1 Corinthians 14:13
1 Corinthians 14:13 in Multiple Translations
Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
For this reason, let the man who has the power of using tongues make request that he may, at the same time, be able to give the sense.
Anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that they're able to translate what they say.
Wherefore, let him that speaketh a strange tongue, pray, that he may interprete.
wherefore he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue — let him pray that he may interpret;
Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret.
Wherefore, let him that speaketh in an unknown language, pray that he may interpret.
And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue, let him pray that he may interpret.
So, those who have the ability to speak in languages [MTY] that they have not learned should pray that God will give them the ability to explain the meaning of what they say.
So in your meetings, if anyone talks in a special language, they have to ask God to show them what those words mean so they can tell everybody the message.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 14:13
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1 Corinthians 14:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 14:13
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 14:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Context — Prophecy and Tongues
13Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 11:24 | Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 12:30 | Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? |
| 3 | John 14:13–14 | And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. |
| 4 | Acts 4:29–31 | And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 14:27–28 | If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God. |
| 6 | Acts 8:15 | On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 12:10 | to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. |
| 8 | Acts 1:14 | With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. |
1 Corinthians 14:13 Summary
This verse means that when we speak in a language that others may not understand, we should ask God to help us explain what we are saying so that everyone can understand and be encouraged. It's like when someone speaks a different language and we need an interpreter to understand what they are saying. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, where he talks about praying with both the spirit and the mind, showing that our spiritual expressions should be balanced with rational understanding. By praying for interpretation, we can ensure that our message is not just a mysterious language, but a clear and understandable message that can build up the church, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 1 Corinthians 14:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of speaking in tongues according to 1 Corinthians 14:13?
The purpose of speaking in tongues is to edify oneself and others, but it is most effective when accompanied by interpretation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:13, which instructs the speaker to pray for interpretation, and as supported by 1 Corinthians 12:7, which states that spiritual gifts are given for the common good.
Is it essential for someone who speaks in tongues to also have the gift of interpretation?
While it is not explicitly stated that one must have the gift of interpretation to speak in tongues, 1 Corinthians 14:13 emphasizes the importance of praying for interpretation to ensure that the message is understood and benefits the church, as also encouraged in 1 Corinthians 12:31 to desire the greater gifts, including prophecy, which involves speaking for the edification of the church.
How does this verse relate to the concept of praying with the spirit and the mind?
1 Corinthians 14:13 is closely related to the concept of praying with both the spirit and the mind, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, where the Apostle Paul expresses the importance of praying and singing with both the spirit and the mind to ensure that the prayer or song is fruitful and understandable, reflecting the balance between spiritual expression and rational understanding found in 1 Corinthians 2:12-16.
What role does prayer play in the context of speaking in tongues as per 1 Corinthians 14:13?
Prayer plays a significant role in the context of speaking in tongues, as the verse instructs the speaker to pray that they may interpret, indicating that prayer is a means of seeking God's guidance and enablement for the effective use of spiritual gifts, in line with the teachings of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing and to seek God's will in all circumstances.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of seeking interpretation when I speak in tongues, to ensure that my message is understood and benefits others?
- How can I balance the spiritual aspect of speaking in tongues with the need for rational understanding, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 14:13-15?
- In what ways can I pray for the gift of interpretation, and how can I use this gift to edify the church, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 14:12-13 and supported by 1 Corinthians 12:7-10?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my use of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, builds up the church and does not cause confusion, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 14:26 and emphasized in 1 Corinthians 14:12?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of the role of prayer in the effective use of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, as taught in 1 Corinthians 14:13 and reflected in other biblical teachings on prayer such as Luke 18:1 and Romans 12:12?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:13
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Baptism of the Holy Ghost - Part 1 by John G. Lake | John G. Lake preaches about the significance of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing its importance as the greatest event in Christian history, surpassing even the Crucifixio |
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Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the |
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Claiming the Power That Is in Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority that believers have in Christ. He encourages the congregation to claim this power and not be hindered by the forces |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the transformative power of prayer as a means of walking in love, sharing his personal journey of experiencing God's love through answered prayers. He recou |
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In Tribute to Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this video, a woman from Milton, Massachusetts shares her testimony of experiencing a miraculous healing. She had been in pain for many years but during a church service, she fe |
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Enjoying Fellowship With God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and highlights four basic principles of prayer. The first principle is the requisite of prayer, emphasizing that we |
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What Is Faith - Part 1 by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher shares his revelation about the concept of faith. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that faith is not just a belief or a feeling, but it is |






