1 Corinthians 14 13

1 Corinthians 14:13 kjv

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

1 Corinthians 14:13 nkjv

Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:13 niv

For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.

1 Corinthians 14:13 esv

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

1 Corinthians 14:13 nlt

So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said.

1 Corinthians 14 verses

1 Corinthians 14 13 meaning

This verse is a direct instruction from the Apostle Paul to individuals in the Corinthian church who possess the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. It mandates that if someone exercises this gift in a public assembly, they should also actively pray for and seek the complementary spiritual gift of interpretation. The purpose is to ensure that their utterance in an unknown language becomes understandable and, therefore, beneficial to the entire gathered congregation, rather than being solely for personal edification or an uncomprehended display.

1 Corinthians 14 13 Context

First Corinthians chapter 14 specifically addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church assembly in Corinth. Paul had previously introduced the gifts of the Spirit (Ch 12) and then established love as the supreme principle governing their exercise (Ch 13). Here, Paul corrects the Corinthian believers' misapplication of the gift of tongues, which they seemed to value above others, especially prophecy. The core problem was their self-centered display of gifts leading to disorder and a lack of edification for the wider community. Paul's overarching message is that public spiritual expressions, particularly tongues, must be intelligible and contribute to the building up of the entire body of Christ. Verses 1-12 lead up to 13, establishing the superior value of prophecy because it directly speaks to people for their strengthening and encouragement, contrasting with speaking in tongues, which is unintelligible to others unless interpreted. Culturally, some contemporary mystery religions and ecstatic cults involved incomprehensible utterances, and Paul aimed to differentiate Christian worship as ordered, sensible, and communally beneficial, avoiding any confusion with such practices.

1 Corinthians 14 13 Word analysis

• Therefore (ὥστε - hōste): A strong conjunction signaling a logical conclusion or consequence derived from the preceding arguments (1 Cor 14:1-12) about the unintelligibility of tongues and the necessity of edification. It links this instruction directly to Paul's emphasis on communal benefit.
• let one who speaks (ὁ λαλῶν - ho lalōn): Literally, "the one speaking." This is a present active participle, denoting ongoing or habitual action. It refers specifically to someone actively exercising the spiritual gift of "tongues" in the congregation.
• in a tongue (γλώσσῃ - glōssē): Dative case of glōssa, meaning "tongue," "language," or "speech." Here, it signifies speaking in an unknown language or a divinely enabled ecstatic utterance that is not understood by natural means without interpretation. This is a special gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:10, 30).
• pray (προσευχέσθω - proseuchesthō): This is a present imperative verb, indicating a command for continuous action. It's not a suggestion but a directive. The tongue-speaker is actively commanded to pray for an additional gift or enablement.
• that he may interpret (ἵνα διερμηνεύῃ - hina diermēneuē):
  • that (ἵνα - hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause, meaning "in order that" or "so that."
  • he may interpret (διερμηνεύῃ - diermēneuē): Present active subjunctive. The verb diermēneuō means "to explain thoroughly," "to interpret," or "to translate." This refers to making the message spoken in tongues clear and understandable to others, often through the spiritual gift of interpretation (1 Cor 12:10). It implies conveying the meaning and spiritual significance, not just a literal translation.

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue": This phrase establishes the specific group being addressed (those with the gift of tongues) and highlights that the subsequent instruction is a direct consequence of the principles already laid out regarding order and intelligibility in worship. It emphasizes personal responsibility within the communal setting.
• "pray that he may interpret": This clause provides the specific instruction. It directs the tongue-speaker to seek the additional gift or ability to interpret. This isn't about mere academic translation but about divine enablement to articulate the spiritual message contained within the utterance for the edification of the body. It shifts the focus from an internal spiritual experience to an externally beneficial communication.

1 Corinthians 14 13 Bonus section

• The prayer requested is likely not for understanding one's own private prayers in tongues, but for the distinct gift of interpretation so that public utterances can be understood by others.
• This instruction shows that spiritual gifts are often not given as isolated endowments but can be combined or pursued for a greater purpose. A believer can have one gift and then pray for another, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the Holy Spirit's distribution of gifts based on the needs of the body.
• The connection between chapter 13 (love) and chapter 14 is crucial: praying for interpretation is an act of love for the brethren, valuing their edification over personal display.

1 Corinthians 14 13 Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:13 serves as a pivotal corrective in Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts, particularly tongues. After arguing that speaking in tongues without interpretation benefits only the speaker and not the assembly (1 Cor 14:2, 4, 9), Paul directly addresses those who exercise this gift in public. He doesn't forbid speaking in tongues, but rather regulates it by commanding the speaker to pray for the ability to interpret. This divine enablement transforms an otherwise unintelligible, personal spiritual expression into a public, intelligible, and edifying word for the church. The principle is clear: all gifts used in corporate worship must contribute to the "building up" (oikodomē) of the body of Christ (1 Cor 14:12, 26). When a tongue is interpreted, it can then function much like prophecy, conveying a message from God to the congregation. This command underscores God's desire for order, understanding, and mutual encouragement in gathered worship, preventing confusion (1 Cor 14:33) and ensuring that all present can benefit spiritually.