1 Corinthians 14:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:28
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, 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 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 14:28
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Analysis
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church—Paul's stark command: ean de mē ē diermēneutēs, sigatō en ekklēsia (ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ᾖ διερμηνευτής, σιγάτω ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ, "but if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in church"). The imperative sigatō (σιγάτω, "let him be silent") is unequivocal. And let him speak to himself, and to God—private tongues-prayer remains legitimate: eatō de heautō lalein kai tō theō (ἑατῷ δὲ ἑαυτῷ λαλεῖν καὶ τῷ θεῷ, "let him speak to himself and to God").
Paul distinguishes public and private speech: without interpretation, tongues belong in private devotion, not corporate worship. This isn't suppressing the Spirit; it's channeling spiritual expression toward edification. The allowance for private prayer shows Paul values tongues—in their proper context.
Historical Context
Some Corinthians apparently felt compelled to speak in tongues publicly regardless of interpretation. Paul insists: no interpreter, no public tongues. Keep it between you and God.
Reflection
- Why does Paul command silence rather than simply encouraging interpretation?
- What's the difference between 'speaking to himself and to God' versus public speech?
- How does this verse honor both spiritual expression and corporate edification?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God