Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:22 Therefore, [unknown] tongues are [meant] for a [supernatural] sign, not to believers but to unbelievers [who might be receptive]; while prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people] is not for unbelievers but for believers. |
Bible Question: What does this verse mean when it says that speaking in tounges is a sign not for believers but for unbelievers? Does this mean that it is the unbelievers that speak in tounges and not the believers? |
Bible Answer: Tongues were one of the miraculous signs that were given to confirm the spoken word was from God. As Christians in the first century received the knowledge of God miraculously, they already understood the master plan of God and were able to judge the spoken and written word by that standard. Pagans could not, so God gave the temporary gift of tongues so that a pagan could hear the word in their own language and, realize that the event was miraculous and must therefore be the truth. Once the perfect came, the miraculous was no longer needed or desired by God. It was then the believer's duty to study the written Word so they would accurately handle the truth and so prove their understanding. AO |