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1 Corinthians 14:13

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Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret.

Wherefore {G1355} let him that speaketh {G2980} in an unknown tongue {G1100} pray {G4336} that {G2443} he may interpret {G1329}.

Therefore someone who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.

Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:13 is a pivotal verse in Paul’s discourse on spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues, emphasizing the critical need for understanding and edification within the Christian assembly. It directs those who speak in tongues to actively seek the ability to interpret their utterances.

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:13

This verse is situated within Paul’s extensive discussion in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 concerning the proper exercise of spiritual gifts. The Corinthian church was experiencing disorder, partly due to an overemphasis on speaking in tongues without accompanying interpretation, which did not benefit the entire congregation. Paul's overarching concern is that all spiritual gifts should serve to build up, or edify, the body of Christ. He contrasts speaking in tongues (which without interpretation, speaks only to God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:2) with prophecy, which is understandable and builds up the church directly.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Edification of the Church: The primary message is that all spiritual manifestations in a public gathering should contribute to the collective spiritual growth and understanding of the believers. Uninterpreted tongues, while potentially edifying to the individual speaker, do not edify others.
  • Understanding and Clarity: Paul consistently advocates for intelligibility in worship. If a spiritual utterance cannot be understood, it cannot instruct, encourage, or comfort the listeners. This aligns with his point in 1 Corinthians 14:9 about making speech understandable.
  • Responsibility of the Speaker: The verse places the onus on the individual speaking in tongues to pray for the gift of interpretation. This highlights a personal responsibility to ensure one's spiritual expression is beneficial to the community.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV includes the word "unknown" in brackets, indicating it was added by the translators for clarity. The original Greek simply states "speaketh in a tongue" (λαλῶν γλώσσῃ, lalōn glōssē). The term "tongue" (γλῶσσα, glōssa) in this context refers to a supernatural utterance that is not a known human language to the hearers, and thus requires interpretation (διερμηνεύω, diermēneuō) to be understood. This interpretation is not merely translation but making clear the meaning and message of the utterance.

Practical Application

The principle of 1 Corinthians 14:13 extends beyond the specific gift of tongues to all forms of Christian communication and service. It calls believers to:

  • Prioritize Clarity: Whether preaching, teaching, sharing testimony, or leading worship, the goal should always be to communicate clearly so that others can understand and be blessed.
  • Seek Edification: Our spiritual expressions and activities should aim to build up the church body, fostering unity and growth, rather than merely personal experience.
  • Be Mindful of Others: Consider how our actions and expressions impact those around us, especially newcomers or those less familiar with certain spiritual practices. As Paul later warns in 1 Corinthians 14:23, uninterpreted tongues can confuse or alienate outsiders.
This verse encourages a responsible and considerate exercise of spiritual gifts, ensuring that God is glorified and His people are genuinely helped.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 (3 votes)

    Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

  • Mark 11:24 (3 votes)

    Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 (2 votes)

    If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:28 (2 votes)

    But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

  • Acts 1:14 (2 votes)

    These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

  • Acts 8:15 (2 votes)

    Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 (2 votes)

    To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: