+ 2 For the one who speaks in a tongue speaks, not to men, but to God, for no one listens, + but he speaks sacred secrets + by the spirit. (k) The gift and inspiration which the spirit gives me does its part, but only to myself. Divisions over leadership - 1 Corinthians 1:10 - 4:21. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 1 Corinthians 14:14. The human spirit, which is moved by the divine Spirit. Paul specifics in the course of the discussion every part of public worship; "public preaching" 1 Corinthians 14:2-3, 1 Corinthians 14:5,1 Corinthians 14:13, 1 Corinthians 14:19; "prayer" 1 Corinthians 14:14-15; "singing" 1 Corinthians 14:15; and insists that all should be in a language that should be understood by the people. It is tragic that some think of faith as: “something you believe, even though you know it isn’t so.” Paul is saying: “If the Holy Spirit working on my spirit makes it possible for me to pray in a strange tongue, my spirit does pray, but my mind has no part in it (because it does not understand what is being said).”. The church at Corinth had been established on one of Paul's missionary journeys. For if I pray in an unknown tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:14 New King James Version 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. Others of the mind itself. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. It is like a barren tree; a tree that bears nothing that can be of benefit to others. His sermon is a speech that, usually, he has prepared carefully for the occasion. de Sect. 1 Corinthians 14:11 “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” If I know not the meaning of the voice - Την δυναμιν της φωνης , The power and signification of the language. 15 So what shall I do? —Productive of no distinct ideas which can be remembered and carried away by myself and others. (that is according to the gift which we have received), but we must also be understood of the company, lest that is unprofitable to others which we have spoken. The Apostle is here speaking of public worship (see 1Corinthians 14:16), and not of private devotion; and the word "fruitless" implies the result, or rather the absence of result, as regards others. ... 1 Corinthians 14:14. τῷ πν.) My intellect, my mind; my mental efforts and operations. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:14. Others of the "spiritual gift," or that spiritual influence by which he was endowed. The word "spirit" is often used in the Scriptures as the seat of the affections, and emotions, and passions of various kinds; see Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" Luke 10:21, "Jesus rejoiced in spirit." 28 But if there is no interpreter, the person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God. τὸ χάρισμα τὸ δοθέν μοι καὶ κινοῦν τὴν γλῶσσαν, prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful, Paul shows that for worship to be helpful, and for a sane and sound church life, the, must work together with the energies of the (human), In a sense, these next few verses counterbalance what he said in, Paul is completely opposed to a blind fanaticism or irrational mysticism. 1 Corinthians 14:14 Context. 29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others discern. 14:6-14 Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. When one speaks in tongues, they speak to God. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak … 1 Corinthians 14:5 “I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater … (1Co 14:29-33) Prophecy must also be conducted in order. John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament, Frédéric Louis Godet - Commentary on Selected Books, Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary, Heinrich Meyer's Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Johann Albrecht Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament, Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible, Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture, Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament, Schaff's Popular Commentary on the New Testament, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Hodge's Commentary on Romans, Ephesians and First Corintians. (l) No fruit comes to the church by my prayers. 2 For the person who speaks in another language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone … It refers also to feelings, disposition, or temper of mind, in Luke 9:55; Romans 8:15. 1 Corinthians 14:4. Book of 1 Corinthians Explained We are beginning one of the most important letters that Paul wrote to the churches he had begun. Some have understood it of the Holy Spirit - the Spirit by which Paul says he was actuated. 1 Corinthians 14:5. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:6-14 (Read 1 Corinthians 14:6-14) Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. —And do not follow with an interpretation. Though tongues is said to be a sign for men (1 Corinthians 14:22), it does not mean it is ever addressed to men, or primarily intended for men. But it is probable that the word "spirit" refers to the "will;" or to the mind, as the seat of the affections and emotions; that is, to the heart, desires, or intentions. For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Follow after charity. In 1 Corinthians 14:14, his description is ‘my spirit is praying’. 14 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. Prayer in an unknown tongue may stir the man’s own holy emotions, but no definite ideas are conveyed to the understanding of the hearers. Instructions on the betrothed and widowed - 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. c. 10. p. 172, 173. Here it refers, it seems to me. 3. 1-corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. See on Romans 8:4. 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1-corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. Praying in a tongue, when nobody can interpret, only benefits the one praying. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, … KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT. (a) Vid. Read Introduction to 1 Corinthians “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” This verse brings us to a transition in chapter 14 regarding the purpose of tongues (14:21-22). Instructions on marriage and divorce - 1 Corinthians 7:1-24. In most modern church meetings, the church leader speaks to all the people present. Divisions and disorder in the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 5:1 - 6:20. So it is the seat of ardor or fervor Luke 1:17; Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11; of grief or indignation; Mark 3:12; John 11:33; John 13:21; Acts 17:16. But my understanding - (ὁ δὲ νοῦς μου ho de nous mou). In the Hebrew tongue, which the greatest part of the Jewish doctors insisted F1 upon should be only used in prayer; which notion might be borrowed from them, and now greatly prevailed in the church at Corinth; and the custom was used by such as had the gift of speaking that language, even though the body and bulk of the people understood it not: It is a very wonderful kind of prayer that rises direct from a person’s spirit to God in heaven. in a way suited to the understanding, and by consequence intelligibl. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. First Corinthians 14:1–25 describes why the gift of prophecy is superior to the gift of tongues in church services, especially when nobody with the gift of interpreting tongues is available. 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