1 Corinthians 14:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, holiness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:2
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Analysis
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God—the Greek simply has glōssa (γλῶσσα, "tongue/language"), with "unknown" supplied by translators. Paul's point: uninterpreted tongues are vertically directed (God-ward) but horizontally ineffective (man-ward). No man understandeth him (oudeis akouei, "no one hears/understands")—without interpretation, tongues lack communicative function in corporate worship.
In the spirit he speaketh mysteries (πνεύματι λαλεῖ μυστήρια)—pneumati could be "in spirit" (his spirit) or "by the Spirit" (Holy Spirit), likely the former given the context of private devotion. Mystēria are divine secrets, but here secrets that remain secret—unknown to hearers, thus failing to edify.
Historical Context
Corinthian worship likely included simultaneous uninterpreted tongues-speaking, creating confusion rather than worship. Paul doesn't deny tongues' validity but questions their public use without interpretation.
Reflection
- What distinguishes private devotional tongues from their misuse in public worship?
- How does speaking 'mysteries' that no one understands fail to serve love?
- Why does Paul emphasize that tongues are directed toward God rather than men?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 10:46
- Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:10, Acts 19:6
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 13:2, Mark 16:17