1 Corinthians 14:13

13 And therefore he that speaketh in language, pray, that he expound. [And therefore he that speaketh in tongue, pray, that he interpret, or expound.]

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 know not the virtue of a voice [Therefore if I know not the virtue of voice], I shall be to him, to whom I shall speak, a barbaric; and he that speaketh to me, shall be a barbaric.
12 So ye, for ye be lovers of spirits, seek ye that ye be plenteous to edification of the church. [+So and ye, for ye be lovers of spirits, that is, of ghostly gifts, to the edification of the church seek that ye be plenteous.]
13 And therefore he that speaketh in language, pray, that he expound. [And therefore he that speaketh in tongue, pray, that he interpret, or expound.]
14 For if I pray in tongue, my spirit prayeth; mine understanding is without fruit. [For why if I pray in tongue, my spirit prayeth; forsooth my mind, or reason, is without fruit.]
15 What then? I shall pray in spirit, I shall pray [and] in mind; I shall say psalm in spirit, I shall say psalm also in mind.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.