Prophecy, Tongues, and Edifying Worship
1 Corinthians 14:1-25
1Cor.14.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Διωκετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αγαπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ζηλουτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- δε: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- πνευματικα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- μαλλον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- ινα: CONJ
- προφητευητε: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 12:31 (verbal): Uses the same exhortation to 'earnestly desire' (ζηλουτε/earnestly desire) the greater/spiritual gifts — immediate verbal parallel about seeking gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (thematic): Develops Paul's contrast between love and spiritual gifts (including prophecy); frames the pursuit of gifts within the primacy of love ('the more excellent way').
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 (structural): Explains the purpose of prophecy (edification, exhortation, comfort), which is why Paul urges that believers especially desire to prophesy.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (thematic): Commands not to despise prophecies and to test all things — echoes the New Testament attitude toward prophecy and its proper reception and discernment.
- Romans 12:6 (thematic): Speaks of differing gifts according to grace (including prophecy); connects the general New Testament teaching about desiring and exercising spiritual gifts in the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts—especially that you may prophesy.
- Pursue love, and earnestly desire the gifts of the Spirit—especially that you may prophesy.
1Cor.14.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- γλωσση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- λαλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ουδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- ακουει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- λαλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μυστηρια·: NOUN,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:4 (thematic): Speaks of one who speaks in a tongue edifying himself—connects to the idea that tongues are a form of Spirit‑speech with personal/inner benefit rather than public instruction.
- 1 Corinthians 14:13 (structural): Paul's immediate practical instruction that anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray for interpretation—directly addresses the problem that 'no one understands' spoken in v.2.
- 1 Corinthians 14:14 (verbal): ‘If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful’ mirrors v.2’s contrast between spirit‑speech (mysteries) and lack of understanding by human minds.
- Acts 2:4–11 (thematic): Pentecost tongues result in hearers understanding in their own languages—serves as a contrast to 1 Cor 14:2’s claim that tongues in Corinth do not address men because they are unintelligible.
- Romans 8:26 (thematic): The Spirit intercedes for believers with groanings/utterances beyond words—parallels the notion of the spirit speaking mysteries and prayer that bypasses human understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
- For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands, he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
1Cor.14.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- προφητευων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- λαλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- οικοδομην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παρακλησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παραμυθιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:4 (structural): Immediate internal parallel contrasting tongues and prophecy — prophecy edifies the church, while tongues often edify only the speaker.
- 1 Corinthians 14:31 (structural): Same chapter restates the purpose of prophecy: that all may learn and be encouraged (οἰκοδομεῖσθαι καὶ παράκλησις).
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 (thematic): Describes spiritual gifts given 'for the common good,' framing prophecy as a gift intended for communal building and benefit.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (thematic): Describes roles (including prophets/teachers) given to equip the saints and 'build up' the body of Christ—paralleling prophecy's constructive purpose.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (thematic): Calls believers to 'encourage and build one another up,' echoing the twin aims of edification and encouragement associated with prophetic speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the one who prophesies speaks to men for edification, exhortation, and consolation.
- But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their building up, encouragement, and consolation.
1Cor.14.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- γλωσση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,masc,reflex
- οικοδομει·ο: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- προφητευων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εκκλησιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- οικοδομει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 (verbal): Directly parallels the contrast between tongues and prophecy; Paul again states his preference for prophecy because it builds up the church rather than just the speaker.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 (structural): Same chapter's instruction that gatherings should be ordered so that 'all things are done for edification,' reinforcing the principle that public speech should build up the congregation.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 (thematic): Describes spiritual gifts as given 'for the common good,' underpinning the idea that gifts (like prophecy) are meant to edify the community rather than only the individual.
- Romans 12:6-8 (thematic): Lists differing gifts (including prophecy) and emphasizes that they are to be used in service to others, aligning with the notion that prophecy builds up the church.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (thematic): States that Christ gave gifts (apostles, prophets, etc.) 'to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,' echoing the edification purpose attributed to prophecy in 1 Cor 14:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
- The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, while the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1Cor.14.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- θελω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- λαλειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- γλωσσαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- μαλλον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- ινα: CONJ
- προφητευητε·μειζων: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,pl
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- προφητευων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- γλωσσαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- εκτος: PREP
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- διερμηνευη: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οικοδομην: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- λαβη: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (verbal): Directly contrasts the nature of tongues (speaking to God, often unintelligible) with prophecy’s intelligibility—grounds Paul's claim that prophecy is preferable for the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4 (verbal): States that one who speaks in tongues edifies himself, whereas prophecy edifies the church—echoes the comparative value in 14:5.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10 (structural): Lists tongues and interpretation among spiritual gifts; provides the broader catalog of charismatic gifts that frames the discussion in chapter 14.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12 (thematic): Calls believers to desire spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the church, reinforcing the criterion Paul uses to prefer prophecy over tongues without interpretation.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (thematic): Shows the evaluative norm for spiritual gifts—without love even extraordinary gifts (including tongues) are worthless—supporting the preference for gifts that edify the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now I would like you all to speak in tongues, but rather that you prophesy; for greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in a tongue, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
- I would like you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
1Cor.14.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Νυν: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εαν: CONJ
- ελθω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- γλωσσαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ωφελησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- εαν: CONJ
- μη: PART
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- λαλησω: VERB,aor,act,sub,1,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- αποκαλυψει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- γνωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- προφητεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- διδαχη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Cor 14:3 (thematic): Contrasts tongues with prophecy: prophecy edifies, exhorts and comforts the church—showing Paul's concern that speech benefit others rather than remain unintelligible.
- 1 Cor 14:4 (verbal): States that speaking in tongues edifies the speaker, whereas prophesying edifies the church—directly related to 14:6's question of profit from tongues without revelation, knowledge, prophecy or teaching.
- 1 Cor 12:8-10 (verbal): Lists spiritual gifts including a word of knowledge, prophecy and tongues—the very categories Paul invokes in 14:6 (knowledge, prophecy, tongues), linking individual gifts to their use in the congregation.
- Acts 2:4-11 (thematic): Describes speaking in tongues at Pentecost and the intelligibility to diverse listeners—raises the same issue of when vocal phenomena communicate and edify others versus remaining private.
- Eph 4:11-12 (thematic): Describes gifts of prophets and teachers given to equip and build up the body, echoing Paul’s emphasis in 1 Cor 14 on prophecy and teaching as means of edification for the church.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I bring you a revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
- Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what profit will I have unless I bring you revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching?
1Cor.14.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ομως: ADV
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- αψυχα: ADJ,nom,pl,neut
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- διδοντα: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,pl
- ειτε: CONJ
- αυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ειτε: CONJ
- κιθαρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εαν: CONJ
- διαστολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- φθογγοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- μη: PART
- δω: PART
- πως: ADV
- γνωσθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αυλουμενον: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,sg,neut
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- κιθαριζομενον: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,sg,neut
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:8 (verbal): Immediate parallel/continuation using the trumpet image: if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, no one prepares for battle — same argument about indistinct musical/linguistic signals.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: unless words are made plain, how will it be known what is spoken? Echoes the same rhetorical question about intelligibility.
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (thematic): Contrasts speaking in an unknown tongue (unintelligible to others) with intelligible speech; underscores the chapter's concern for understandable communication in worship.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19 (thematic): Paul's preference for a few intelligible words that instruct the congregation over many in an unknown tongue — reinforces the priority of clarity found in v.7.
- 1 Corinthians 14:28 (thematic): Requirement that tongues be interpreted (or the speaker remain silent) to ensure the church is edified — practical application of the intelligibility principle in v.7.
Alternative generated candidates
- Even things without life, whether pipe or harp, if they give a sound that does not make distinct notes, how will it be known what is played on the pipe or on the harp?
- Even lifeless things that produce sound—whether pipe or harp—give distinct notes;
1Cor.14.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- εαν: CONJ
- αδηλον: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σαλπιγξ: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δω: PART
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- παρασκευασεται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- πολεμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Numbers 10:2,9 (allusion): Mosaic law prescribes the use of trumpets to signal breaking camp and to sound an alarm in time of war — the OT background for the idea that a trumpet must give a clear signal for soldiers to prepare.
- Joshua 6:4-5 (thematic): Trumpets are used as explicit signals for military action (and ritual warfare) in Joshua; Paul’s image assumes the familiar function of trumpet-blasts as commands to act.
- Judges 7:20 (thematic): Gideon’s troops blow trumpets as the signal to attack, illustrating the common ancient practice that a distinct trumpet sound directs troops to prepare for battle — the concrete precedent behind Paul’s rhetorical question.
- 1 Corinthians 14:7 (verbal): The immediate context in Paul’s argument uses analogous examples (musical instruments giving indistinct sounds) to make the same point about intelligibility: if the signal is unclear, people will not know how to respond.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
- and if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will prepare for battle?
1Cor.14.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γλωσσης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εαν: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ευσημον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- δωτε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- πως: ADV
- γνωσθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- λαλουμενον: VERB,pres,pass,part,acc,m,sg
- εσεσθε: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,pl
- γαρ: PART
- εις: PREP
- αερα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- λαλουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,masc
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (verbal): Directly contrasts with v.9: speaking in a tongue is addressed to God and not understood by people, supporting the point that unintelligible speech yields no communal benefit.
- 1 Corinthians 14:6 (thematic): Paul asks how speaking in tongues can benefit the congregation unless it brings revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching—same concern about intelligibility and usefulness found in v.9.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19 (thematic): Paul states his preference to speak a few understandable words to instruct rather than many words in a tongue, reinforcing the value of intelligible speech mentioned in v.9.
- 1 Corinthians 14:28 (structural): Gives the practical rule that those speaking in tongues must have an interpreter or be silent—procedural follow-up to the problem of speech 'into the air' in v.9.
- Isaiah 28:11 (allusion): Paul later cites this verse (14:21) about 'stammering lips and another tongue' to explain the phenomenon of foreign/unknown languages; it undergirds his argument about intelligibility and judgment in the use of tongues.
Alternative generated candidates
- So also you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
- So with you: if you do not utter intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
1Cor.14.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- τοσαυτα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τυχοι: PART
- γενη: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- φωνων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- κοσμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- αφωνον·: ADJ,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:11 (structural): Immediate context: continues the thought—if one does not know the meaning of a voice, the speaker is like a foreigner to the hearer, showing Paul’s concern for intelligibility of ‘voices’.
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (thematic): Contrasts tongues that speak to God rather than men; both verses treat the function and intelligibility of spiritual speech.
- 1 Corinthians 14:8 (thematic): Uses the analogy of a trumpet giving an indistinct sound to argue that unclear signals (voices) fail to convey meaning—parallel argument about the necessity of intelligible sounds.
- Acts 2:6-8 (thematic): At Pentecost people of many nations hear the apostles in their own languages—illustrates the reality of many kinds of voices/languages in the world and their communicative significance.
- Isaiah 28:11 (quotation): Paul explicitly cites this verse in 1 Cor 14:21 about speaking 'with other tongues'—an Old Testament precedent for foreign-speech as part of God’s revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- There are, perhaps, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none is without meaning.
- There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning.
1Cor.14.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εαν: CONJ
- ουν: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ειδω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- φωνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- λαλουντι: PART,pres,act,dat,sg,m
- βαρβαρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- βαρβαρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (verbal): Both verses treat speaking in tongues as unintelligible to others—speech in the Spirit is contrasted with understanding, so the speaker is 'a barbarian' to listeners when meaning is not known.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 (verbal): Paul argues that unintelligible speech is useless for communal comprehension: unless words are clear, others cannot discern what is said—paralleling the 'barbarian' image of mutual unintelligibility.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19 (thematic): Paul expresses a preference for intelligible words in worship (speaking with understanding) so the congregation is built up, reinforcing the critique of unintelligible speech implied by being 'a barbarian.'
- Acts 2:8 (thematic): At Pentecost hearers respond to audible, intelligible languages ('each in his own native language'), which contrasts with the incomprehensible tongues Paul condemns here and underscores the value of understandable speech in worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- If then I do not know the meaning of the voice, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
- If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.
1Cor.14.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- επει: CONJ
- ζηλωται: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- πνευματων: NOUN,gen,pl,neut
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικοδομην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ζητειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ινα: CONJ
- περισσευητε: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:12 (verbal): Uses the same idea/language of gifts given 'for the equipping of the saints' and 'for the building up (οἰκοδομή) of the body,' paralleling Paul's purpose for spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 14:12.
- Ephesians 4:16 (structural): Describes the church/body growing and being 'built up' as each part contributes—a structural parallel to the goal of gifts producing the edification of the church.
- Romans 14:19 (verbal): Commands pursuit of what leads to 'peace and mutual upbuilding (οἰκοδομή),' echoing the exhortation in 1 Cor 14:12 to seek gifts for the church's building up.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 (thematic): Argues that freedom must be ordered toward what 'builds up' others and seeks their good—the same ethical/theological concern for edification that grounds 1 Cor 14:12.
- Colossians 2:6–7 (allusion): Speaks of being 'rooted and built up' in Christ, employing the image of building up spiritual growth that parallels Paul’s concern for the edification of believers through gifts.
Alternative generated candidates
- So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the building up of the church.
- So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel at building up the church.
1Cor.14.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λαλων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- γλωσση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- προσευχεσθω: VERB,pres,mid,imp,3,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- διερμηνευη: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (verbal): Says that one who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks to God and is not understood by others — the very problem that makes interpretation necessary.
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 (thematic): Paul states he would prefer prophecy to tongues unless tongues are interpreted, linking the gift of tongues directly to the need for interpretation for edification.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 (thematic): Emphasizes that speech must be intelligible in the assembly; if words are not understood, understanding (via interpretation) is required so the congregation can be edified.
- 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (structural): Gives the concrete household/assembly rule: if anyone speaks in a tongue, there should be an interpreter — a practical regulation that mirrors the exhortation to pray for interpretation.
- Acts 2:4,11 (allusion): At Pentecost believers speak in other tongues and the crowd hears in their own languages; highlights the broader biblical concern for intelligibility and understood speech when tongues occur.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
- Therefore the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
1Cor.14.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εαν: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- προσευχωμαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- γλωσση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- προσευχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- νους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ακαρπος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Cor 14:2 (verbal): Uses the same contrast between speaking in a tongue (addressing God) and lack of human understanding—emphasizes that tongues are directed to God rather than understood by people.
- 1 Cor 14:15 (verbal): Paul contrasts praying/playing with the spirit and praying/playing with the mind (understanding), directly paralleling the desire to combine Spirit-led prayer with intelligible worship.
- Rom 8:26-27 (allusion): Speaks of the Spirit interceding with groanings beyond words; parallels the idea that spirit-prayer can occur apart from the believer's conscious understanding.
- 1 Cor 14:4 (thematic): Notes that speaking in tongues edifies the speaker (the spirit), linking the inward spiritual benefit of tongue-speech to the present verse's claim about the spirit praying.
- Acts 2:4 (structural): Pentecost account where believers speak in tongues by the Spirit—provides the broader narrative context for Paul's teaching about Spirit-originated speech that may exceed human understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
- For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
1Cor.14.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ουν: CONJ
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- προσευξομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- προσευξομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- νοι·ψαλω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ψαλω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- νοι·: NOUN,dat,sg,masc
Parallels
- 1Corinthians 14:14 (verbal): Immediate context: contrasts praying in the spirit (when the spirit prays) with praying with the mind/understanding—same vocabulary and point about spirit vs. mind.
- 1Corinthians 14:2 (verbal): Earlier in the chapter on tongues: speaking/praying in a tongue is addressed to God by the spirit rather than understood by men—background for praying ‘with the spirit’.
- Jude 20–21 (verbal): Explicit exhortation to 'build yourselves up... praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God'—directly parallels the practice and purpose of prayer in the Spirit.
- Romans 8:26–27 (thematic): Shows the Spirit’s role in prayer (helps and intercedes beyond words), thematically related to Paul’s distinction between spirit-led prayer and prayer 'with the mind'.
- Ephesians 5:19 (thematic): Urges psalms, hymns and spiritual songs—with singing from the heart to the Lord—parallel to 'I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the mind' (spirit-led worship and conscious/song with understanding).
Alternative generated candidates
- What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
- What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the mind also.
1Cor.14.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- επει: CONJ
- εαν: CONJ
- ευλογης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αναπληρων: VERB,pres,act,ppl,nom,m,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- τοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ιδιωτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πως: ADV
- ερει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- Αμην: PART
- επι: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ση: ADJ,poss,dat,sg,f
- ευχαριστια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- επειδη: CONJ
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- λεγεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ουκ: PART,neg
- οιδεν·: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:13 (structural): Immediate procedural instruction: those who speak in tongues should pray for interpretation so the congregation can understand and respond (e.g., say 'Amen'), directly addressing the problem in v.16.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 (verbal): Emphasizes intelligibility in public speech—if words are not made clear, listeners cannot understand—paralleling v.16's concern that the unlearned cannot affirm what he does not understand.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 (thematic): Contrasts prophecy (which edifies, exhorts, comforts and is intelligible) with tongues; v.16 presumes the value of understandable speech for congregational assent.
- 1 Corinthians 14:23 (thematic): Shows the negative effect of unintelligible speech on those present (they may think you are mad), echoing v.16's concern for how unbelieving or unlearned hearers respond.
- Nehemiah 8:8 (thematic): Old Testament parallel: public reading was 'read from the book...and gave the sense, and caused them to understand,' enabling the people to respond (e.g., 'Amen'), similar to v.16's requirement that words be understood for proper communal assent.
Alternative generated candidates
- Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit only, how will the one who occupies the place of the uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you are saying?
- Otherwise, if you give thanks with the spirit only, how can the one who occupies the place of the uninstructed say 'Amen' to your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you say?
1Cor.14.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- μεν: PART
- γαρ: PART
- καλως: ADV
- ευχαριστεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- αλλ᾽ο: CONJ
- ετερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- οικοδομειται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Cor 14:4 (verbal): Direct parallel within the same chapter: contrasts tongues (which edify the speaker) with prophecy (which edifies the church), echoing 14:17’s point that personal thanksgiving does not build others.
- 1 Cor 14:12 (thematic): Paul’s exhortation to pursue gifts that build up the church—emphasis on edification over private expression aligns with the concern in 14:17.
- 1 Cor 14:26 (structural): Instruction for orderly worship—'let all things be done for edification' provides the immediate liturgical principle behind 14:17’s critique.
- 1 Cor 8:1 (verbal): Uses the verb οἰκοδομεῖ (edifies) in a moral/theological contrast (knowledge vs. love), reflecting the same concern for what builds up the community.
- Eph 4:29 (verbal): Commands that speech be used only for what builds up (edification); parallels 14:17’s criterion that utterance in worship must edify others, not merely express personal thanks.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you give thanks well enough, but the other is not built up.
- For you give thanks well enough, but the other person is not built up.
1Cor.14.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ευχαριστω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- μαλλον: ADV
- γλωσσαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- λαλω·: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (structural): Immediately neighboring verse that defines the nature of 'tongues' — that one who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks to God, not men — explaining the phenomenon Paul claims to practice in 14:18.
- 1 Corinthians 14:14 (verbal): Paul's own reflection on praying in an unknown tongue (my spirit prays, my understanding is unfruitful) connects directly to his personal use of tongues affirmed in 14:18.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10 (thematic): Lists 'diverse kinds of tongues' as one of the Spirit’s gifts, situating Paul’s claim in 14:18 within the broader Pauline teaching on charismatic gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1 (verbal): The famous phrase 'though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels' echoes the language of tongues in Corinth and frames the discussion about their value — a literary and thematic parallel to 14:18.
- Acts 2:4 (allusion): The Pentecost account where believers 'began to speak with other tongues' provides the early-Christian theological and experiential background for the practice Paul describes in 14:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all;
- I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all;
1Cor.14.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- εκκλησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- θελω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- πεντε: NUM,acc,pl,m
- λογους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- νοι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- λαλησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αλλους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- κατηχησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- μυριους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- λογους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- γλωσση: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1Cor.14.2 (verbal): Contrasts tongues (speech to God, unintelligible to others) with Paul’s desire for intelligible words that instruct the church.
- 1Cor.14.4 (thematic): Draws the same contrast between speaking in tongues (edifies the speaker) and prophecy/intelligible speech (edifies the church), explaining Paul’s preference.
