What does 1 Corinthians 14:13 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:13 suggests that when someone speaks in tongues, a spiritual gift referred to as glossolalia in which a person speaks in a language they have not learned, there is a need for interpretation so that the whole church can be edified.

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing the importance of understanding in worship; it's not enough to speak in tongues, there must also be a translation so that what is spoken can build up the congregants.

This underscores the preference for prophecy over tongues unless the latter is interpreted because prophecy is inherently intelligible and thus more beneficial to others.

Historical Context

The context of this verse is the early Christian community in Corinth during the first century CE, when Paul was writing to address various issues that arose within the church.

One of these issues was the use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues.

In the Corinthian church, speaking in tongues was becoming something of a status symbol, and as a result, it was potentially leading to disorder and an emphasis on self rather than on community edification.

Paul's instructions throughout 1 Corinthians 14 aim to correct this misuse by bringing order and a focus on building up the church.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 1 Corinthians 14:13 affirms the belief in the charismatic gifts of the Spirit.

It suggests that these gifts must be used in a way that benefits the entire community of believers.

The verse promotes the idea that all spiritual gifts, while coming from the Holy Spirit, are subject to human will and control, meaning that believers must be responsible in exercising their gifts.

In Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, this verse often grounds the practice of speaking in tongues in a communal setting, wherein someone will interpret a message delivered in tongues.

In other Christian traditions that may be more cessationist (believing that certain spiritual gifts have ceased), this verse can sometimes be seen as a historical reference to practices that were unique to the early church.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse serves as guidance for worship services and spiritual gatherings where speaking in tongues may occur.

It is a call for order and edification within the church. Believers are encouraged to seek the gift of interpretation as earnestly as they might seek the gift of tongues so that everyone can be strengthened by what is spoken.

Beyond the specific context of spiritual gifts, this verse can also illustrates a broader principle that emphasizes clear communication and mutual understanding in the Christian community, encouraging members to always seek the edification of others in their actions and gifts.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 14:5 - “I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”
• 1 Corinthians 12:10 - “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:”
• 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 - “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.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”

Language Study

The primary terms of interest in the original Greek text of 1 Corinthians 14:13 are "unknown tongue" (γλώσσῃ), which refers to languages or tongues that were not known to the speaker and audience, and "interpret" (διερμηνευέτω), which refers to the act of interpreting or explaining.

γλώσσῃ (glossē): The term for tongue or language can also suggest a supernatural phenomenon where a person speaks a language not previously learned. διερμηνευέτω (diērmēneuētō): This verb, related to hermeneutics, implies a translation or interpretation that makes something clear and understandable.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, glossolalia or ecstatic speech was sometimes associated with divination or the communication of divine secrets.

The Greek Oracle of Delphi, for instance, was known to speak in ecstatic language that priests would interpret for seekers of wisdom. In religious traditions outside of Christianity, such as some shamanistic cultures, the use of an unintelligible language can also be a part of spiritual practice.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of speaking in tongues, often under the term glossolalia, has produced a variety of interpretations. Neuroscientific research has studied brain activity during the phenomenon, finding altered states of consciousness and decreased activity in the language centers of the brain.

However, the interpretation of these findings in relation to religious or spiritual experiences is a subject of ongoing debate.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have weighed in on 1 Corinthians 14:13.

Many agree that Paul's primary concern was for order and edification within the church service.

John Calvin remarked on the need for edification as the main purpose of these gifts, emphasizing that without understanding, tongues are worthless.

More contemporary biblical scholars, like Gordon D.

Fee, have argued that Paul is stressing intelligibility in the communal worship setting.

Within Pentecostal commentary, this verse is often discussed as a key scriptural basis for the practice of speaking in tongues with interpretation in modern church settings.