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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. |
Subject: How do you interpret this verse? |
Bible Note: Greetings Ivory313! In general, the singular 'tongue' refers to a specific act of speaking. No one can speak in 'tongues', one can only speak one 'tongue' at a time. Here are the verses were a singular tongue is referenced in 1 Cor. 14. 1) 1 Cor. 14:2 - "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit." 2) 1 Cor. 14:4 - "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church." 3) 1 Cor. 14:9 - "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air." 4) 1 Cor. 14:13 - "For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says." 5) 1 Cor. 14:14 - "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful." 6) 1 Cor. 14:19 - "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." 7) 1 Cor. 14:26 - "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." 8) 1 Cor. 14:27 - "If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret." Verses 13 and 27 both give instructions about a 'tongue' being interpreted. Therefore, a 'tongue' cannot be refering to a false 'tongue'. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |