What does 1 Corinthians 14:6 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:6 focuses on the value of intelligible speech in the context of Christian worship and ministry.

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of speaking in tongues within the church of Corinth.

Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is the act of speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, considered a spiritual gift in the early church.

In this verse, Paul rhetorically asks what benefit he would bring to the Corinthians if he came to them speaking in tongues rather than in their own language or in a way that conveyed meaningful revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or doctrinal teaching.

Paul emphasizes that his goal is to edify the congregation, not to display his spiritual gifts without providing understandable and constructive communication.

The literal meaning stresses practical communication over the spectacle of tongues, while the deeper meaning underscores the importance of building up the church through clear and meaningful teaching and prophecy.

Historical Context

The historical context of 1 Corinthians 14:6 is situated within the early Christian church at Corinth, a large and diverse city in ancient Greece.

The Corinthian church was composed of many converts from different backgrounds, which led to a variety of practices and spiritual gifts being used within the community.

At that time, the gift of tongues was a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and was considered a spiritual gift.

However, there was confusion and potential disorder in the church services because people were using the gift without consideration for whether it built up the church body.

Paul wrote to address these concerns and to provide guidance about the proper use of spiritual gifts, maintaining an order that would be most beneficial to all members of the church.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may interpret this verse in various ways:

• Charismatic/Pentecostal View: This tradition might emphasize the importance of speaking in tongues as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit while also agreeing with Paul that any spiritual gift must be used to edify the church and cater to the common good.
• Evangelical View: Evangelicals might stress the importance of clear preaching and teaching of the Word of God, using this verse to support the idea that intelligible proclamation and teaching outweigh the importance of speaking in tongues.
• Catholic View: The Catholic interpretation may focus on the balance of personal spiritual experiences with the communal benefit and the edification of the church, highlighting the supremacy of prophesying and teaching doctrines aligned with the Church's teachings.
• Mainline Protestant View: These denominations might tend to de-emphasize the role of speaking in tongues and focus on the verse as a call for orderly worship that prioritizes the understanding and instruction of the congregation.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life in various ways:

• Communication: In any setting, the emphasis should be on clear, constructive communication that serves the purpose of instruction and encouragement.
• Worship Services: Those involved in leading worship are reminded to prioritize content that is edifying for the whole congregation rather than showcasing individual spiritual experiences.
• Use of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts should be used responsibly and with the goal of building up the community, maintaining a balance between personal expression and the common good.
• Personal Ministry: Individuals should consider the impact of their actions on others within their community, striving to contribute in ways that are helpful and edifying.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 14:19: "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
• 1 Corinthians 12:7: "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
• 1 Corinthians 14:12: "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."
• Acts 2:4-6: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Language Study

• "Tongues" (γλώσσαις - glōssais): Refers to languages; in the context of the New Testament, often used to describe the miraculous speaking in languages not previously known by the speaker.
• "Revelation" (ἀποκάλυψιν - apokalypsin): An unveiling or disclosure, often associated with divine communication of truths not previously known.
• "Knowledge" (γνώσει - gnōsei): Refers to general understanding or specific, informed insight.
• "Prophesying" (προφητείᾳ - prophēteia): Speaking forth the message of God, which could include both foretelling future events and forth-telling messages for the current time.
• "Doctrine" (διδαχῇ - didachē): Teaching or instruction, specifically related to Christian doctrine or the principles of faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient religions and mythologies:

• Oracle of Delphi: Ancient Greek oracles often delivered cryptic and unknown messages that needed interpretation, in contrast to Paul's emphasis on clarity and edification.
• Judaism: Within Jewish tradition, the emphasis was often on clear and insightful teaching of the Torah, aligning more with Paul's call for understandable doctrine and prophetic insight.
• Mystery Religions: Some mystery religions of the ancient world practiced esoteric rituals that might be akin to speaking in unknown tongues, but in Christianity, Paul advocates for transparent and constructive communication within the church community.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, studies in linguistics and psychology have investigated the phenomenon of glossolalia. Research suggests that speaking in tongues does not correspond to recognizable language patterns but is often a fluid vocalization of speech-like syllables.

It is understood in psychological terms as a state of altered consciousness that can have various triggers and is subject to interpretation within specific religious contexts, which is a distinct contrast to the argument for clear communication in 1 Corinthians 14:6.

Commentaries

• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Gill, an 18th-century theologian, emphasizes that speaking in unknown tongues does not edify unless it is interpreted, and that prophecy and teaching are superior to tongues because they edify the church.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry, a nonconformist minister from the same period, notes that it is important for spiritual leaders to offer clear and understandable words.

He stresses the point that Paul would prefer to deliver a message that his listeners could understand and learn from.

• The New American Commentary: This modern evangelical commentary suggests that Paul's point is that spiritual gifts are given to build up the body of Christ, and that unless the gift of tongues is interpreted, it is not beneficial to the church as a whole.