1 Corinthians 14:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:27
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, truth, grace. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 14:27
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.
Analysis
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:
- limit tongues to 2-3 per service
- speak sequentially, not simultaneously
- ensure one person interprets.
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.
Historical Context
This suggests Corinthian worship featured multiple simultaneous tongues-speakers with no interpretation—chaos. Paul imposes order: few speakers, sequential turns, mandatory interpretation.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:26