# spoke in tongues

Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "had the ability to speak different languages" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# The one who prophesies is greater

Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. Alternate translation: "The one who prophesies has a greater gift" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

# interprets

This means to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying.

# the church may receive edification

The abstract noun "edification" can be translated using the verb "edify," which means to build something up. This is a metonym for the words through which the people in the church learn God's word and love God more, and the word "church" here is a metonym for the people who make up the church. Alternate translation: "the people in the church may become stronger" or "the one who prophesies may help the people know and love God better" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])