1 Corinthians Chapter 14 · Verse 15
What is it 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.
Original Language Analysis
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
with the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
with the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νοΐ
with the understanding
G3563
νοΐ
with the understanding
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
11 of 19
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
ψαλῶ
I will sing
G5567
ψαλῶ
I will sing
Strong's:
G5567
Word #:
12 of 19
to twitch or twang, i.e., to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
with the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
with the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ψαλῶ
I will sing
G5567
ψαλῶ
I will sing
Strong's:
G5567
Word #:
15 of 19
to twitch or twang, i.e., to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Jude 1:20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,Psalms 47:7For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.1 Corinthians 14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Historical Context
This verse reveals Paul's own practice: he exercises tongues privately (v. 18) but ensures public worship engages mind and spirit. His personal discipline models what he teaches.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance spirit-engagement and mind-engagement in your worship?
- Why does Paul mention both prayer and singing—what's the significance?
- What would worship that fully engages spirit and mind look like practically?
Analysis & Commentary
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also—Paul resolves the tension with kai (καί, "both/and"). He'll pray tō pneumati (τῷ πνεύματι, "with the spirit") and tō noi (τῷ νοΐ, "with the mind"). I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also—the same principle applies to singing (psalō, ψάλλω, "sing psalms").
Paul's "both/and" refuses to sacrifice either dimension. True Spirit-filled worship engages the whole person—emotions, will, intellect, spirit. The four-fold "I will" (proseuxomai... proseuxomai... psalō... psalō) emphasizes determined commitment to integrated worship. Paul won't choose between Spirit and mind; he'll worship with both.