Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
Parallel translations
- WEB Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret.
- KJV Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
- NKJV Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
- NASB Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue is to pray that he may interpret.
- NLT So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
One who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. Interpretation makes the gift useful to the congregation.
Overview
Paul gives a practical instruction: the tongue-speaker should seek the gift of interpretation so the church can understand. This shows tongues are not forbidden but must be made intelligible to serve others. The counsel keeps edification central, ensuring that even private-seeming gifts can benefit the gathered body.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Mark 11:24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
- John 14:13–14And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- 1 Cor 12:30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
- Acts 1:14With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- 1 Cor 14:27–28If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.
- Acts 4:29–31And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,
- 1 Cor 12:10to 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.
- Acts 8:15On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 14:13 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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