TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
For someone speaking in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, because no one can understand, since he is uttering mysteries in the power of the Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
World English Bible Messianic
For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For hee that speaketh a strange tongue, speaketh not vnto men, but vnto God: for no man heareth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh secret things.
Young's Literal Translation
for he who is speaking in an unknown tongue--to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit he doth speak secrets;
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In the KJVVerse 28,681 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 verses 1–5
1 ¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 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.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
The apostle, in the foregoing chapter, had himself preferred, and advised the Corinthians to prefer, Christian charity to all spiritual gifts. Here he teaches them, among spiritual gifts, which they should prefer, and by what rules they should make comparison. He begins the chapter,
I. With an exhortation to charity (Co1 14:1): Follow after charity, pursue it. The original, diōkete, when spoken of a thing, signifies a singular concern to obtain it; and is commonly taken in a good and laudable sense. It is an exhortation to obtain charity, to get this excellent disposition of mind upon any terms, whatever pains or prayers it may cost: as if he had said, "In whatever you fail, see you do not miss of this; the principal of all graces is worth your getting at any rate."
II. He directs them which spiritual gift to prefer, from a principle of charity: "Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy, or chiefly that you may prophesy." While they were in close pursuit of charity, and made this Christian disposition their chief scope, they might be zealous of spiritual gifts, be ambitious of them in some measure, but especially of prophesying, that is, of interpreting scripture. This preference would most plainly discover that they were indeed upon such pursuit, that they had a due value for Christian charity, and were intent upon it. Note, Gifts are fit objects of our desire and pursuit, in subordination to grace and charity. That should be sought first and with the greatest earnestness which is most worth.
III. He assigns the reasons of this preference. And it is remarkable here that he only compares prophesying with speaking with tongues. It seems, this was the gift on which the Corinthians principally valued themselves. This was more ostentatious than the plain interpretation of scripture, more fit to gratify pride, but less fit to pursue the purposes of Christian charity; it would not equally edify nor do good to the souls of men. For, 1. He that spoke with tongues must wholly speak between God and himself; for, whatever mysteries might be communicated in his language, none of his own countrymen could understand them, because they did not understand the language, Co1 14:2. Note, What cannot be understood can never edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in unintelligible language, such as the audience can neither speak nor understand: but he that prophesies speaks to the advantage of his hearers; they may profit by his gift. Interpretation of scripture will be for their edification; they may be exhorted and comforted by it, Co1 14:3. And indeed these two must go together. Duty is the proper way to comfort; and those that would be comforted must bear being exhorted. 2. He that speaks with tongues may edify himself, Co1 14:4. He may understand and be affected with what he speaks; and so every minister should; and he that is most edified himself is in the disposition and fitness to do good to others by what he speaks; but he that speaks with tongues, or language unknown, can only edify himself; others can reap no benefit from his speech. Whereas the end of speaking in the church is to edify the church (Co1 14:4), to which prophesying, or interpreting scripture by inspiration or otherwise, is immediately adapted. Note, That is the best and most eligible gift which best answers the purposes of charity and does most good; not that which can edify ourselves only, but that which will edify the church. Such is prophesying, or preaching, and interpreting scripture, compared with speaking in an unknown tongue. 3. Indeed, no gift is to be despised, but the best gifts are to be preferred. I could wish, says the apostle, that you all spoke with tongues, but rather that you prophesied, Co1 14:5. Every gift of God is a favour from God, and may be improved for his glory, and as such is to be valued and thankfully received; but then those are to be most valued that are most useful. Greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, unless he interpret, that the church may receive edifying, Co1 14:5. Benevolence makes a man truly great. It is more blessed to give than to receive. And it is true magnanimity to study and seek to be useful to others, rather than to raise their admiration and draw their esteem. Such a man has a large soul, copious and diffused in proportion to his benevolence and bent of mind for public good. Greater is he who interprets scripture to edify the church than he who speaks tongues to recommend himself. And what other end he who spoke with tongues could have, unless he interpreted what he spoke, is not easy to say, Note, That makes most for the honour of a minister which is most for the church's edification, not that which shows his gifts to most advantage. He acts in a narrow sphere, while he aims at himself; but his spirit and character increase in proportion to his usefulness, I mean his own intention and endeavours to be useful.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 35
At this point he makes a comparison between the gifts, and lowers that of the tongues, showing it to be neither altogether useless, nor very profitable by itself. For in fact they were greatly puffed up on account of this, because the gift was considered to be a great one. And time of building the tower the one tongue was divided into many; so then the many tongues frequently met in one man, and the same person used to discourse both in the Persian, and the Roman, and the Indian, and many other tongues, the Spirit sounding within him: and the gift was called the gift of tongues because he could all at once speak divers languages. See accordingly how he both depresses and elevates it. Thus, by saying, "He that speaketh with tongues, speaketh not unto men, but unto God, for no man understandeth," he depressed it, implying that the profit of it was not great; but by adding, "but in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries" he again elevated it, that it might not seem to be superfluous and useless and given in vain.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
addresses the nature of speaking in tongues, clarifying that without interpretation, this spiritual gift functions as direct, unintelligible communication from an individual's spirit to God, conveying divine truths or "mysteries" beyond human comprehension. Paul emphasizes that while such utterances are deeply spiritual and personally edifying, their lack of intelligibility to others necessitates a different approach for public church gatherings, where corporate understanding and edification are paramount.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discourse on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Having established the unity and diversity of gifts in Chapter 12 and the supremacy of love in Chapter 13, Paul dedicates Chapter 14 to the proper use and prioritization of tongues and prophecy within the corporate assembly. The Corinthian church, rich in spiritual manifestations, struggled with order and prioritizing gifts that edified the entire body. Paul's primary concern throughout this section is that all spiritual expressions in the church should contribute to the common good and the building up of believers (1 Corinthians 14:26). Verse 2 serves as the foundational premise for Paul's subsequent argument that public tongues, without interpretation, are inferior to prophecy because they do not edify the congregation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical schools. The Corinthian church, a relatively young community, was grappling with integrating its newfound Christian faith with elements of its pagan past and the prevailing cultural emphasis on rhetoric and ecstatic experiences. There was a strong desire for spiritual manifestations, particularly speaking in tongues, which was seen by some as a sign of spiritual superiority. However, this enthusiasm often led to disorder and a lack of consideration for those who did not understand. Paul addresses a church where the public display of spiritual gifts, especially tongues, was valued for its dramatic effect rather than its edifying impact on the community. His instructions aim to bring order, understanding, and love to their worship, ensuring that all practices align with the gospel's purpose of building up the body of Christ.
Key Themes: 1 Corinthians 14:2 introduces several key themes that Paul develops throughout the chapter. Firstly, it highlights the direct, vertical nature of communication with God when one speaks in tongues without interpretation, emphasizing that it is a spiritual utterance primarily directed to the Divine, bypassing human understanding. Secondly, it underscores the lack of human comprehension as a critical factor for Paul's argument: "for no man understandeth [him]." This unintelligibility is why Paul insists on interpretation for public use (1 Corinthians 14:5). Thirdly, the verse points to the speaking of "mysteries" in the spirit, suggesting a profound, divinely inspired communication that conveys spiritual truths or deep communion with God beyond the grasp of the natural mind. This concept aligns with Paul's broader teaching on the Holy Spirit's role in revealing divine truths (1 Corinthians 2:7-10).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey his theological point. The most prominent is Contrast, specifically an antithesis between "not unto men, but unto God." This stark juxtaposition immediately highlights the primary audience and purpose of uninterpreted tongues, emphasizing its vertical, divine orientation over its horizontal, human one. This contrast sets the stage for Paul's subsequent arguments about the need for intelligibility in public worship. There is also an element of Paradox in the statement that one "speaketh mysteries" yet "no man understandeth [him]." This paradox underscores the unique nature of this gift: it is profoundly spiritual and conveys divine truth, yet it remains inaccessible to human reason without divine intervention (interpretation). Finally, Paul uses Emphasis through repetition of the verb "speaketh" (G2980, laléō), drawing attention to the act of vocal utterance itself, while simultaneously qualifying its effect based on the audience.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 14:2 provides foundational insight into the nature of glossolalia, distinguishing its personal, devotional function from its corporate, edifying role. Theologically, it underscores the Holy Spirit's diverse operations within believers, enabling profound, direct communion with God that transcends intellectual barriers. This personal dimension of speaking in tongues allows for spiritual edification of the individual (1 Corinthians 14:4), facilitating prayer and praise that expresses "mysteries" of the divine realm. However, the verse also implicitly sets up Paul's broader argument for the priority of intelligibility in public worship, establishing that gifts, no matter how spiritually profound, must serve the common good and build up the entire body of Christ to be truly effective in a congregational setting.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:2 invites believers to appreciate the multi-faceted ways God empowers and communicates with His people. For individuals, this verse affirms the profound intimacy possible in prayer and worship that transcends the limitations of human language and intellect. It suggests that speaking in tongues, when exercised personally, can be a powerful avenue for spiritual communion, allowing the human spirit, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to express deep realities and "mysteries" directly to God. This can lead to personal edification, spiritual refreshment, and a deepened sense of God's presence. Corporately, however, the verse serves as a crucial reminder that while personal spiritual experiences are valuable, public expressions of gifts must prioritize the understanding and edification of the entire community. It challenges us to consider how our spiritual practices contribute to the common good and whether they foster unity, clarity, and growth for all present.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 1 Corinthians 14:2 mean speaking in tongues is only for personal use and never for public church services?
Answer: Not exactly. 1 Corinthians 14:2 states that when one speaks in tongues, they "speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]." This highlights the uninterpreted nature of the gift. Paul's subsequent teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 clarifies that while tongues are valuable for personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4), their public use in the church requires interpretation so that the entire congregation can understand and be edified (1 Corinthians 14:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:27-28). So, it can be for public use, but only when accompanied by an interpreter.
What are the "mysteries" spoken in the spirit according to this verse?
Answer: The "mysteries" (Greek: mystḗrion) referred to in 1 Corinthians 14:2 are divine truths or spiritual realities that are hidden from natural human understanding but are revealed by God through the Holy Spirit. These are not necessarily secrets about the future, but profound spiritual insights, prayers, or praises that originate from the human spirit, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and are expressed in a language beyond intellectual comprehension. They represent a deep communion with God, expressing things that may be otherwise unutterable in ordinary language, as the Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 14:2, while focusing on the mechanics of a spiritual gift, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate revealer of God's mysteries and the source of all spiritual empowerment. The "mysteries" spoken in the spirit find their ultimate unveiling in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's hidden wisdom (Colossians 2:2-3). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ has made known the profound truths of God's redemptive plan, which were once concealed (Ephesians 3:3-5). The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ after His ascension (Acts 2:33), enables believers to communicate with God in ways that transcend human intellect, allowing for a deeper participation in the divine life revealed through Jesus. Thus, even in the "mysteries" uttered in tongues, the ultimate mystery being unveiled and glorified is the person and work of Christ, through whom we have access to the Father in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).