What does 1 Corinthians 14:27 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:27 addresses the issue of speaking in tongues within the context of a Christian church gathering.

The term "unknown tongue" refers to the spiritual gift of speaking in a language that the speaker has not learned and is often considered a heavenly or spiritual language.

The verse instructs that if someone speaks in tongues during a church service, it should be done orderly: no more than two or three people should speak in tongues, and they should do so one at a time, not all at once.

Furthermore, the instruction is given that each instance of speaking in tongues should be followed by interpretation.

The underlying purpose for this regulation is to maintain order in the worship service and to ensure that everything that is done edifies and builds up the church body.

Without interpretation, other members of the gathering cannot understand or be edified by what is being said.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church, to whom the Apostle Paul was writing, was a diverse community within the cosmopolitan city of Corinth.

The city was known for its cultural and religious plurality, and the early Christian community there consisted of converts from various backgrounds, including paganism, which likely influenced their worship practices.

During the time of Paul's writing, the charismatic gifts, such as speaking in tongues, were quite common, and likely caused some disorder within the gatherings as individuals sought to display their spiritual giftings.

Paul's letters to the Corinthians, including this passage, are reminders and instructions aimed at nurturing a more orderly, love-centered, and edifying form of worship.

Theological Insights

Theological opinions often differ regarding the gift of speaking in tongues.

Some believe that this gift ceased with the apostolic age and the completion of the New Testament (cessationism), while others believe that it continues to this day (continuationism).

From the continuationist perspective, this verse underlines the importance of exercising spiritual gifts in a manner that benefits the entire community.

It also suggests that the gifts of speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues are distinct, yet both are intended for the edification of the church when used properly.

On the other hand, cessationists might view this passage as a historical account of how such gifts were to be managed during the time they were active in the church.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse provides guidance on conducting orderly worship services that focus on building up the community of believers.

In contemporary application, while some denominations may not practice speaking in tongues, the principle of doing everything decently and in order can extend to other areas of church life, such as music, preaching, and the administration of sacraments, ensuring clarity and mutual edification.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 14:28 - "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God."
• 1 Corinthians 14:33 - "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
• 1 Corinthians 14:40 - "Let all things be done decently and in order."
• Acts 2:1-4 - "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Language Study

Key Greek words in 1 Corinthians 14:27 include:

• "Glossa" (γλῶσσα): Translated as "tongue," which can refer to a language or the physical tongue in one's mouth.
• "Idios" (ἴδιος): Translated as "unknown," it means private or one's own, indicating that the tongue being spoken is not commonly understood.
• "Diermeneuo" (διερμηνεύω): Translated as "interpret," which means to translate or explain what is being said in the tongues.
• "Ana meros" (ἀνὰ μέρος): Translated "by course," implying an orderly sequence or one at a time.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader religious context, speaking in unknown tongues is unique to Christianity and differs from practices in other religions where similar phenomena may be present, such as ecstatic utterances or shamanic chanting.

However, these are not typically structured or interpreted as in the Christian practice of speaking in tongues. The Biblical instructions for speaking in tongues in a way that is edifying and interpreted are rooted in the Judeo-Christian ethic of community and intelligibility in worship.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, speaking in tongues, or glossolalia, is often studied in the field of psychology and neuroscience.

Some studies have looked at the brain activity of individuals who speak in tongues, showing that it may differ from their brain activity during normal speech.

However, these scientific inquiries don't necessarily confirm or deny the spiritual implications and theological beliefs associated with speaking in tongues.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer insights into this verse:

• John Calvin suggests that the speaking of tongues was a miraculous, temporary sign to the early church and that Paul's instructions are aimed at preventing abuse of this gift.
• Gordon D.

Fee's commentary emphasizes the primacy of intelligibility in public worship, noting that speaking in tongues should only be practiced in conjunction with interpretation.

• The New Bible Commentary notes the importance of order and edification in public worship and that speaking in tongues must serve the edification of the church, not merely the self-expression of the individual.
• Matthew Henry's commentary indicates that proper interpretation of tongues would prove the authenticity of the gift and prevent the service from becoming chaotic, ensuring that worship remains a rational service.