What does it mean to prophesy according to 1 Corinthians 14?
In 1 Corinthians 14, prophesying means speaking forth the Word of God with the power of God, without benefit of a New Testament scripture. It is greater than speaking in languages unless the speaker interprets, so the congregation can understand and the church may receive the message.
Les explains that the key definition is speaking forth the Word of God with the power of God, without benefit of a New Testament scripture. Paul says the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks with languages, unless the tongues-speaker can interpret so the church may receive something. In Corinth, most understood Greek, but some may have understood only Hebrew or Aramaic. Paul wanted teaching and preaching in a language everyone could understand, because the people had to hear the Word from men's lips; they could not go home and read it.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
More Questions
Why is prophecy greater than speaking in tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:5?
The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks with languages, unless the tongues-speaker can interpret so that the church may receive edification.