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HUMBLE YOURSELF
Naaman arrived at Elisha's door. He was anticipating all the fanfare of a real miracle worker. No doubt there were magicians in the palace of Aram, and so Naaman's idea of what a miracle worker should be was influenced by what he had already experienced. So when Naaman stood at Elisha's door and there was no fanfare, no great man, no magic potions - nothing out of the ordinary at all, Naaman got upset. He was told by a servant to go and wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman's status was insulted. Being one of the top men in Aram, he had now been instructed by a servant to go and do something ever so simple in Israel's river. Naaman was furious. The expectations of this great man had been dashed, and the way he felt he had been treated was humiliating. However, to be cured, Naaman had to go through with this humbling process. When he had humbled himself enough to accept his instruction, Naaman was cured.
Like Naaman, we all suffer with leprosy - the leprosy of sin. There is no magic cure for sin, and the cure that has been provided does not cater for our status or pride. Instead we need to humble ourselves before our God, confess our sin and allow his mercy to wash us clean through baptism.>
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
ORDINARY THINGS, EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS
No one had to do anything outstanding throughout the whole episode of the healing of Naaman. While it is one of the most remarkable chapters in the Bible, it was also one where everyone involved played a relatively small part. A little slave girl was the first player in the story. She was no one special and did nothing outstanding. Yet her faith in God and in the prophet in Samaria and her wish expressed to her mistress began a chain of events that resulted in Naaman's healing.
Elisha didn't do anything outstanding either. His was a simple matter of instructing his servant to tell Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan. There were no sacrifices, no show of calling on God, circles on the ground, potions or magic words. It was all quite ordinary.
Naaman's task was all to simple too. "Wash and be clean," he was told. I wonder if he expected twelve great tasks, or to take some marvellous medicine. But no, it was almost too simple for Naaman and he nearly refused to do it.
When Naaman was healed, no gifts were given or taken because when God gives grace, he gives it freely. It seems that Naaman learned his lesson because instead of offering to build a magnificent temple or some other great thing, he humbly asked for two mule loads of earth so that he could worship Israel's God on Israel's soil.
God rarely asks us to do great things. Instead he asks us to practice an outstanding faith in everyday ways.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Robert
THANK YOU One of the greatest qualities on Naaman that we can all learn from is the fact that he returned to Elisha after his healing to say thank you.
If your prayers are anything like mine, they tend to be dominated by requests ... please help ... please give me ... please lead ... please grow ... please be with ... and on it goes. But even when I am feeling thankful, my thankfulness still does not outweigh my requests.
Naaman, a Gentile, an enemy of Israel, and a man who at first probably didn't even believe in Israel's God, came back to say thank you. How much more should we, who know God, who have been saved through the blood of his Son,who have had multiple prayers answered and seen multiple blessings in our lives, how much more should we turn back and give thanks to God? After all, without God in our lives, like Naaman with leprosy, we are as good as dead.
So instead of continuous prayers of "please," let's dedicate ourselves to some thankfulness.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Robert
v1 But he was a leper.
The one word leper negated everything that goes before it in this verse. No matter how high, noble and accomplished we might be in this age, we are all doomed to the grave. Hence we should get right with God now because everything else is just stamp collecting.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
v2 the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel
Presumably she was orphaned by these marauding groups. She was young and alone in a foreign country that hated Israel - and she was placed in the service of the household of Syria's leading soldier! Surely she would have felt bitterness towards her captors and would secretly rejoice that Naaman was now so ill.
Not so.
She showed respect and compassion and was the person who first alerted Naaman to Elisha. Naaman must have been a leader who cared about his subordinates that they responded with such goodwill. Even Naaman's servants called him "My father" (v14) suggesting he was a likeable leader.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
v10 And Elisha sent a messenger to [Naaman]
Elisha did not meet Naaman till after the miracle had been performed. Elisha was playing down his involvement - he wanted God to be at the centre, not himself. And Naaman was grandstanding thinking he should be the centre of attention (cp v11) but received a diplomatic snub in return. No wonder he was angry and felt humiliated at having to wash seven times in what he considered an inferior river. Naaman's pride had to be removed before he could be healed.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
v15 Then he returned to the man of God
Naaman could have just gone home to Syria from Jordan without seeing Elisha. Instead he made a very public testimony to his discovery of faith in God. He was a man who followed through on the evidence. Elisha refused payment knowing that payment would have compromised the fact that God freely gave the miracle.
