1 Corinthians 14:2-4

14:2 For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit. ¹  14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, ²  encouragement, and consolation. 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, ³  but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:23

14:23 So if the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and unbelievers or uninformed people enter, will they not say that you have lost your minds?

1 Corinthians 14:27

14:27 If someone speaks in a tongue, it should be two, or at the most three, one after the other, and someone must interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:39

14:39 So then, brothers and sisters, ⁴  be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues. ⁵ 

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¹ tn Or “with the spirit”; cf. vv. 14-16.

² tn Grk “edification.”

³ sn The Greek term builds (himself) up does not necessarily bear positive connotations in this context.

⁴ tc ‡ μου (mou, “my”) is found after ἀδελφοί (adelfoi) in a number of significant witnesses (א A B* D¹ 048 326 1175 2464 al), but lacking in most other witnesses (Ì⁴⁶ B² D* F G Ψ 0243 33 1739 1881 Ï lat). Every other time Paul says “So then, brothers (and sisters)” he adds “my” (ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου; {wste, adelfoi mou). There is no good reason why scribes would intentionally omit “my” here but not elsewhere. Thus, the longer reading is in conformity with Paul’s general style and as such seems to be scribally motivated. NA²⁷ has the word in brackets, indicating doubt as to its authenticity.

tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:10.

⁵ tn Grk “speaking in tongues.” The words “anyone from” are supplied for the sake of clarity.