14:14 14:14

1 Corinthians 14:15

14:16 14:16

Bible Versions

¶ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
What {G5101} is it {G2076} then {G3767}? I will pray {G4336} with the spirit {G4151}, and {G1161} I will pray {G4336} with the understanding {G3563} also {G2532}: I will sing {G5567} with the spirit {G4151}, and {G1161} I will sing {G5567} with the understanding {G3563} also {G2532}.
So, what about it? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 Corinthians 14:15 KJV offers profound insight into the nature of spiritual worship, emphasizing the critical balance between spiritual inspiration and rational understanding. Paul, addressing the Corinthian church's practices regarding spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, advocates for a worship that engages both the heart and the mind.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader discussion in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 concerning spiritual gifts, their proper use, and their purpose within the Christian community. The Corinthian believers were eager for spiritual manifestations, but often lacked order and an understanding of how these gifts should serve to edify the church. Paul previously highlights the supremacy of love in 1 Corinthians 13, setting the stage for how gifts should be exercised. Here, he moves to practical application, stressing that public worship must be intelligible and beneficial to all present, not just the individual.

Key Themes

  • Balance in Worship: The verse powerfully advocates for a balanced approach to prayer and singing. It's not an either/or proposition between spiritual fervor and intellectual engagement, but a both/and. True worship incorporates both the spontaneous prompting of the Holy Spirit and the conscious, rational understanding of what is being expressed.
  • Edification of the Church: A central theme throughout 1 Corinthians 14 is the importance of edifying the church. Paul argues that if worship is unintelligible, it cannot build up or instruct others. Understanding is crucial for communal benefit.
  • Order and Decency: Paul consistently calls for order in church gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:40). This verse contributes to that principle, ensuring that spiritual expressions are not chaotic or confusing, but contribute to a clear and meaningful worship experience.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Spirit" (Greek: pneuma): In this context, "spirit" refers to the human spirit under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, often associated with speaking in tongues or deeply felt, perhaps inexpressible, spiritual utterances. It signifies a profound, divinely-prompted connection.
  • "Understanding" (Greek: nous): This term refers to the mind, intellect, or rational faculty. Paul insists that even when one is moved by the spirit, the mind should also be engaged, especially in public settings, so that the message is comprehended by the worshiper and by others.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 14:15 serves as a timeless guide for engaging in worship. It encourages us to:

  • Engage Holistically: Our worship should not be merely emotional or intellectual, but a complete offering involving our entire being – heart, soul, mind, and strength.
  • Prioritize Clarity in Public Worship: Whether in prayer, singing, teaching, or testimony, what is communicated in public gatherings should be clear and understandable to everyone present, enabling collective affirmation and growth.
  • Value Both Private and Corporate Worship: While praying or singing "with the spirit" might be deeply personal and edifying for the individual, Paul emphasizes that for corporate worship, the "understanding" must also be present to ensure mutual edification and evangelistic impact.

This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual expression, when combined with thoughtful comprehension, leads to powerful and unifying worship that truly glorifies God and builds up His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Ephesians 6:18

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

  • John 4:23

    But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

  • John 4:24

    God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.

  • Ephesians 5:17

    Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].

  • Ephesians 5:20

    Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

  • Jude 1:20

    But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
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