By contrast, Gehazi dissembled for profit (v22). Gehazi reduced the miracle to a transaction - Naaman was paid to be healed. God honoured the transaction - Gehazi received payment for the removal of the leprosy. So Gehazi received the leprosy from Naaman in return for money. Gehazi was a rich leper!
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
v19 "Then [Elisha] said to [Naaman] 'Go in peace'"
Elisha did not condemn Naaman's request that his attendance at a pagan temple be overlooked. I suspect that Naaman returned to Syria and soon after retired from his job as commander of the Syrian army. His faith was incompatible with his job. Where is the evidence for this possibility? The next chapter sees the king using the army to fight Israel again (6:8, 24). This would have heavily involved the commander of the Syrian army - a position once occupied by Naaman. When his plans are frustrated, the Syrian king suspects that there is a mole in his inner circle who is advising the king of Israel of his plans (6:11,12). If Naaman were still commander of the Syrian army he would have been the most likely suspect, given his newfound faith in, and worship of, the God of Israel. Naaman is not only not a suspect but he is absent from the record.
Naaman probably retired and, in his early retirement, devoted himself to the worship of God within his new, small Syrian ecclesia.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. Now Naaman <5283>, captain <8269> of the host <6635> of the king <4428> of Syria <758>, was a great <1419> man <376> with <6440> his master <113>, and honourable <5375>(8803), because by him the LORD <3068> had given <5414>(8804) deliverance <8668> unto Syria <758>: he was also a mighty <1368> man <376> in valour <2428>, but he was a leper <6879>(8794).
2. And the Syrians <758> had gone out <3318>(8804) by companies <1416>, and had brought away captive <7617>(8799) out of the land <776> of Israel <3478> a little <6996> maid <5291>; and she waited on <6440> Naaman's <5283> wife <802>.
3. And she said <559>(8799) unto her mistress <1404>, Would <305> God my lord <113> were with <6440> the prophet <5030> that is in Samaria <8111>! for <227> he would recover <622>(8799) him of his leprosy <6883>.
4. And one went in <935>(8799), and told <5046>(8686) his lord <113>, saying <559>(8800), Thus and thus said <1696>(8765) the maid <5291> that is of the land <776> of Israel <3478>.
5. And the king <4428> of Syria <758> said <559>(8799), Go to <3212>(8798), go <935>(8798), and I will send <7971>(8799) a letter <5612> unto the king <4428> of Israel <3478>. And he departed <3212>(8799), and took <3947>(8799) with him <3027> ten <6235> talents <3603> of silver <3701>, and six <8337> thousand <505> pieces of gold <2091>, and ten <6235> changes <2487> of raiment <899>.
6. And he brought <935>(8686) the letter <5612> to the king <4428> of Israel <3478>, saying <559>(8800), Now when this letter <5612> is come <935>(8800) unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent <7971>(8804) Naaman <5283> my servant <5650> to thee, that thou mayest recover <622>(8804) him of his leprosy <6883>.
7. And it came to pass, when the king <4428> of Israel <3478> had read <7121>(8800) the letter <5612>, that he rent <7167>(8799) his clothes <899>, and said <559>(8799), Am I God <430>, to kill <4191>(8687) and to make alive <2421>(8687), that this man <2088> doth send <7971>(8802) unto me to recover <622>(8800) a man <376> of his leprosy <6883>? wherefore <389> consider <3045>(8798), I pray you, and see <7200>(8798) how he seeketh a quarrel <579>(8693) against me.
8. And it was so, when Elisha <477> the man <376> of God <430> had heard <8085>(8800) that the king <4428> of Israel <3478> had rent <7167>(8804) his clothes <899>, that he sent <7971>(8799) to the king <4428>, saying <559>(8800), Wherefore hast thou rent <7167>(8804) thy clothes <899>? let him come <935>(8799) now to me, and he shall know <3045>(8799) that there is <3426> a prophet <5030> in Israel <3478>.
9. So Naaman <5283> came <935>(8799) with his horses <5483> and with his chariot <7393>, and stood <5975>(8799) at the door <6607> of the house <1004> of Elisha <477>.
10. And Elisha <477> sent <7971>(8799) a messenger <4397> unto him, saying <559>(8800), Go <1980>(8800) and wash <7364>(8804) in Jordan <3383> seven <7651> times <6471>, and thy flesh <1320> shall come again <7725>(8799) to thee, and thou shalt be clean <2891>(8798).
