing, or leading prayer. It's about wanting to be used for His purpose. "...but rather that ye may prophesy." – This is the key part! Prophecy is essentially speaking out with God’s word. The verse says that you may prophesy – meaning you should use your gifts to share God's message and comfort people. So, what does it really say? It’s saying that while being charismatic or having special abilities can be good, the most important thing is to focus on spreading love, kindness, and God’s word through your words and actions. Genuine ministry shouldn't be about impressing people with how impressive you are, but about connecting with them and helping them. Why is this important? The Bible emphasizes that true spiritual gifts are meant to be used for good and to bless others. It’s a reminder that our primary calling is to share God’s love and truth in a way that benefits people. Important Note: The verse does mention that speaking in tongues could be disruptive if it wasn't done with spiritual understanding and humility. It was intended to be a temporary thing, meant to build up the church as a whole. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Corinthians 14? Give you some examples of how to show charity or kindness in your ministry?

Definition: There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:10. It's a really interesting one that touches on how we experience and understand sound – and more broadly, how we perceive the world around us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse is saying that there are many different ways to hear or experience sounds. It's not suggesting that all these sounds are equally good or important. Instead, it highlights a point about different levels of awareness and understanding. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices…” This part acknowledges the sheer diversity of sound in the world. Think of all the different types of music, conversations, animals, or even natural sounds we encounter. It's a vast range. “…and none of them [is] without signification.” This is the crucial part. “Significance” means importance, meaning, or value. The word "signification" itself has a lot of weight in religious language, so it’s suggesting that each sound – whether it's a beautiful song, a warning shout, or even just the rustling of leaves – holds a certain worth. So, what does this mean practically? Paul is essentially saying: "Don't be overly concerned with trying to compare all these different sounds and determine which are most important or valuable. Just notice them; appreciate their existence." Why is it important in the Bible? This verse has a lot of historical context. It’s often discussed within the early church when people were experiencing a lot of conflicting religious practices and opinions. Paul was urging believers to be mindful and not get distracted by trying to rank or judge these different sounds – focusing on genuine spiritual understanding rather than superficial comparisons. In short, it’s a reminder to appreciate the richness and variety of our sensory experience without getting caught up in judgment or comparison. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how it relates to a specific biblical story or concept?

Definition: Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important verse from 1 Corinthians 14:11. It's a really wise and thoughtful warning about how we should handle spiritual guidance. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn’t just blindly accept everything someone says, even if they seem authoritative or knowledgeable. It's about respecting the authority of God and those who are leading us spiritually. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice…” - This means that if someone is speaking in a way that’s confusing, unclear, or doesn’t make sense to you , you don't have enough information to understand what they are saying. You're relying on something outside yourself. “…I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.” – This is the crucial part. It means if you don’t understand the message being delivered, you should avoid being influenced by it. “A barbarian” here refers to someone who speaks in an unclear, confusing, or even offensive way. “Shall be” emphasizes that this is a rule – a guideline for how we should behave. What does this mean practically? It’s essentially about critical thinking and discernment. It's a reminder to: Question things: Don't accept everything at face value. Seek clarity: Ask questions, look for context, and understand the speaker’s intent before you follow their guidance. Trust your own judgment: Ultimately, you are the one who needs to decide what is right and true for you . Why was this verse written? The author of 1 Corinthians 14 was worried about spiritual chaos within a church. He wanted to ensure that people weren’t being misled by false teachers or those who didn't understand the basics of faith. This verse is a way to protect the community and promote sound, genuine understanding. In short: Don’t just listen; understand . Be discerning and don't let someone else's words dictate your beliefs without careful consideration. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in another way? Give an example of a situation where this verse might be relevant?

Definition: Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:12. It's a really important one about how we should approach our faith and how we can grow as Christians. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “Don’t just want to be good at spreading the word of God – actually work to make the church a better place for everyone.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Even so ye..." : This is a gentle reminder that we’re talking about us , as believers. It acknowledges that we have a responsibility to grow in our faith. "...forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts..." : “Zealous” means very enthusiastic and determined. “Spiritual gifts” refers to things like speaking in tongues (vocalizing with the Holy Spirit), teaching, or other ways God uses to connect with people spiritually. It’s about a special ability that He gives us. "...seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." : This is the key part. “Excel” means to do something better than others. “The edifying of the church” means making the church – our community and gatherings – a more pleasing, helpful, and thriving place for all people. It’s about creating a positive atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged. So, what does it really mean? It's telling us that we should be focused on developing our spiritual gifts – those things that help the church grow – with a desire to be good and helpful members of the community. We shouldn’t just show off our gifts; we should use them to benefit others and contribute to a positive environment for everyone. Important Note: This verse is often discussed in relation to public preaching or teaching, so it's important to remember that it’s about contributing to the overall health of the church community rather than trying to be noticed or impressive on your own. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "spiritual gifts" are in more detail? Give some examples of how we can excel to the edification of the church?

