1 Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3
Prophecy here is defined as a threefold ministry: edification (building up), exhortation (encouragement), and comfort (consolation). This highlights the pastoral nature of biblical prophecy as a means for communal vitality, not merely predicting the future or delivering clever insights. In the Corinthian context, where disorder and pride lurked, this triad ensures the content of prophecy serves the church’s heart: comfort the weary, spur the faithful, and strengthen the resolve to live out the gospel.
The verse foregrounds the pastoral function of gifted speech. It integrates doctrine with compassion, truth with encouragement. It emphasizes that genuine revelation sanctifies, consoles, and steers the church toward godliness.
In counseling, preaching, or teaching, aim to edify, exhort, and comfort. When you confront wrongdoing or challenge in the church, do so with the aim of spiritual renewal and hope, not shame. Use sermons or sermons-like messages to strengthen believers, not merely to win debates. In personal interactions, speak truth in ways that lift and encourage, aligning with the gospel’s transformative power.
Cross-References: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 12:8; Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 20:31; Isaiah 50:4