1 Corinthians 14:13

13 For that reason, those who speak in languages they had not known before should pray that they can explain what they say.

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 But if I don't understand what someone is saying, I am a stranger to that person. And that person is a stranger to me.
12 It's the same with you. You want to have gifts of the Spirit. So try to do your best in using gifts that build up the church.
13 For that reason, those who speak in languages they had not known before should pray that they can explain what they say.
14 If I pray in another language, my spirit prays. But my mind does not pray.
15 So what should I do? I will pray with my spirit. But I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit. But I will also sing with my mind.
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