11. But Naaman <5283> was wroth <7107>(8799), and went away <3212>(8799), and said <559>(8799), Behold, I thought <559>(8804), He will surely <3318>(8800) come out <3318>(8799) to me, and stand <5975>(8804), and call <7121>(8804) on the name <8034> of the LORD <3068> his God <430>, and strike <5130>(8689) his hand <3027> over the place <4725>, and recover <622>(8804) the leper <6879>(8794).
12. Are not Abana <71>(8676) <549> and Pharpar <6554>, rivers <5104> of Damascus <1834>, better <2896> than all the waters <4325> of Israel <3478>? may I not wash <7364>(8799) in them, and be clean <2891>(8804)? So he turned <6437>(8799) and went away <3212>(8799) in a rage <2534>.
13. And his servants <5650> came near <5066>(8799), and spake <1696>(8762) unto him, and said <559>(8799), My father <1>, if the prophet <5030> had bid <1696>(8765) thee do some great <1419> thing <1697>, wouldest thou not have done <6213>(8799) it? how much rather then <637>, when he saith <559>(8804) to thee, Wash <7364>(8798), and be clean <2891>(8798)?
14. Then went he down <3381>(8799), and dipped <2881>(8799) himself seven <7651> times <6471> in Jordan <3383>, according to the saying <1697> of the man <376> of God <430>: and his flesh <1320> came again <7725>(8799) like unto the flesh <1320> of a little <6996> child <5288>, and he was clean <2891>(8799).
15. And he returned <7725>(8799) to the man <376> of God <430>, he and all his company <4264>, and came <935>(8799), and stood <5975>(8799) before <6440> him: and he said <559>(8799), Behold, now I know <3045>(8804) that there is no God <430> in all the earth <776>, but in Israel <3478>: now therefore, I pray thee, take <3947>(8798) a blessing <1293> of thy servant <5650>.
16. But he said <559>(8799), As the LORD <3068> liveth <2416>, before <6440> whom I stand <5975>(8804), I will receive <3947>(8799) none. And he urged <6484>(8799) him to take <3947>(8800) it; but he refused <3985>(8762).
17. And Naaman <5283> said <559>(8799), Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given <5414>(8714) to thy servant <5650> two <6776> mules <6505>' burden <4853> of earth <127>? for thy servant <5650> will henceforth offer <6213>(8799) neither burnt offering <5930> nor sacrifice <2077> unto other <312> gods <430>, but unto the LORD <3068>.
18. In this thing <1697> the LORD <3068> pardon <5545>(8799) thy servant <5650>, that when my master <113> goeth <935>(8800) into the house <1004> of Rimmon <7417> to worship <7812>(8692) there, and he leaneth <8172>(8737) on my hand <3027>, and I bow <7812>(8694) myself in the house <1004> of Rimmon <7417>: when I bow down <7812>(8692) myself in the house <1004> of Rimmon <7417>, the LORD <3068> pardon <5545>(8799) thy servant <5650> in this thing <1697>.
19. And he said <559>(8799) unto him, Go <3212>(8798) in peace <7965>. So he departed <3212>(8799) from him a little <3530> way <776>.
20. But Gehazi <1522>, the servant <5288> of Elisha <477> the man <376> of God <430>, said <559>(8799), Behold, my master <113> hath spared <2820>(8804) Naaman <5283> this Syrian <761>, in not receiving <3947>(8800) at his hands <3027> that which he brought <935>(8689): but, as the LORD <3068> liveth <2416>, I will run <7323>(8804) after <310> him, and take <3947>(8804) somewhat <3972> of him.
21. So Gehazi <1522> followed <7291>(8799) after <310> Naaman <5283>. And when Naaman <5283> saw <7200>(8799) him running <7323>(8801) after <310> him, he lighted down <5307>(8799) from the chariot <4818> to meet <7125>(8800) him, and said <559>(8799), Is all well <7965>?
22. And he said <559>(8799), All is well <7965>. My master <113> hath sent <7971>(8804) me, saying <559>(8800), Behold, even now there be come <935>(8804) to me from mount <2022> Ephraim <669> two <8147> young men <5288> of the sons <1121> of the prophets <5030>: give <5414>(8798) them, I pray thee, a talent <3603> of silver <3701>, and two <8147> changes <2487> of garments <899>.
