1 Corinthians 14:18
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Original Language Analysis
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
G2168
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 9
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 9
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Historical Context
This rhetorical move disarms critics: Paul can't be accused of despising what he doesn't have. He has tongues in abundance but subordinates them to edification in corporate settings.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul reveal his own tongues-speaking at this point in the argument?
- What's the significance of Paul thanking God for tongues despite his concerns about their public use?
- How does Paul's personal practice model the principles he teaches?
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Analysis & Commentary
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all—Paul's surprising disclosure: eucharistō tō theō mou, pantōn hymōn mallon glōssais lalōn (εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου, πάντων ὑμῶν μᾶλλον γλώσσαις λαλῶν, "I thank my God, speaking in tongues more than all of you"). This prevents misunderstanding: Paul isn't anti-tongues; he exercises the gift extensively—privately.
The present participle lalōn (λαλῶν, "speaking") suggests ongoing practice. Paul's comparative "more than you all" establishes authority: he's not speaking from ignorance or lack of experience. His regulation of tongues comes from one who values and exercises the gift. But notice: he thanks God for private tongues-prayer, then immediately contrasts public worship (v. 19).