1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
Original Language Analysis
γλώσσῃ
in an unknown tongue
G1100
γλώσσῃ
in an unknown tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
2 of 16
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
κατὰ
let it be by
G2596
κατὰ
let it be by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνὰ
that by
G303
ἀνὰ
that by
Strong's:
G303
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)
μέρος
course
G3313
μέρος
course
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
13 of 16
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
Historical Context
This suggests Corinthian worship featured multiple simultaneous tongues-speakers with no interpretation—chaos. Paul imposes order: few speakers, sequential turns, mandatory interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul limit tongues to 2-3 per service?
- What's the significance of speaking 'by course' (in turn) rather than simultaneously?
- How do these regulations serve the edification principle?
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Analysis & Commentary
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course—Paul regulates tongues: kata dyo ē to pleiston treis (κατὰ δύο ἢ τὸ πλεῖστον τρεῖς, "by two or at most three"), and ana meros (ἀνὰ μέρος, "in turn, one at a time"). And let one interpret (kai heis diermēneuetō, καὶ εἷς διερμηνευέτω, "and let one interpret").
Paul's specificity is striking:
These rules prioritize order and intelligibility. Tongues aren't forbidden, but they're carefully regulated to serve edification. The present imperative diermēneuetō ("let him interpret") makes interpretation non-negotiable.