23. And Naaman <5283> said <559>(8799), Be content <2974>(8685), take <3947>(8798) two talents <3603>. And he urged <6555>(8799) him, and bound <6696>(8799) two <8147> talents <3603> of silver <3701> in two <8147> bags <2754>, with two <8147> changes <2487> of garments <899>, and laid <5414>(8799) them upon two <8147> of his servants <5288>; and they bare <5375>(8799) them before <6440> him.
24. And when he came <935>(8799) to the tower <6076>, he took <3947>(8799) them from their hand <3027>, and bestowed <6485>(8799) them in the house <1004>: and he let the men <582> go <7971>(8762), and they departed <3212>(8799).
25. But he went in <935>(8802), and stood <5975>(8799) before his master <113>. And Elisha <477> said <559>(8799) unto him, Whence <370> comest thou, Gehazi <1522>? And he said <559>(8799), Thy servant <5650> went <1980>(8804) no whither <575>.
26. And he said <559>(8799) unto him, Went <1980>(8804) not mine heart <3820> with thee, when the man <376> turned <2015>(8804) again from his chariot <4818> to meet <7125>(8800) thee? Is it a time <6256> to receive <3947>(8800) money <3701>, and to receive <3947>(8800) garments <899>, and oliveyards <2132>, and vineyards <3754>, and sheep <6629>, and oxen <1241>, and menservants <5650>, and maidservants <8198>?
27. The leprosy <6883> therefore of Naaman <5283> shall cleave <1692>(8799) unto thee, and unto thy seed <2233> for ever <5769>. And he went out <3318>(8799) from his presence <6440> a leper <6879>(8794) as white as snow <7950>.
Notes that are not verse specific
A BURDENSOME YOKE Guilt weighs us down. When we sin and have not confessed our sins and have not been forgiven for them, we can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on top of us, driving us to disappear, playing on our minds and on our bodies until we feel we cannot go on. Jeremiah seemed to feel the same way when he said, "My sins have been bound into a yoke; by his hands they were woven together. They have come upon my neck and the LORD has sapped my strength. He has handed me over to those I cannot withstand." Jeremiah's sins felt like a yoke that bore down on him, exhausting him and sapping the life strength from his bones. The burdens they gave him seemed to constantly demand more and more strength.
But we don't have to bear the yoke of sin. It does not have to drive us into the ground to die. Through Jesus Christ that yoke can be removed and instead we can put on his yoke, the yoke of forgiveness and love. "Come to me," Jesus said, "all you who are weary and burdened, an I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Cast off all your burdens and put on the yoke of Christ today!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
The Book of Lamentations is accredited to Jeremiah, although no direct mention of him is made. Certainly the tone of the work and the historical context would point to Jeremiah as the author. Lamentations consists of five poems of mourning (each chapter is one poem).
Chapters 1-4 are acrostic, which means that a letter of the (Hebrew) alphabet, in order, begins each sentence (i.e. aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet begins line one; bet, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet begins line two etc.).
Chapter 3 differs slightly in that the same letter of the alphabet starts three consecutive lines rather than just the one (i.e. aleph begins the first three lines etc.).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
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1. How doth the city <5892> sit <3427>(8804) solitary <910>, that was full <7227> of people <5971>! how is she become as a widow <490>! she that was great <7227> among the nations <1471>, and princess <8282> among the provinces <4082>, how is she become tributary <4522>!
2. She weepeth <1058>(8799) sore <1058>(8800) in the night <3915>, and her tears <1832> are on her cheeks <3895>: among all her lovers <157>(8802) she hath none to comfort <5162>(8764) her: all her friends <7453> have dealt treacherously <898>(8804) with her, they are become her enemies <341>(8802).
3. Judah <3063> is gone into captivity <1540>(8804) because of affliction <6040>, and because of great <7230> servitude <5656>: she dwelleth <3427>(8804) among the heathen <1471>, she findeth <4672>(8804) no rest <4494>: all her persecutors <7291>(8802) overtook <5381>(8689) her between the straits <4712>.
4. The ways <1870> of Zion <6726> do mourn <57>, because none come <935>(8802) to the solemn feasts <4150>: all her gates <8179> are desolate <8074>(8802): her priests <3548> sigh <584>(8737), her virgins <1330> are afflicted <3013>(8737), and she is in bitterness <4843>(8804).