- 1Cor.14.6-9 (structural): Part of the immediate argumentative context: Paul argues that speaking intelligibly benefits others, whereas tongues without interpretation do not, leading up to v.19.
- 1Cor.13.1 (thematic): Links the value of intelligible speech to the ethical priority of love—tongues without love (and without intelligibility) are of no profit.
- Isa.28.11-12 (quotation): Paul later cites this passage in 1 Cor 14:21 in the same discussion of ‘other tongues’; it functions as an Old Testament witness within his argument about tongues and understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- yet in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1Cor.14.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Αδελφοι: NOUN,voc,pl,m
- μη: PART
- παιδια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- φρεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- κακια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- νηπιαζετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- δε: CONJ
- φρεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- τελειοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (thematic): Paul reproaches the Corinthians for acting like ‘infants’ and being worldly rather than spiritually mature, a direct theme echoed in 14:20.
- 1 Corinthians 13:11 (verbal): Uses the child-to-adult metaphor (‘when I was a child… when I became a man’) to describe growth in understanding, a close verbal parallel about maturity.
- Hebrews 5:12-14 (thematic): Contrasts milk and solid food and describes infants’ inability to discern, connecting the idea of spiritual immaturity with lack of sound judgment.
- Hebrews 6:1 (thematic): Urges believers to leave elementary teachings and press on to maturity, echoing the call in 1 Cor 14:20 to be mature in mind.
- Ephesians 4:13-14 (verbal): Calls for unity and maturity so believers are no longer ‘children, tossed to and fro’—a verbal and thematic parallel about not remaining childish.
Alternative generated candidates
- Brothers, do not be children in thinking; in malice be babes, but in thinking be mature.
- Brothers, do not be children in your thinking; be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
1Cor.14.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- νομω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- γεγραπται: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- Εν: PREP
- ετερογλωσσοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- χειλεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ετερων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- λαλησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- λαω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ουδ᾽ουτως: ADV
- εισακουσονται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- λεγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Isaiah 28:11-12 (quotation): Paul is directly citing this passage (LXX/Hebrew): God speaking through foreign tongues as a sign/judgment and the people still not listening.
- Acts 2:4-11 (thematic): Pentecost tongues: multilingual speech as a public sign to nations; parallels the motif of 'other tongues' as communication directed toward those outside the original audience.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (allusion): The prophetic motif of people being given over to not hear or understand (quoted elsewhere by Jesus and Paul); parallels the idea of divine judgment resulting in refusal or inability to listen.
- Romans 11:8 (verbal): Paul elsewhere cites Isaiah about God giving a 'spirit of stupor' so people do not listen/see—similar use of Isaiah to explain divine hardening and judicial non-listening.
Alternative generated candidates
- In the law it is written, “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and not even then will they listen to me,” says the Lord.
- In the Law it is written, 'By people of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and yet for all that they will not listen to me,' says the Lord.
1Cor.14.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ωστε: CONJ
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- γλωσσαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- εις: PREP
- σημειον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ου: PART,neg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- πιστευουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- απιστοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- προφητεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ου: PART,neg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- απιστοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- πιστευουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 28:11-12 (quotation): Paul explicitly cites this passage (1 Cor 14:21) about speaking in foreign tongues as a sign—the OT source for the claim that tongues function as a sign to those who do not believe.
- Acts 2:4-11 (thematic): Pentecost tongues enable people of many nations to hear in their own languages, illustrating tongues as a public sign related to unbelieving/non‑native hearers.
- Acts 10:44-46 (thematic): The Gentiles’ reception of the Spirit and speaking in tongues served as a sign of their inclusion—an episode linking tongues with unbelieving/outside groups receiving God's message.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3-5 (verbal): Immediate context contrast: prophecy edifies the church (believers) while tongues without interpretation do not, supporting the verse’s distinction between prophecy for believers and tongues as a sign.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10 (structural): Lists tongues and interpretation among spiritual gifts, highlighting different functions of gifts and underpinning the functional distinction (sign vs. edification) made in 1 Cor 14:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- So then tongues are a sign, not for those who believe but for unbelievers; while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
- Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
1Cor.14.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εαν: CONJ
- ουν: CONJ
- συνελθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ολη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- επι: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- και: CONJ
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- λαλωσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- γλωσσαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- εισελθωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- ιδιωται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- απιστοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ερουσιν: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- μαινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 (verbal): Complains that unintelligible tongues leave hearers unable to understand what is said—parallel concern about incomprehensible speech in a gathered assembly.
