Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. New Living Translation For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. English Standard Version For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. Berean Standard Bible For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. Berean Literal Bible For the one speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God. For no one hears, but in the Spirit he utters mysteries. King James Bible For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. New King James Version For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. New American Standard Bible For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. NASB 1995 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. NASB 1977 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. Legacy Standard Bible For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. Amplified Bible For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. Christian Standard Bible For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. Holman Christian Standard Bible For the person who speaks in another language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. American Standard Version For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. Contemporary English Version If you speak languages that others don't know, God will understand what you are saying, though no one else will know what you mean. You will be talking about mysteries that only the Spirit understands. English Revised Version For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. GOD'S WORD® Translation When a person speaks in another language, he doesn't speak to people but to God. No one understands him. His spirit is speaking mysteries. Good News Translation Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit. International Standard Version For the person who speaks in a foreign language is not actually speaking to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands him, because he is talking about secrets by the Spirit. Majority Standard Bible For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. NET Bible For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit. New Heart English Bible For the one who speaks in another language speaks not to people, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. Webster's Bible Translation For he that speaketh in an unknown language, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; yet in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. Weymouth New Testament For he who speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. Yet in the Spirit he is speaking secret truths. World English Bible For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God, for no one understands, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue—he does not speak to men, but to God, for no one listens, and he speaks secrets in spirit; Berean Literal Bible For the one speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God. For no one hears, but in the Spirit he utters mysteries. Young's Literal Translation for he who is speaking in an unknown tongue -- to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit he doth speak secrets; Smith's Literal Translation For he speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God: (for none hears; and in the spirit he speaks mysteries.) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor he that speaketh in a tongue, speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries. Catholic Public Domain Version For whoever speaks in tongues, speaks not to men, but to God. For no one understands. Yet by the Spirit, he speaks mysteries. New American Bible For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to human beings but to God, for no one listens; he utters mysteries in spirit. New Revised Standard Version For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no man understands what he says; however through the Spirit he speaks mysteries. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For whoever speaks in languages does not speak to men, but he is speaking to God, for no man understands what he speaks, but by The Spirit he speaks mysteries. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands him: but yet in spirit he speaks mysteries. Godbey New Testament For the one speaking with a tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no one hears him; but he speaks mysteries in the spirit: Haweis New Testament For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; although in spirit he speaketh mysterious truths. Mace New Testament for he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God: for no man can understand the mysteries he delivers by the spirit. Weymouth New Testament For he who speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. Yet in the Spirit he is speaking secret truths. Worrell New Testament For he that speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Worsley New Testament For he, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no one understandeth, though in spirit he speaketh mysteries. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Prophecy and Tongues1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.… Cross References Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Romans 8:26-27 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. / And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Acts 10:46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. 1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Isaiah 28:11 Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people Joel 2:28 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Treasury of Scripture For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. he that. 1 Corinthians 14:9-11,16,21,22 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air… Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. Genesis 42:23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. understandeth. Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. howbeit. 1 Corinthians 2:7,10 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: … 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Jump to Previous Hearken Hears Howbeit Indeed Language Makes Mysteries Secret Secrets Sense Speak Speaketh Speaking Speaks Spirit Talking Tongue Tongues Truths Understandeth Understands Unknown Use UttersJump to Next Hearken Hears Howbeit Indeed Language Makes Mysteries Secret Secrets Sense Speak Speaketh Speaking Speaks Spirit Talking Tongue Tongues Truths Understandeth Understands Unknown Use Utters1 Corinthians 14 1. Prophecy is commended,2. and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments. 12. Both must be referred to edification, 22. as to their true and proper end. 26. The true use of each is taught, 27. and the abuse rebuked. 34. Women in the churches. For he who speaks in a tongue This phrase refers to the practice of speaking in tongues, a spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament. In the early church, speaking in tongues was a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. It is first prominently seen in Acts 2 during Pentecost, where the apostles spoke in various languages understood by people from different regions. This gift is often associated with the charismatic movement and is seen as a way to edify the individual believer. does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding spiritual gifts and orderly worship. