SEV Biblia, Chapter 14:4
El que habla lengua extraa , a sí mismo se edifica; mas el que profetiza, edifica a la Iglesia (de Dios).
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:4
Verse 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue] In the Hebrew for instance, the knowledge of the depth and power of which he has got by a Divine revelation, edifieth himself by that knowledge. But he that prophesieth] Has the gift of preaching.
Edifieth the Church.] Speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort, ver. 3.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. He that speaketh its an unknown tongue , etc.] Be it the Hebrew language, or any other; some copies, and the Ethiopic version, read, with tongues: edifieth himself ; his heart may be warmed, his affections raised, his devotion kept up, and he be in a very spiritual and comfortable frame, knowing and understanding what he himself says: but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church : which is the great end of the Gospel ministry, which is for the edifying the body of the church: wherefore that which tends to the edification of more, even the whole church, must be preferable to that, which at most can only edify one, and that the speaker himself.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speakin with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretatio of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in languag such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability of possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, else men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote.
Greek Textus Receptus
ο 3588 T-NSM λαλων 2980 5723 V-PAP-NSM γλωσση 1100 N-DSF εαυτον 1438 F-3ASM οικοδομει 3618 5719 V-PAI-3S ο 3588 T-NSM δε 1161 CONJ προφητευων 4395 5723 V-PAP-NSM εκκλησιαν 1577 N-ASF οικοδομει 3618 5719 V-PAI-3S
Robertson's NT Word Studies
14:4 {The church} (ekklesian). No article, literally, "a church" (local use). Not he ekklesia.
