Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:13

Prophecy and Tongues · 1 Corinthians 14:1–25
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Translations

Modern
Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
Traditional
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Literal
Therefore, the one speaking in a tongue, let him pray that he may interpret.
Latin
Et ideo qui loquitur lingua, oret ut interpretetur.

Original

Greek
English
Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:13

Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues (see 14:39), but interpreting is crucial, especially in public worship (see 14:27–28).

1 Corinthians 14:1–25

After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Mystery Prophecy Spirit of God Tongues, Speaking in

Topics

Church is Edified by the Word Interpretation of Foreign Tongues Interpreter in Congregations Language: Interpretation of Most Important in the Early Church Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Miracles: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Edification of the Assembly Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Church is Edified by the Word Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians