1 Corinthians 14:3 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." This verse is part of a larger passage in which the apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of speaking in tongues and prophecy.

The verse begins with the phrase, "But he that prophesieth." This indicates that the focus of the verse is on the act of prophesying, which in biblical terms refers to speaking on behalf of God, often concerning future events, as well as providing encouragement, exhortation, and comfort to believers. Prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and is given to individuals for the building up and encouragement of the church.

The verse goes on to explain that the purpose of prophesying is to "speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." This means that the primary function of prophecy is to build up, encourage, and console believers. The word "edification" means to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually, while "exhortation" refers to the act of strongly encouraging someone to do something. "Comfort" means to provide strength and support to someone in distress.

In this verse, Paul is emphasizing the importance of using the gift of prophecy for the benefit of others. Rather than using spiritual gifts for personal gain or attention, believers are called to use them to build up the body of Christ and minister to the needs of fellow believers. This aligns with the broader theme of love and unity that runs throughout Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The Corinthian church was characterized by a lack of order and misuse of spiritual gifts, leading to confusion and division among the believers. Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 are aimed at restoring order and promoting the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church. He stresses the importance of using spiritual gifts, including prophecy, in a way that builds up the community of faith and fosters unity.

Symbolism in this verse can be found in the spiritual gifts themselves. Prophecy is symbolic of the direct communication between God and His people. The prophet is seen as a conduit for God's message, providing insight, guidance, and encouragement to the church. The threefold purpose of prophecy – edification, exhortation, and comfort – reflects the multifaceted nature of God's care for His people. It also speaks to the diverse needs of the church body, emphasizing the importance of meeting those needs through the use of spiritual gifts.

Overall, 1 Corinthians 14:3 serves as a reminder to believers of the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy. It underscores the need for selflessness and love in the exercise of these gifts, as well as their intended purpose of building up the body of Christ. The verse encourages believers to seek unity and to use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others, reflecting the selfless love and care that God desires for His people. Through prophesying, believers are called to edify, exhort, and comfort one another, demonstrating the love and grace of God within the community of faith.