5. Her adversaries <6862> are the chief <7218>, her enemies <341>(8802) prosper <7951>(8804); for the LORD <3068> hath afflicted <3013>(8689) her for the multitude <7230> of her transgressions <6588>: her children <5768> are gone <1980>(8804) into captivity <7628> before <6440> the enemy <6862>.
6. And from the daughter <1323> of Zion <6726> all her beauty <1926> is departed <3318>(8799): her princes <8269> are become like harts <354> that find <4672>(8804) no pasture <4829>, and they are gone <3212>(8799) without strength <3581> before <6440> the pursuer <7291>(8802).
7. Jerusalem <3389> remembered <2142>(8804) in the days <3117> of her affliction <6040> and of her miseries <4788> all her pleasant things <4262> that she had in the days <3117> of old <6924>, when her people <5971> fell <5307>(8800) into the hand <3027> of the enemy <6862>, and none did help <5826>(8802) her: the adversaries <6862> saw <7200>(8804) her, and did mock <7832>(8804) at her sabbaths <4868>.
8. Jerusalem <3389> hath grievously <2399> sinned <2398>(8804); therefore she is removed <5206>: all that honoured <3513>(8764) her despise <2107>(8689) her, because they have seen <7200>(8804) her nakedness <6172>: yea, she sigheth <584>(8738), and turneth <7725>(8799) backward <268>.
9. Her filthiness <2932> is in her skirts <7757>; she remembereth <2142>(8804) not her last end <319>; therefore she came down <3381>(8799) wonderfully <6382>: she had no comforter <5162>(8764). O LORD <3068>, behold <7200>(8798) my affliction <6040>: for the enemy <341>(8802) hath magnified <1431>(8689) himself.
10. The adversary <6862> hath spread out <6566>(8804) his hand <3027> upon all her pleasant things <4261>: for she hath seen <7200>(8804) that the heathen <1471> entered <935>(8804) into her sanctuary <4720>, whom thou didst command <6680>(8765) that they should not enter <935>(8799) into thy congregation <6951>.
11. All her people <5971> sigh <584>(8737), they seek <1245>(8764) bread <3899>; they have given <5414>(8804) their pleasant things <4261>(8675) <4262> for meat <400> to relieve <7725>(8687) the soul <5315>: see <7200>(8798), O LORD <3068>, and consider <5027>(8685); for I am become vile <2151>(8802).
12. Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass <5674>(8802) by <1870>? behold <5027>(8685), and see <7200>(8798) if there be <3426> any sorrow <4341> like unto my sorrow <4341>, which is done <5953>(8776) unto me, wherewith the LORD <3068> hath afflicted <3013>(8689) me in the day <3117> of his fierce <2740> anger <639>.
13. From above <4791> hath he sent <7971>(8804) fire <784> into my bones <6106>, and it prevaileth <7287>(8799) against them: he hath spread <6566>(8804) a net <7568> for my feet <7272>, he hath turned <7725>(8689) me back <268>: he hath made <5414>(8804) me desolate <8074>(8802) and faint <1739> all the day <3117>.
14. The yoke <5923> of my transgressions <6588> is bound <8244>(8738) by his hand <3027>: they are wreathed <8276>(8691), and come up <5927>(8804) upon my neck <6677>: he hath made my strength <3581> to fall <3782>(8689), the Lord <136> hath delivered <5414>(8804) me into their hands <3027>, from whom I am not able <3201>(8799) to rise up <6965>(8800).
15. The Lord <136> hath trodden under foot <5541>(8765) all my mighty <47> men in the midst <7130> of me: he hath called <7121>(8804) an assembly <4150> against me to crush <7665>(8800) my young men <970>: the Lord <136> hath trodden <1869>(8804) the virgin <1330>, the daughter <1323> of Judah <3063>, as in a winepress <1660>.
16. For these things I weep <1058>(8802); mine eye <5869>, mine eye <5869> runneth down <3381>(8802) with water <4325>, because the comforter <5162>(8764) that should relieve <7725>(8688) my soul <5315> is far <7368>(8804) from me: my children <1121> are desolate <8074>(8802), because the enemy <341>(8802) prevailed <1396>(8804).
