1 Corinthians 14:13

13 And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue, let him 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 If then I know not the power of the voice, I shall be to him to whom I speak a barbarian: and he that speaketh a barbarian to me.

12 So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church.

13 And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue, let him pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth: but my understanding is without fruit.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the understanding, I will sing with the spirit, I will sing also with the understanding.