1 Corinthians 14:2

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.

For {G1063} he that speaketh {G2980} in an unknown tongue {G1100} speaketh {G2980} not {G3756} unto men {G444}, but {G235} unto God {G2316}: for {G1063} no man {G3762} understandeth {G191} him; howbeit {G1161} in the spirit {G4151} he speaketh {G2980} mysteries {G3466}.

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.

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV) addresses the nature of speaking in tongues within the early Christian church, particularly in the context of the Corinthian believers' enthusiastic but sometimes disorderly use of spiritual gifts.

Context

The Apostle Paul dedicates much of 1 Corinthians Chapters 12-14 to discussing spiritual gifts, their purpose, and their proper use in the church. The Corinthian community was rich in spiritual manifestations, including the gift of tongues, but they struggled with order and prioritizing gifts that edified the entire body. Chapter 14 specifically compares the gift of prophecy (speaking understandable, inspired words for edification) with the gift of tongues, emphasizing that public utterances should be intelligible for the benefit of all listeners.

Key Themes

  • Direct Communication with God: The verse explicitly states that one who speaks in a tongue "speaketh not unto men, but unto God." This highlights that, without interpretation, speaking in tongues is a form of spiritual communication primarily directed to the Divine. It's a personal, intimate act of worship or prayer that bypasses human understanding.
  • Lack of Human Comprehension: The phrase "for no man understandeth [him]" underscores the unintelligible nature of tongues to human listeners. This is a crucial point for Paul, as it forms the basis for his argument that public exercise of this gift requires interpretation to be beneficial to the wider congregation.
  • Speaking Mysteries in the Spirit: When one speaks in tongues, they are "in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." This suggests a profound, divinely inspired utterance that conveys spiritual truths or deep communion with God beyond the grasp of the natural mind. It's a communication originating from the human spirit, empowered by the Holy Spirit, expressing things unknown or unutterable in ordinary language.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's addition of "unknown" (italicized in the text) before "tongue" clarifies the translators' understanding that this refers to a language not naturally known or understood by the speaker or listeners. The Greek word for "tongue" is glōssa (γλῶσσα), which can mean both a physical tongue and a language. In this context, it refers to a supernatural utterance or language. The term "mysteries" comes from the Greek word mystēria (μυστήρια), which in biblical terms often refers to divine truths once hidden but now revealed by God, typically through the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

This verse provides significant insight into the function of speaking in tongues:

  • Personal Edification: For individuals, speaking in tongues can be a powerful form of prayer and spiritual communion, allowing direct communication with God that transcends intellectual barriers. It can build up one's spirit and deepen one's relationship with the Divine.
  • Corporate Edification: In a congregational setting, Paul's subsequent arguments (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:5) make it clear that while tongues are valuable, their public use must be accompanied by interpretation. The goal of all spiritual gifts exercised in the church is the edification and understanding of the entire body, not just the speaker. Without interpretation, tongues spoken in public do not contribute to the understanding of others.

Understanding this verse helps believers appreciate the diverse ways God communicates and empowers His people, while also emphasizing the importance of order and intelligibility in corporate worship for the sake of all present.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

  • Acts 19:6

    And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

  • Acts 10:46

    For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Acts 2:11

    Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:2

    And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:9

    So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
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