1 Corinthians 14:15

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:15 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's instruction on balanced worship, advocating for a harmonious integration of spiritual inspiration and rational understanding in both prayer and singing. Addressing the Corinthian church's enthusiastic but often disorderly exercise of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, Paul asserts that genuine worship should engage the entirety of a believer's being—spirit and mind—to ensure both personal devotion and corporate edification within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's comprehensive discourse on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians chapters 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts"). Following his foundational teaching on the unity of the Spirit's diverse gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Unity in Diversity of Gifts") and his sublime exposition on the supremacy of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"), Paul turns to the practical application and regulation of these gifts in public worship. Specifically, [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") addresses the issue of speaking in tongues, emphasizing that if a spiritual utterance cannot be understood by others, it fails to edify the church. Verse 15 serves as Paul's personal example and principle for how spiritual expressions, such as prayer and singing, should be conducted with both spiritual fervor and intellectual clarity for the benefit of all.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant, yet problematic, community situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical ideas. The believers, many of whom came from pagan backgrounds, were eager for tangible spiritual experiences, sometimes valuing ecstatic manifestations, like speaking in tongues, above all else. This enthusiasm, however, often led to disorder and a lack of intelligibility in their public gatherings. Paul's letter seeks to correct these excesses, providing theological grounding and practical guidelines for corporate worship. His emphasis on "understanding" (Greek: _noûs_) reflects a concern for rational engagement that would have resonated with the Greco-Roman emphasis on logic and clarity, while simultaneously affirming the vital role of the "spirit" (Greek: _pneûma_) in authentic Christian worship.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 14:15](/1_corinthians/14-15 "1 Corinthians 14:15 - Balanced Worship") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **balanced worship**, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates both the spiritual (inspired, intuitive) and the intellectual (rational, comprehensible) dimensions. This is not an either/or but a both and proposition. Secondly, the verse reinforces the paramount importance of **corporate edification**, a central concern throughout [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship"). Paul consistently argues that all spiritual gifts and expressions in public assembly must serve to build up, instruct, and encourage the entire body of believers, not just the individual. This is why he states in [1 Corinthians 14:12](/1_corinthians/14-12 "1 Corinthians 14:12 - Zeal for Edification") that they should "seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **order and decency** in church gatherings, a principle explicitly stated in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Decently and in Order"), ensuring that worship is not chaotic but conducted in a way that reflects God's character and promotes clarity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, a current of air, breath, or breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., the rational soul, vital principle, mental disposition, or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit. In this context, "spirit" refers to the human spirit, often under the direct inspiration or influence of the Holy Spirit, leading to deeply felt, perhaps ecstatic or inexpressible, spiritual utterances such as speaking in tongues. It signifies the non-rational, divinely-prompted aspect of worship.
* **understanding (Greek, _noûs'_):** From G3563, the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning. This term refers to the cognitive faculty, the rational mind, or intellect. 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, ensuring edification.
* **pray (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** From G4336, to pray to God, i.e., supplicate, worship. This verb denotes the act of communication with God, whether in supplication, adoration, or intercession. Paul's use of this word here emphasizes that even in the most intimate and spiritually charged acts of prayer, the mind's engagement is vital for a complete and edifying experience, particularly when others are present.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ What is it then?":** This rhetorical question serves as Paul's transition from theoretical discussion to practical application. It signals a concluding summary or a decisive statement on how the principles he has laid out should be implemented in the Corinthian context, particularly regarding the use of spiritual gifts in public worship.
* **"I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also:":** Paul presents his own personal commitment as an example for the Corinthians. He declares his intention to engage both his spiritual intuition and inspiration (his "spirit") and his rational, cognitive faculty (his "understanding") when he prays. This highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to prayer, where deep spiritual connection is complemented by conscious, intelligible thought.
* **"I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.":** Extending the principle from prayer to singing, Paul reiterates the same balanced approach. He affirms that musical worship, too, should involve both the spontaneous, inspired outpouring of the spirit and the deliberate, comprehending engagement of the mind. This ensures that singing is not merely an emotional or ecstatic experience but also a meaningful and intelligible act of worship that can be understood and affirmed by the congregation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** with a nuanced addition. Paul repeats the structure "I will [action] with the spirit, and I will [action] with the understanding also," first with "pray" and then with "sing." This repetition emphasizes the dual necessity of both spiritual inspiration and intellectual comprehension across different forms of worship. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis** between "spirit" and "understanding." While these two elements might appear to be in opposition (one being non-rational, the other rational), Paul presents them not as mutually exclusive but as complementary and essential components of complete worship. This rhetorical strategy highlights the tension and then resolves it by insisting on their simultaneous engagement, advocating for a holistic and balanced approach.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 14:15 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of authentic worship, asserting that it must be both Spirit-empowered and intellectually engaged. Paul's insistence on "understanding" alongside "spirit" prevents worship from devolving into mere emotionalism or unintelligible displays, ensuring that it remains grounded in truth and accessible to the mind. This balance is crucial for corporate worship, as it enables the entire community to participate meaningfully, say "Amen," and be edified. It reflects a theology where God, who is both Spirit and Logos, desires worship that engages the whole person—heart, soul, mind, and strength—leading to true spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ.

* [Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to One Another in Psalms")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Renewed Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:15 offers timeless guidance for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a worship life that is both deeply spiritual and thoughtfully engaged. It calls us to move beyond superficial or purely emotional expressions, encouraging us to bring our whole selves—our hearts aflame with the Spirit and our minds actively comprehending the truth—into our encounters with God. In personal devotion, this means allowing the Holy Spirit to move us to prayer and praise, even when words fail, while simultaneously striving to understand God's character and purposes through His Word. In corporate worship, it implores us to prioritize clarity and intelligibility in our prayers, songs, and teachings, ensuring that every expression contributes to the mutual edification and spiritual growth of the entire community. This balance fosters a worship environment where God is genuinely glorified, and His people are truly built up in faith and understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I personally cultivate a more balanced approach to prayer and worship, engaging both my spirit and my understanding?**
* **In what ways might our corporate worship services better integrate spiritual fervor with intellectual clarity for the edification of all attendees?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my spiritual expressions, whether public or private, are both authentic and comprehensible?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul emphasize "understanding" so strongly in worship?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes "understanding" (Greek: _noûs_, mind/intellect) because his primary concern in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") is the edification of the entire church. While he acknowledges the value of spiritual expressions like speaking in tongues for personal devotion, he argues that in public gatherings, if an utterance is not understood, it cannot build up, instruct, or encourage others. For the church to grow together, communication must be clear and intelligible. Therefore, engaging the mind ensures that worship is not just an individual experience but a communal act that strengthens the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of worshiping with both "spirit" and "understanding" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly demonstrated worship that was fully inspired by the Spirit and perfectly aligned with divine understanding. His prayers, though sometimes deeply spiritual and inexpressible (e.g., in [Gethsemane, as hinted at in Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus' Prayers and Cries")), were always rooted in a profound understanding of God's will and purpose. He taught His disciples to pray with both heart and mind, providing the [Lord's Prayer](/matthew/6-9-13 "Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer") as a model of intelligible, yet deeply spiritual, supplication. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the "Logos" or "Word" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), embodying divine reason and truth, while simultaneously being conceived and empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Conception by the Holy Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, we see the perfect integration of divine inspiration and perfect understanding, providing the ultimate template for the holistic worship that Paul advocates for the church, enabling us to worship God "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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.

Cross-References

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,