How does 1 Corinthians 14:27 address the need for interpretation of tongues? Text of 1 Corinthians 14:27 “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.” Immediate Context (1 Cor 12–14) Chapters 12–14 form Paul’s extended correction of how the Corinthian assembly handled spiritual gifts. In 14:12 he sets the governing principle: “strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.” The command of v 27 is the practical outworking of that principle for the gift of tongues. Early Manuscript Evidence Papyrus 46 (c. A.D. 175), Codex Vaticanus (B), and Codex Sinaiticus (א) all read identically, demonstrating stable transmission of the clause καὶ εἷς διερμηνευέτω (“and let one interpret”). The uniform attestation undercuts claims of later ecclesiastical redaction; the requirement for interpretation is original apostolic instruction. Purpose Clause: Edification of the Church Paul repeats “for building up” (oikodomē) five times in this chapter (vv 3,4,5,12,26). Without interpretation, tongues profit no one but the speaker (v 4). Interpretation converts private edification into corporate edification, fulfilling the body-life model (12:7). Regulation: Limiting the Number of Speakers “Two, or at most three.” This cap ensures the congregation can process what God is communicating. The same numerical limit appears for prophecy (v 29), showing parity in Paul’s mind: intelligibility, not showmanship, validates a gift. Sequential Speaking (“each in turn”) Spiritual phenomena that bypass self-control contradict the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). The call for orderly sequence dismantles Corinthian chaos and sets a template for every era: supernatural manifestations submit to scriptural order (14:32-33,40). Imperative: “Someone must interpret” The Greek third-person imperative (διερμηνευέτω) has the force of a command. If no interpreter is present, the speaker must remain silent in the meeting (v 28). Thus interpretation is non-negotiable for public expression. Biblical Precedents and Parallels • Acts 2: languages understood by diaspora Jews—interpretation inherent. • Daniel 5: Daniel interprets the supernatural writing; revelation + interpretation is the biblical pattern. • Genesis 41: Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams; again message + meaning. These episodes underline God’s consistent practice: divine communication comes with accessible explanation. Theological Rationale God’s self-revelation is coherent (Deuteronomy 29:29). Pentecost reverses Babel (Genesis 11) by empowering proclamation in understandable speech; interpretation of tongues extends that reversal whenever the utterance is otherwise unintelligible. The Spirit who inspired Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) does not endorse meaningless sound in corporate worship. Practical Implications for Contemporary Worship 1. Identify proven interpreters before inviting public tongues. 2. Evaluate interpretations against Scripture (14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). 3. Keep to the numerical and sequential limits to preserve congregational engagement. 4. Encourage private use of tongues (14:18–19) while reserving public exercise for settings where interpretation is assured. Safeguard Against Disorder and Falsehood Interpretation serves as real-time accountability. False ecstasy, psychological mimicry, or demonic counterfeits (1 John 4:1) cannot long endure the test of intelligible meaning aligned with apostolic doctrine. Historical and Modern Testimonies Irenaeus (Against Heresies 5.6.1) records converts in the second century “speaking with all kinds of tongues” and “expounding mysteries.” Modern missionary reports (e.g., the well-documented 1906 Pandita Ramabai revival, Maharashtra, India) note listeners hearing Scripture in their tribal languages while verified interpreters translated for the wider audience—exactly Paul’s prescription. Conclusion: Interpretation as Non-Negotiable for Corporate Edification 1 Corinthians 14:27 establishes a three-fold grid—limited speakers, orderly sequence, mandatory interpretation—guaranteeing that the gift of tongues fulfills its God-given purpose. Without interpretation, the exercise must cease; with it, the congregation hears and glorifies God together, accomplishing the very aim for which spiritual gifts are bestowed. |
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