Definition: Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very interesting and slightly complex verse from 1 Corinthians 14:13. It's a little tricky to understand at first glance, but the core message is about respecting the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse isn't really saying that people should speak in an unknown tongue. Instead, it’s emphasizing that the Holy Spirit (God) needs to be involved in the communication. It’s about trusting that God will guide the person speaking and help them understand what they are saying. Let’s unpack it a bit: “Wherefore” : This word means “therefore” or “that is why.” It's a way of introducing a reason or explanation. “let him that speaks in an [unknown] tongue pray…” : This is the key part. It’s telling someone to pray – to ask for help – to understand what they’re saying. “…that he may interpret.” : This means the person needs to be open to God’s guidance and understanding. They need to trust that the Spirit will lead them. What it's teaching us: The verse is urging a degree of humility and reliance on the Spirit. It suggests that we shouldn't try to understand everything ourselves, especially when dealing with something spiritual or divine. We should be willing to let God guide our understanding and interpretation. Why it’s important in the Bible: This verse is often associated with early church leadership. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate interpreter of truth and wisdom. It’s a call to trust in the guidance of God, rather than relying solely on our own human understanding. In short, it's a reminder to be open to the Spirit’s help in interpreting what’s being said – and to let Him lead the way. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse (like its historical context)?

Definition: For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:14. It’s a really important and slightly tricky one, so let's go through it step-by-step: The Basic Idea: This verse is about faith and communication – particularly when it comes to prayer. It suggests that praying in a language you don’t fully understand won’t actually do anything. Let’s unpack it word by word: “For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue…” - This is the key part. “Unknown” means the language isn’t familiar to you. It's a bit awkward, and it implies something is different from your regular speaking. “…my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.” – This is where the real meaning comes in. "Spirit prayeth" means praying with your heart and faith. “Understanding is unfruitful” means you're not getting any good results or benefits from praying. It’s like trying to build a house without a blueprint. So, what does it all mean? Basically, the verse is saying that prayer isn't effective if it's not communicated clearly and thoughtfully. It’s suggesting that: Authentic prayer requires understanding: When you pray with a clear mind, your heart is engaged, and you truly want to connect with God. Vague or poorly expressed prayers are useless: Simply saying something without thinking about it won't produce the desired outcome – whether that’s moving God’s will, receiving healing, or gaining peace. Why does Paul say this? Paul was dealing with a situation where people were praying in different languages at church. He wanted to encourage believers to focus on genuine prayer – prayer rooted in faith and love – rather than just relying on language that doesn’t fully express what you're feeling. He wasn’t saying it’s impossible to pray, but that the method itself is flawed. In short: Don't just pray; pray with a clear mind and genuine heart! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to pray more effectively?

Definition: What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 14:15. It’s a really interesting and slightly complex idea that gets to the heart of how we should approach worship in the church. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it's about active participation in prayer. It’s not just about saying prayers, but about being involved with them in a deeper and more meaningful way. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “What is it then?” – This is asking for clarification. It's introducing a new way of praying. “I will pray with the spirit” - “Spirit” here refers to a feeling of deep emotion, love, and connection with God. It suggests an emotional intensity in our prayer. “And I will pray with the understanding also” – This is key! "Understanding" means knowing what we’re praying for, understanding why we're praying, and understanding the truth behind our request. It’s not just reciting words; it’s engaging with the meaning of God’s word. “I will sing with the spirit” - "Singing" is a metaphor – it suggests praising and glorifying God. It means expressing joy, reverence, and adoration through our voices. “And I will sing with the understanding also” - Again, this emphasizes that we’re not just saying a song, but understanding its message – the truth of it. So, putting it all together: The verse encourages us to pray not just with our hearts, but with our minds and souls. We need to feel the emotion behind our prayers, understand what we’re asking for, and express it through heartfelt praise. Why is this important? In the early church, they had a lot of spiritual disagreements. This verse was a way to encourage people to be more involved in prayer – not just passively receiving blessings, but actively engaging with God's word and expressing their devotion. It’s about demonstrating genuine faith. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t say how we should do this. It’s meant to encourage a deeper level of worship. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on interpretations within Christian tradition. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide examples of how this principle might be applied in prayer?

Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:16. It's a really interesting and slightly tricky passage about how we should present ourselves to God when we’re offering blessings or praise. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about speaking with sincerity and humility when you're giving thanks or blessing. It’s asking if we need to be too careful about how we express our gratitude, because people might not fully understand what we mean. Let's break it down piece by piece: “Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit…” - This refers to a time when you’re filled with God’s grace and are speaking with a joyful and heartfelt attitude. "The spirit" is like a special, powerful part of us that connects us to God. “…how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks?” - This is where it gets a little tricky. “Unlearned” means people who don’t understand or share our beliefs as deeply as we do. “Occupying the room” suggests someone is present in a place, like a meeting or gathering. So, what's the point? The verse is saying that we should be careful about how we express our thanks and blessings. If you’re giving thanks with genuine feeling and sincerity – and it feels good to you – then it doesn’t matter how you say it. It’s not about being overly elaborate or complicated. The key message is about humility: We shouldn't boast or try to impress people with our words. Instead, we should be honest in our gratitude. If we’re speaking from a place of genuine love and trust in God, that’s enough. Why is this important? This passage was written to ensure the church stayed focused on God's purpose – to worship Him. It was worried that people might be distracted by boastful or overly-complex praise, which could take away from their focus on God. In short: Don’t try to impress anyone with your words. Speak from a place of genuine joy and thankfulness. Let your sincerity shine through. Important Note: This verse is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean we shouldn't praise God. It means that in certain situations – like a public gathering where everyone is focused on the spiritual – it’s important to be mindful of how we express our gratitude so that our true intent remains clear and doesn’t distract from what’s truly important: worshipping and connecting with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you more examples of situations where this principle applies?

Definition: For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 14:17. It's a really important and sometimes confusing one, so we’ll go through it step by step. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “For you are giving thanks, but the other isn’t built up.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: “You are giving thanks…” – This means you're expressing gratitude and praise to God. It’s a good thing to do! “…but the other is not edified.” - This is where it gets a bit more complex, but essentially, it means the second person isn’t growing in faith, understanding, or being encouraged by their worship. Putting it all together – here's what it's really about: In the early church (the group of believers after Jesus’ death and resurrection), there was a lot of debate about how people should behave during gatherings. Some people were too enthusiastic in their praise, so they might be focusing on things that weren't truly important or helpful for spiritual growth. The verse is urging us to be mindful of our worship. It’s saying that while we’re thanking God, it’s crucial to also be actively engaged in growing closer to Him and deepening our faith – to be built up spiritually. It’s not enough to just say thank you; you need to grow in your relationship with God. Why is this important? The Bible encourages a balance between praising God and focusing on spiritual growth. If we're only focused on outward displays of worship, it can sometimes distract us from the deeper work of cultivating our faith. In short, the verse is a gentle reminder to be both thankful and actively engaged in growing your relationship with God. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example: Are you wondering why it's considered important to balance praise and growth? Would you like me to give you a real-life example of how this principle applies?

Definition: I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really interesting and slightly unusual verse from 1 Corinthians 14:18. It’s a bit of a puzzle, but it’s about humility and focusing on the Lord. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The apostle Paul is saying that he's speaking more than everyone else in the church! It sounds like he's boasting or showing off his ability to speak languages. Let's unpack it further: “I thank my God…” : This shows that Paul is acknowledging and giving thanks to God for the gift of language. “…I speak with tongues more than ye all” : This is the key part. He’s saying he’s speaking in different languages – more than everyone else . That’s a big statement! What's the point of this? Paul is writing to a church that was struggling with things like: Disorder and Confusion: People were arguing and disagreeing because they weren't listening to each other. Lack of Unity: They needed to work together in a way that showed God’s grace and unity. So, what does this verse teach us? It’s a reminder that we should always be humble! We shouldn't brag or show off our talents or abilities – especially if they're not serving the Lord. True spiritual gifts are meant to be used for good and to glorify God, not to draw attention to ourselves. Important Note: This verse is often misunderstood as encouraging people to just speak in every language they can. Paul wasn’t trying to force himself to speak more than anyone else. He was addressing a situation where the church needed to focus on unity and listening to one another. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give an example of how this principle applies in everyday life?