- 1 Corinthians 14:22 (thematic): Directly linked in the same argument: tongues serve as a sign to unbelievers, and intelligibility is necessary for unbelievers to be convicted rather than confused.
- Isaiah 28:11-12 (quotation): Paul elsewhere cites this passage to explain foreign tongues as a sign; it undergirds his argument about how speech in tongues affects unbelievers' perception.
- Acts 2:6-12 (thematic): At Pentecost people hear the apostles speaking in their own languages and respond intelligibly—contrast to 1 Cor 14:23 where unintelligible tongues lead outsiders to think believers are mad.
- Acts 26:24 (thematic): An example of outsiders accusing a Christian of madness (Paul), illustrating the kind of negative judgment 1 Cor 14:23 warns may result from incomprehensible behavior in public worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore if the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say you are mad?
- If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?
1Cor.14.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εαν: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- προφητευωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- εισελθη: VERB,aor,mid,subj,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- απιστος: ADJ,voc,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ιδιωτης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ελεγχεται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- υπο: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ανακρινεται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- υπο: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Cor 14:25 (structural): Immediate continuation — describes the outcome when an unbeliever is convicted: they fall down, worship God, and confess that God is truly among you, expanding on v.24's conviction/judgment motif.
- John 16:8 (thematic): Jesus says the Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment; parallels the function of prophetic speech in exposing and convicting an unbeliever.
- Acts 2:37 (thematic): After Peter's Spirit-empowered proclamation, the crowd is 'cut to the heart' and asks what to do — a comparable response of conviction and confrontation by spoken revelation.
- Hebrews 4:12 (verbal): The word of God is 'living and active, judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart' — similar idea that God's word/proclamation exposes and examines people inwardly.
- Rom 2:15 (thematic): Paul speaks of conscience bearing witness and thoughts alternately accusing or defending — echoes the theme of internal judgment/conviction when truth is proclaimed.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if all prophesy, and an unbelieving or uninstructed person comes in, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;
- But if all prophesy and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all; he is called to account by all.
1Cor.14.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- κρυπτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- φανερα: ADV
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ουτως: ADV
- πεσων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- προσωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- προσκυνησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- απαγγελλων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- Οντως: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:24 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse states that prophetic utterance exposes the secrets of a visitor’s heart and leads to conviction—directly parallel in content and setting.
- Hebrews 4:12 (thematic): Speaks of the word of God discerning 'thoughts and intentions of the heart,' paralleling the idea that hidden thoughts are made manifest.
- Philippians 2:10-11 (thematic): Imagery of universal bowing and public confession ('every tongue confess') parallels the response in 1 Cor 14:25—falling down and declaring God is among you.
- Isaiah 45:23 (allusion): Isaiah’s summons that every knee shall bow and every tongue swear to God is a background motif for confession and worship evoked by the revealed heart.
- Revelation 7:11 (verbal): The image of worshipers falling on their faces before God echoes the physical posture of prostrate worship described in 1 Cor 14:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and report that God is indeed among you.
- And the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is truly among you.
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the gifts of the Spirit—especially that you may prophesy.
For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he utters mysteries. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation.
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I desire that you all speak in tongues, but even more that you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I be to you unless I bring you some revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching?
If even lifeless instruments that give sound—whether the pipe or the harp—do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the trumpet gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you: if in a tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? You will be speaking into the air.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning.
If then I do not know the meaning of the sound, I will be to the speaker a foreigner, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. So with yourselves: since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, strive to abound in building up the church.
Therefore let the one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
What then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind; I will sing with the spirit, but I will also sing with the mind.
Otherwise, if you give thanks with the spirit, how will the one who occupies the place of the unlearned say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you are saying?
For you give thanks well enough, but the other is not built up.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all;
yet in church I would rather speak five words with my understanding than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brothers, do not be children in thinking; be infants in evil, but in thinking be mature.
It is written in the Law, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people; and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." Thus tongues are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.
If therefore the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all; he is called to account by all;
the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is truly among you.