By Pastor Dave Farmer
Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to the Strong's numbering system whereby Greek words are assigned a number "Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship." Those who study the Scripture from the original languages are familiar with this lexicon.
1 Corinthians 14:3
However, the one who is prophesying [during the pre-canon period] communicates to the people in the congregation resulting in edification, exhortation, and encouragement.
14.3a] ὁ δὲ προφητεύων ἀνθρώποις λαλεῖ - "However the one who is prophesying [during the pre-canon period] communicates to the people in the congregation"
We start with the adversative use of the postpositive conjunction DE[1161] meaning, HOWEVER. The conjunction introduces a contrast with the previous verse which stated: the gift of tongues communicates in a language not shared by the congregation and therefore provides no spiritual benefit to the congregation. Since we have a contrast, what type of spiritual gift communicates in the language of the people?
A participial phrase comes next. When the participle has an article but is not modifying a noun the construction is called substantival. In fact, it is the subject of the sentence we know this for both article and participle are in the same case, the nominative singular masculine and the subject is placed in the nominative case. In this type of format, the article acts as a relative pronoun, and we translate it THE ONE WHO. Next is the present active participle nominative singular of PROPHETEUO [4395] meaning HOWEVER THE ONE WHO IS PROPHESYING. The subject is the believer who is teaching the Word of God during public worship.
Then we have the present active indicative 3rd person singular of LALEO [2980] TO SAT, TO SPEAK, TO COMMUNICATE. The present tense is a descriptive present illustrating what is now occurring and of urgent concern to the Apostle, HOWEVER, THE ONE WHO IS PROPHESYING IS COMMUNICATING.
Next, we have the dative plural indirect object of the generic noun ANTHROPOS [444]. This is referring to the people in the congregation. This is a dative of advantage, and we bring out in the translation in this way, HOWEVER, THE ONE WHO IS PROPHESYING COMMUNICATES TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CONGREGATION. Preaching is in the vocabulary and vernacular of the people and therefore is to their advantage.
14.3b] οἰκοδομὴν , καὶ παράκλησιν, καὶ παραμυθίαν. "resulting in edification, exhortation, and encouragement."
The next three words are all nouns in the accusative case and show the beneficial results of preaching the Word of God, RESULTING IN EDIFICATION AND EXHORTATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT. What a difference between the previous verse where he was no one, not one person edified, counseled or encouraged.
First, the accusative singular direct object OIKODOME [3619] which means to build up, to edify, to strengthen, to spiritually advance the believer. It is the buildup of Bible knowledge and application to life that causes believers to grow spiritually, Ephesians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 14:26.
The next noun is the accusative singular direct object PARAKLESIS [3874] meaning to exhort, to counsel. This is how the Word of God applies to you. It is not lambasting the believer or spiritual bullying. It is the conviction that comes through the teaching of the Word that provides direction and guidance, 1 Thessalonians 2:3; Acts 13:15.
The final noun is the accusative singular direct object PARAMYTHIA [3889] to console, to encourage. The act of giving relief in a time of affliction. This comfort and encouragement are received from Scripture which enables us to orient to the difficulties we face in life. It is not sympathy, but comfort and help.