1 Corinthians 14:2

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

For the one speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God. For no one hears, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

Latin

Qui enim loquitur lingua, non hominibus loquitur, sed Deo: nemo enim audit. Spiritu autem loquitur mysteria.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:2–4

The issue with speaking in tongues is that listeners cannot easily understand the message. However, the gift of prophecy is clear and helpful. It is a message from God that strengthens, encourages, and comforts those who hear it.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Pure Worship The Gift of Prophecy The Holy Spirit’s Work

Related verses

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;
Acts 10:46
For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
Acts 19:6
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Acts 2:4–11
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
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 2:10
But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 14:9–11
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
Ephesians 3:3–9
…that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
Colossians 1:26–27
…the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
Colossians 2:2
…that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
1 Timothy 3:16
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
1 Corinthians 14:18–23
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

Glossary

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

Topics

Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Praying in the Spirit Praying in Tounges Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gift of Tongues Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians

1 Corinthians 14:2

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