17. Zion <6726> spreadeth forth <6566>(8765) her hands <3027>, and there is none to comfort <5162>(8764) her: the LORD <3068> hath commanded <6680>(8765) concerning Jacob <3290>, that his adversaries <6862> should be round about <5439> him: Jerusalem <3389> is as a menstruous woman <5079> among them.
18. The LORD <3068> is righteous <6662>; for I have rebelled <4784>(8804) against his commandment <6310>: hear <8085>(8798), I pray you, all people <5971>, and behold <7200>(8798) my sorrow <4341>: my virgins <1330> and my young men <970> are gone <1980>(8804) into captivity <7628>.
19. I called <7121>(8804) for my lovers <157>(8764), but they deceived <7411>(8765) me: my priests <3548> and mine elders <2205> gave up the ghost <1478>(8804) in the city <5892>, while they sought <1245>(8765) their meat <400> to relieve <7725>(8686) their souls <5315>.
20. Behold <7200>(8798), O LORD <3068>; for I am in distress <6887>(8804): my bowels <4578> are troubled <2560>(8777); mine heart <3820> is turned <2015>(8738) within <7130> me; for I have grievously <4784>(8800) rebelled <4784>(8804): abroad <2351> the sword <2719> bereaveth <7921>(8765), at home <1004> there is as death <4194>.
21. They have heard <8085>(8804) that I sigh <584>(8737): there is none to comfort <5162>(8764) me: all mine enemies <341>(8802) have heard <8085>(8804) of my trouble <7451>; they are glad <7797>(8804) that thou hast done <6213>(8804) it: thou wilt bring <935>(8689) the day <3117> that thou hast called <7121>(8804), and they shall be like <3644> unto me.
22. Let all their wickedness <7451> come <935>(8799) before <6440> thee; and do <5953>(8778) unto them, as thou hast done <5953>(8782) unto me for all my transgressions <6588>: for my sighs <585> are many <7227>, and my heart <3820> is faint <1742>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Even though we do not possess gifts of the Spirit today, there is exhortation for each one of us in this chapter. The many, or the few talents that each one of us have been granted, are not to be misused as it appears that the Corinthians did. The warning can go further, these God given gifts must not be ignored.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
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1. Follow <1377>(5720) after charity <26>, and <1161> desire <2206>(5720) spiritual <4152> gifts, but <1161> rather <3123> that <2443> ye may prophesy <4395>(5725).
2. For <1063> he that speaketh <2980>(5723) in an unknown tongue <1100> speaketh <2980>(5719) not <3756> unto men <444>, but <235> unto God <2316>: for <1063> no man <3762> understandeth <191>(5719) him; howbeit <1161> in the spirit <4151> he speaketh <2980>(5719) mysteries <3466>.
3. But <1161> he that prophesieth <4395>(5723) speaketh <2980>(5719) unto men <444> to edification <3619>, and <2532> exhortation <3874>, and <2532> comfort <3889>.
4. He that speaketh <2980>(5723) in an unknown tongue <1100> edifieth <3618>(5719) himself <1438>; but <1161> he that prophesieth <4395>(5723) edifieth <3618>(5719) the church <1577>.
5. <1161> I would <2309>(5719) that ye <5209> all <3956> spake <2980>(5721) with tongues <1100>, but <1161> rather <3123> that <2443> ye prophesied <4395>(5725): for <1063> greater <3187> is he that prophesieth <4395>(5723) than <2228> he that speaketh <2980>(5723) with tongues <1100>, except <1622> <1508> he interpret <1329>(5725), that <2443> the church <1577> may receive <2983>(5632) edifying <3619>.
6. <1161> Now <3570>, brethren <80>, if <1437> I come <2064>(5632) unto <4314> you <5209> speaking <2980>(5723) with tongues <1100>, what <5101> shall I profit <5623>(5692) you <5209>, except <3362> I shall speak <2980>(5661) to you <5213> either <2228> by <1722> revelation <602>, or <2228> by <1722> knowledge <1108>, or <2228> by <1722> prophesying <4394>, or <2228> by <1722> doctrine <1322>?
7. And even <3676> things without life <895> giving <1325>(5723) sound <5456>, whether <1535> pipe <836> or <1535> harp <2788>, except <3362> they give <1325>(5632) a distinction <1293> in the sounds <5353>, how <4459> shall it be known <1097>(5701) what is piped <832>(5746) or <2228> harped <2789>(5746)?
8. For <1063> <2532> if <1437> the trumpet <4536> give <1325>(5632) an uncertain <82> sound <5456>, who <5101> shall prepare himself <3903>(5695) to <1519> the battle <4171>?
9. So <3779> likewise <2532> ye <5210>, except <3362> ye utter <1325>(5632) by <1223> the tongue <1100> words <3056> easy to be understood <2154>, how <4459> shall it be known <1097>(5701) what is spoken <2980>(5746)? for <1063> ye shall <2071>(5704) speak <2980>(5723) into <1519> the air <109>.
10. <1487> There are <2076>(5748), it may be <5177>(5630), so many <5118> kinds <1085> of voices <5456> in <1722> the world <2889>, and <2532> none of them <3762> is without signification <880>.
11. Therefore <3767> if <3362> <0> I know <1492>(5762) not <3362> the meaning <1411> of the voice <5456>, I shall be <2071>(5704) unto him that speaketh <2980>(5723) a barbarian <915>, and <2532> he that speaketh <2980>(5723) shall be a barbarian <915> unto <1722> me <1698>.
12. Even <2532> so <3779> ye <5210>, forasmuch as <1893> ye are <2075>(5748) zealous <2207> of spiritual <4151> gifts, seek <2212>(5720) that <2443> ye may excel <4052>(5725) to <4314> the edifying <3619> of the church <1577>.
13. Wherefore <1355> let him that speaketh <2980>(5723) in an unknown tongue <1100> pray <4336>(5737) that <2443> he may interpret <1329>(5725).
14. For <1063> if <1437> I pray <4336>(5741) in an unknown tongue <1100>, my <3450> spirit <4151> prayeth <4336>(5736), but <1161> my <3450> understanding <3563> is <2076>(5748) unfruitful <175>.
15. What <5101> is it <2076>(5748) then <3767>? I will pray <4336>(5695) with the spirit <4151>, and <1161> I will pray <4336>(5695) with the understanding <3563> also <2532>: I will sing <5567>(5692) with the spirit <4151>, and <1161> I will sing <5567>(5692) with the understanding <3563> also <2532>.
16. Else <1893> when <1437> thou shalt bless <2127>(5661) with the spirit <4151>, how <4459> shall he that occupieth <378>(5723) the room <5117> of the unlearned <2399> say <2046>(5692) Amen <281> at <1909> thy <4674> giving of thanks <2169>, seeing <1894> he understandeth <1492>(5758) not <3756> what <5101> thou sayest <3004>(5719)?
17. For <1063> thou <4771> verily <3303> givest thanks <2168>(5719) well <2573>, but <235> the other <2087> is <3618> <0> not <3756> edified <3618>(5743).
18. I thank <2168>(5719) my <3450> God <2316>, I speak <2980>(5723) with tongues <1100> more than <3123> ye <5216> all <3956>:
19. Yet <235> in <1722> the church <1577> I had rather <2309>(5719) speak <2980>(5658) five <4002> words <3056> with <1223> my <3450> understanding <3563>, that <2443> by my voice I might teach <2727>(5661) others <243> also <2532>, than <2228> ten thousand <3463> words <3056> in <1722> an unknown tongue <1100>.
20. Brethren <80>, be <1096>(5737) not <3361> children <3813> in understanding <5424>: howbeit <235> in malice <2549> be ye children <3515>(5720), but <1161> in understanding <5424> be <1096>(5737) men <5046>.
21. In <1722> the law <3551> it is written <1125>(5769), <3754> With <1722> men of other tongues <2084> and <2532> other <1722> <2087> lips <5491> will I speak <2980>(5692) unto this <5129> people <2992>; and <2532> yet for all <3779> that will they <1522> <0> not <3761> hear <1522>(5695) me <3450>, saith <3004>(5719) the Lord <2962>.
22. Wherefore <5620> tongues <1100> are <1526>(5748) for <1519> a sign <4592>, not <3756> to them that believe <4100>(5723), but <235> to them that believe not <571>: but <1161> prophesying <4394> serveth not <3756> for them that believe not <571>, but <235> for them which believe <4100>(5723).
23. If <1437> therefore <3767> the whole <3650> church <1577> be come together <4905>(5632) into <1909> one place <846>, and <2532> all <3956> speak <2980>(5725) with tongues <1100>, and <1161> there come in <1525>(5632) those that are unlearned <2399>, or <2228> unbelievers <571>, will they <2046> <0> not <3756> say <2046>(5692) that <3754> ye are mad <3105>(5736)?
24. But <1161> if <1437> all <3956> prophesy <4395>(5725), and <1161> there come in <1525>(5632) one <5100> that believeth not <571>, or <2228> one unlearned <2399>, he is convinced <1651>(5743) of <5259> all <3956>, he is judged <350>(5743) of <5259> all <3956>:
25. And <2532> thus <3779> are <1096> <0> the secrets <2927> of his <846> heart <2588> made <1096>(5736) manifest <5318>; and <2532> so <3779> falling down <4098>(5631) on <1909> his face <4383> he will worship <4352>(5692) God <2316>, and report <518>(5723) that <3754> God <2316> is <2076>(5748) in <1722> you <5213> of a truth <3689>.
26. How <5101> is it <2076>(5748) then <3767>, brethren <80>? when <3752> ye come together <4905>(5741), every one <1538> of you <5216> hath <2192>(5719) a psalm <5568>, hath <2192>(5719) a doctrine <1322>, hath <2192>(5719) a tongue <1100>, hath <2192>(5719) a revelation <602>, hath <2192>(5719) an interpretation <2058>. Let <1096> <0> all things <3956> be done <1096>(5634) unto <4314> edifying <3619>.
27. If <1535> any man <5100> speak <2980>(5719) in an unknown tongue <1100>, let it be by <2596> two <1417>, or <2228> at the most <4118> by three <5140>, and <2532> that by <303> course <3313>; and <2532> let <1329> <0> one <1520> interpret <1329>(5720).
28. But <1161> if <3362> <0> there be <5600>(5753) no <3362> interpreter <1328>, let him keep silence <4601>(5720) in <1722> the church <1577>; and <1161> let him speak <2980>(5720) to himself <1438>, and <2532> to God <2316>.
29. <1161> Let <2980> <0> the prophets <4396> speak <2980>(5720) two <1417> or <2228> three <5140>, and <2532> let <1252> <0> the other <243> judge <1252>(5720).
30. If <1161> <1437> any thing be revealed <601>(5686) to another <243> that sitteth by <2521>(5740), let <4601> <0> the first <4413> hold his peace <4601>(5720).
31. For <1063> ye may <1410>(5736) all <3956> prophesy <4395>(5721) one by one <2596> <1520>, that <2443> all <3956> may learn <3129>(5725), and <2532> all <3956> may be comforted <3870>(5747).
32. And <2532> the spirits <4151> of the prophets <4396> are subject <5293>(5743) to the prophets <4396>.
33. For <1063> God <2316> is <2076>(5748) not <3756> the author of confusion <181>, but <235> of peace <1515>, as <5613> in <1722> all <3956> churches <1577> of the saints <40>.
34. Let <4601> <0> your <5216> women <1135> keep silence <4601>(5720) in <1722> the churches <1577>: for <1063> it is <2010> <0> not <3756> permitted <2010>(5769) unto them <846> to speak <2980>(5721); but <235> they are commanded to be under obedience <5293>(5733), as <2531> also <2532> saith <3004>(5719) the law <3551>.
35. And <1161> if <1487> they will <2309>(5719) learn <3129>(5629) any thing <5100>, let them ask <1905>(5720) their <2398> husbands <435> at <1722> home <3624>: for <1063> it is <2076>(5748) a shame <149> for women <1135> to speak <2980>(5721) in <1722> the church <1577>.
36. What <2228>? came <1831> <0> the word <3056> of God <2316> out <1831>(5627) from <575> you <5216>? or <2228> came it <2658>(5656) unto <1519> you <5209> only <3441>?
37. If any man <1536> think himself <1380>(5719) to be <1511>(5750) a prophet <4396>, or <2228> spiritual <4152>, let him acknowledge <1921>(5720) that <3754> the things <3739> that I write <1125>(5719) unto you <5213> are <1526>(5748) the commandments <1785> of the Lord <2962>.
38. But <1161> if any man <1536> be ignorant <50>(5719), let him be ignorant <50>(5720).
39. Wherefore <5620>, brethren <80>, covet <2206>(5720) to prophesy <4395>(5721), and <2532> forbid <2967>(5720) not <3361> to speak <2980>(5721) with tongues <1100>.
40. Let <1096> <0> all things <3956> be done <1096>(5737) decently <2156> and <2532> in <2596> order <5010>.