What does edification mean according to the Bible?
Edification means building others up by lifting them up, supporting them, and enlarging them. In the Bible’s contrast, prophesying speaks to men for edification, enhancing and helping the congregation through exhortation and comfort, whereas speaking in an unknown tongue edifies only the speaker himself.
Les explains that edification is not self-focused; it means to lift people up, support them, and enlarge them. Paul contrasts those speaking mysteries in an unknown tongue, which edifies only the individual, with the one who prophesies—speaking forth the word as a gifted individual—who speaks unto men to edification. Such a person enhances the congregation, helps all who hear, and exhorts and comforts them. Thus, edification builds up the whole congregation rather than serving as an ego trip.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.