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and misunderstanding in worship practices. 3. Speaking in Tongues A spiritual gift involving speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, intended for communication with God. 4. God The ultimate recipient of the communication when one speaks in tongues, as the speaker utters mysteries in the Spirit. 5. The Spirit Refers to the Holy Spirit, who enables the believer to speak in tongues and communicate divine mysteries. Teaching Points Understanding the Purpose of TonguesSpeaking in tongues is primarily a form of communication with God, not for public edification unless interpreted. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak mysteries, emphasizing reliance on divine guidance in spiritual practices. Order in Worship Paul’s instruction underscores the importance of order and clarity in worship, ensuring that all spiritual gifts are used for the edification of the church. Personal Edification While tongues may not edify the congregation without interpretation, they can strengthen the individual believer’s spiritual life. Discernment and Balance Believers are encouraged to seek a balance between personal spiritual experiences and the edification of the church community.(2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue.--Better, For he that speaketh in a tongue. The word "unknown" is not in the original, but it has been inserted in connection with the word tongue "all through this chapter, so as to make the various passages seem to be consistent with the theory that the gift of tongues was a gift of languages. This is not the place to enter into the question of what particular external manifestation of this gift was evidenced on the Day of Pentecost. (See Acts 2:1-13.) Still, believing that the gift of tongues here spoken of is identical with the gift of tongues which was first bestowed at Pentecost, I would say that the phenomena described as occurring then must be explained by the fuller and more elaborate account of the nature of the gift which is given to us here. Against the theory that the gift was one of a capacity to speak various languages we have three considerations. (1) The word dialectos, which is repeatedly used to express languages (Acts 1:19; Acts 2:6; Acts 2:8; Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2; Acts 26:14), is never used by St. Paul or by the author of the Acts in reference to the utterances of those who possessed the gift of tongues, but the other word, glossa, which is, literally, the physical organ of speech--as if the utterances were simply sounds that proceeded from it. (2) There is no trace whatever of this knowledge of languages having been ever used for the purpose of preaching to those who spoke foreign languages. The language of the Lycaonians was evidently not understood by the Apostles when they were addressed in it (see Acts 14:11), and they did not speak in it. That the hearers at Pentecost said they heard those who were filled with the Spirit "speak in our own language" would only imply, either that the outpouring on Pentecost had for the moment a miraculous effect, which immediately ceased, or that "all the various elements of Aramaic and Hellenistic speech, latent in the usual language of the time, were quickened, under the power of this gift, into a new life, sometimes intelligible, sometimes unintelligible to those who heard it, but always expressive of the vitality and energy of the Spirit by which it was animated." (3) The description of the gift in this chapter is utterly inconsistent with it being a gift of languages. The gift was the result of a quickened spiritual power by the action of the Holy Ghost (see also Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6); it poured itself forth in wild, impassioned utterances, which were sometimes mistaken for delirium (1Corinthians 14:23); and these were the expressions, not of thoughts, but of feelings, unintelligible always, if uninterpreted, to the listener, and sometimes to the utterer himself. . . . Verse 2. - In an unknown tongue. The interpolation of the word "unknown" in our Authorized Version is quite unjustifiable, and shows the danger of giving way to the bias of mere conjectures. Probably it is this word, not found in the original, which has given rise to the perplexing, unhistoric, and unwarranted theory that "the gift of tongues" was a power of speaking in foreign languages. Speaketh not unto men. Because, as a rule, no one understands anything that he says. The word literally means "hears." It may, perhaps, imply that no special attention was given to those who gave way to these impulses of utterance. The whole of this chapter proves in a most striking way the close analogy between "the tongue" and the impassioned soliloquies of inarticulate utterance which were poured forth in tones of thrilling power among the Montanists, and in modern times among the Irvingites. In the spirit. It is uncertain whether this means "in his own spirit," or "in the Spirit of God," i.e. as a result of inspiration. Probably the former (John 4:24; Romans 8:13, etc.). Perhaps, however, the two imply the same thing. The spirit is the one Divine part of our human being, and when a man is a true Christian his spirit is in union with, is as it were lost in, the Spirit of God. St. Paul recognizes the true tongue - for it might be simulated by hysteria and even by mere physical imposture - as a result of inspiration, that is, of the overpowering dominance of the human spirit by a supernatural power. Nevertheless, he points out the extreme peril of yielding to or self inducing these emotions public, or in leaving them uncontrolled. Mysteries. Secrets revealed possibly to him, but unrevealed by this strange "tongue" to others. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. he who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. speaks λαλῶν (lalōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in a tongue γλώσσῃ (glōssē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language. does not speak λαλεῖ (lalei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. to men, ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. to God. Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. Indeed, γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. no one οὐδεὶς (oudeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing. understands [him]; ἀκούει (akouei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. he utters λαλεῖ (lalei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. mysteries μυστήρια (mystēria) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'. in the Spirit. πνεύματι (pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. Links 1 Corinthians 14:2 NIV1 Corinthians 14:2 NLT 1 Corinthians 14:2 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:2 NASB 1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV 1 Corinthians 14:2 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 14:2 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 14:2 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 14:2 French Bible 1 Corinthians 14:2 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in another language (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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