What does 1 Corinthians 14:19 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:19 is a statement made by the Apostle Paul addressing the use of spiritual gifts, specifically the gift of speaking in tongues, within the context of the Christian church gatherings.

In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of intelligible speech over speaking in tongues when the congregation assembles.

He advocates for speaking words that are understood by others so that the church may be edified.

Paul is not condemning the gift of speaking in tongues but is highlighting the greater benefit of using language that builds up the church through clear teaching.

Historical Context

The historical context of 1 Corinthians 14:19 belongs to the early Christian community in Corinth, which existed in the middle of the first century AD.

Corinth was a major trade city in ancient Greece, known for its cultural diversity and wealth.

At this time, the Christian community was grappling with the appropriate use of spiritual gifts.

Speaking in tongues was a prominent and valued gift within the Corinthian church, but it had created problems due to its overemphasis and misuse during gatherings.

Paul wrote this letter to address the issues and provide guidance for orderly worship that benefits all believers.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects the principle that spiritual gifts are given for the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).

It points to the supremacy of love and edification over the self-gratification that can accompany the use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 13).

Differing theological perspectives may have varying interpretations of the nature and purpose of speaking in tongues.

Some see it as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence, while others view it as a personal prayer language.

However, the consensus is that Paul calls for a practice that promotes understanding and builds up the faith community.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 1 Corinthians 14:19 can be applied to the way Christians use their gifts and communicate within their congregations.

It encourages believers to prioritize clarity and the common good in their interactions.

In contemporary settings, this may translate to focusing on effective communication, using language that is accessible to everyone, and ensuring that any use of gifts contributes to instructing and strengthening others rather than causing confusion.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 12:7: "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
• 1 Corinthians 13:1-2: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
• 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."
• Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this verse are "γλώσσῃ" (glossē) meaning "tongue" or "language", and "εἴτε" (eite) indicating comparison, here translated as "rather" in English. "Φωνῇ" (phōnē) means "voice" or "sound", emphasizing the method of communication.

The phrase "μυστήριον λαλῶ" (mystērion lalō) translates to "I speak a mystery", referring to speaking in tongues where the meaning is not readily understood.

This detailed analysis of words underscores the contrast between speaking in tongues and speaking in a known language for the benefit of others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and cultures, speaking in esoteric or unknown languages was often associated with divine or mystical experiences.

For instance, the ancient Greek practice of glossolalia, or speaking in ecstatic languages, was present in the worship of Dionysus.

The emphasis in such practices was often on the personal ecstatic experience of the individual.

In contrast, in the Christian context of Paul's letter, the spiritual practice is reoriented towards community edification, rather than individual enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of speaking in tongues, known as glossolalia, often examines it from psychological, neurological, or sociolinguistic perspectives. Researchers have studied brain activity during glossolalia and found distinctive patterns that differ from normal speech.

While this phenomenon is not fully understood, scientific perspectives typically regard speaking in tongues as a learned behavior or a state of altered consciousness, rather than a miraculous event.

The emphasis on intelligible speech for teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:19 aligns with the use of clear communication as a means for effective learning, a principle well recognized in education sciences.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into 1 Corinthians 14:19:

• John Calvin emphasized that edification requires intelligible words; hence believers should prefer prophesying to speaking in tongues if interpretation is absent.
• Matthew Henry commented that the gifts of the Spirit were given for utility rather than display, and hence what is spoken in the church should be understood by all.
• Gordon D.

Fee, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, suggests that Paul's goal was to maintain order and ensure the church was built up through mutual understanding rather than personal spiritual experiences.

• Craig S.

Keener has noted that while speaking in tongues may have a role in personal prayer life, in public worship the primary goal is to edify the congregation, and thus intelligible speech is preferred.