1 Corinthians 14:13

13 Therefore the one who speaks in a tongue must pray that he may interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:13 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:13

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue
The Hebrew, or any other, the gift of speaking with which is bestowed upon him:

pray that he may interpret;
that he may have also the gift of interpretation of tongues; for as has been before hinted, these two gifts were distinct; and a man might have the one, and not the other; a man might speak in an unknown tongue, so as to understand himself, what he said, and be edified, and yet not be capable of translating it at once into the common language of the people; and if he could not do this, he would not excel in his gift to the edification of the church; whereas if he could interpret he would, and therefore, above all things, he should pray to the Father of lights, the giver of every good and perfect gift, that he might be furnished with this also.

1 Corinthians 14:13 In-Context

11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a barbarian to the one who is speaking, and the one who is speaking [will be] a barbarian in my [judgment].
12 In this way also you, since you are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek for the edification of the church, in order that you may abound.
13 Therefore the one who speaks in a tongue must pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unproductive.
15 {Therefore what should I do}? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will also sing praise with my mind.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.