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?