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.
Translate, 'Now I wish you all TO speak with tongues (so far am I from objecting to tongues), but rather IN ORDER THAT (as my ulterior, higher wish) ye should prophesy.' Tongues must therefore mean languages, not ecstatic unintelligible rhapsodies (as, Neander fancied): for Paul could never 'wish' for the latter in their behalf.
Greater - because more useful.
Except he interpret - the unknown tongue, 'that the church may receive edifying' (building up).