1 Corinthians 14:18

Authorized King James Version

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#2
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
θεῷ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#4
μου,
my
of me
#5
πάντων
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
ὑμῶν
ye
of (from or concerning) you
#7
μᾶλλον
more than
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#8
γλώσσαις
with tongues
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#9
λαλῶν·
I speak
to talk, i.e., utter words

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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