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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:
Please help me to understand this verse in context, especially the verses which follow directly after. How are tongues a benefit to unbelievers, when a few verses later it says that unbelievers see tongues as "madness"? |
Bible Answer: Scripture specifically states that "tongues edifies no-one other than the individual who speaks them." Tongues are of no benefit to an unbeliever. In fact they are of no benefit to anyone, not even the speaker, unless there is an interpreter. The unbeliever would consider it madness unless his eyes were opened by the Holy Spirit, in which case he would no longer be an unbeliever. |