1 Corinthians 14:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/1_corinthians/12-14 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Order in the Church"). Having established the unity and diversity of gifts in [Chapter 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Unity and Diversity of Gifts") and the supremacy of love in [Chapter 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"), Paul dedicates [Chapter 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy, Tongues, and Order") 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 (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Edification in Worship")). [Verse 2](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues") 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](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues") 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 (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:5](/1_corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Prophecy and Interpretation")). 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 (cf. [1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1_corinthians/2-7-10 "1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongue (Greek, _glōssa'_):** This word, G1100, refers to the physical organ, but by implication, also to a language, especially one that is naturally unacquired. In this context, it denotes a supernatural utterance or language, often referred to as glossolalia, which is not understood by the speaker or the hearers without divine interpretation. The KJV's italicized "unknown" clarifies the translators' understanding of this specific usage.
* **speaketh (Greek, _laléō'_):** G2980, a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb, means "to talk, i.e., utter words." It emphasizes the act of vocalizing or articulating. Paul uses this verb consistently throughout [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy, Tongues, and Order") to describe both speaking in tongues and prophesying, highlighting that both are forms of verbal communication, though with different effects and purposes.
* **mysteries (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** G3466, derived from a word meaning "to shut the mouth," refers to a secret or "mystery." In biblical terms, it often signifies divine truths that were once hidden but are now revealed by God, typically through the Holy Spirit. Here, it suggests that speaking in tongues involves the utterance of profound spiritual realities or divine secrets that are beyond the realm of ordinary human knowledge or expression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue":** This clause introduces the subject of the verse, a person exercising the gift of speaking in tongues. The KJV's addition of "unknown" (italicized) correctly conveys the sense that this is a language not naturally known or understood by human listeners, distinguishing it from xenolalia (speaking in known foreign languages, as in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - Pentecost")). The focus is on the unintelligible nature of the utterance from a human perspective.
* **"speaketh not unto men, but unto God":** This is a crucial distinction. Paul clarifies that when one speaks in tongues without interpretation, the communication is directed vertically, to God, rather than horizontally, to other people. It is a form of prayer, praise, or spiritual communion that is intimately personal and divine-oriented, bypassing human understanding and direct human edification.
* **"for no man understandeth [him];":** This phrase provides the reason for the previous statement. The unintelligibility of the tongue is the key factor. Because no human listener comprehends the words being spoken, the utterance cannot serve to instruct, encourage, or convict the congregation. This lack of human understanding is the basis for Paul's subsequent argument for the necessity of interpretation in public settings.
* **"howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.":** Despite being incomprehensible to humans, speaking in tongues is not meaningless babble. The adverb "howbeit" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast or clarification. The speaker, "in the spirit" (G4151, _pneûma_, referring to the human spirit empowered by the Holy Spirit), is indeed articulating profound spiritual truths—"mysteries" (G3466, _mystḗrion_). This signifies a deep, divinely-inspired communication of spiritual realities that transcend the natural mind, even if the speaker themselves may not intellectually grasp the content (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:14](/1_corinthians/14-14 "1 Corinthians 14:14 - Praying in Tongues")).

#### 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](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues") 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 (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:4](/1_corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Edification of Self")), 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.

* [1 Corinthians 14:4](/1_corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Edification of Self vs. Church")
* [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit's Intercession")
* [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Ephesians 6:18 - Praying in the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 14:2](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues") 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
* **How does understanding the distinction between speaking to God and speaking to men in tongues shape your view of personal prayer versus corporate worship?**
* **In what ways might we be "speaking mysteries" in our spiritual lives that are deeply meaningful to us but not comprehensible or edifying to others?**
* **How can we ensure that our pursuit of spiritual gifts always prioritizes the edification and understanding of the entire body of Christ, as Paul emphasizes in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy, Tongues, and Order")?**
* **What does "speaking in the spirit" mean to you in the context of your own spiritual journey and communication with God?**

### 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](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues") 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](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy, Tongues, and Order") clarifies that while tongues are valuable for personal edification (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:4](/1_corinthians/14-4 "1 Corinthians 14:4 - Edification of Self")), their public use in the church requires interpretation so that the entire congregation can understand and be edified (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:5](/1_corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Prophecy and Interpretation") and [1 Corinthians 14:27-28](/1_corinthians/14-27-28 "1 Corinthians 14:27-28 - Orderly Use of Tongues")). 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](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues") 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 (cf. [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit's Intercession")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 14:2](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues"), 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 (cf. [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ has made known the profound truths of God's redemptive plan, which were once concealed (cf. [Ephesians 3:3-5](/ephesians/3-3-5 "Ephesians 3:3-5 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed")). The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ after His ascension (cf. [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Exalted Christ Pours Out the Spirit")), 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 (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")).

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

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.