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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:28 But if there is no one to interpret, the one [who wishes to speak in a tongue] must keep silent in church; let him speak to himself and to God. |
Bible Question:
Hi Tim, Jus curious if you read the greek translation here: http://www.greeknewtestament.com/B46C014.htm#V28 I don't deny that the translation in many versions has the sentence which you have quoted. But I am refering to the Greek text, I just took up Greek recently, seems easy, just 24 characters. I believe you will come to the same word to word translate from the Greek text. And as said, I am not a Master in Greek, thus, I do humbly accept the text as it is. As you have said it correctly, Paul says that it is important to understand the meaning of what is said. He even mentioned the exact process in 14:27 - "One MUST interpret". Let us see the passage together. I hope that you may find the tone of this chapter as well. A) v5-12 A paragraph that Paul desire the Corinthians to seek prophesy. "what will I profit you" v5 "NOW" - He concluded something above, prophesy is the greater gift. "BUT EVEN MORE" - His emphasis to seek prophesy. B) v13-20 In the practising of the usage of the tongue (in exercising of the gift), one must consider the fellow men around him. Paul never fail to emphasize on unity and the purpose of gifts (12:7). "seek to abound for the edification of the church" C) v21-25 In exercising of the gift for speaking conviction to the unbelievers. D) v26-33 Instructions when gathering as a body. And again "Let all things be done for edification." Paul also mention about uninterpreted tongues - v9 "SO also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it BE KNOWN what is spoken? FOR you will be speaking into the air." You may note that he is emphaizing the need to understand the spoken tongue FOR THE HEARER. Even to Paul, uninterpreted tongue is meaningless, is "like talking into the air". So, I suggest that 14:2, 28, the word "God" may be as "god" as it mean nothing to the speaker or to God when somebody utter things that he has no understanding of what utterances he has made. Perhaps you like to suggest what "Therefore" v13,23,39, "So, also you," v9,12, would have meant ya? God bless! David Love - An intelligent willingness to do what is best for the other person. |
Bible Answer: Greetings David! The Greek text at your web site is exactly the same as the Greek text in my Greek New Testament! ;-) The translation I provided is a word for word literal translation of that text. As far as your exgesis my friend, nothing you have said contervenes the fact that the text 'commands' the individual to speak to himself and to God if there is no interpreter present. We can debate all day whether or not an 'uninterpreted' tongue has any value, but the command is still in the text. :-) We agree that Paul encourages the interpretation of tongues that the whole body might be edified. However, he also gives specific instructions about what to do if no interpreter is present. As for you point about 'God' or 'god', how does the lack of an interpreter change the meaning of 'God'? p.s. - Don't let the 24 letters fool you! :-) Greek is easy in the sense that it tends to be much more regular and precise than English. However, there is a vast quality to Greek that can be quite tricky as well. But, it is an excellent study for anyone interested in Scripture. I pray that God will bless your studies! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |