Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:13
Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church during a discussion on ordering corporate worship. He speaks to believers pursuing spiritual gifts, directing them to prioritize communal edification over uninterpreted utterance.
The words — προσευχέσθω (proseuchesthō) translates as "he should pray," and διερμηνεύῃ (diermēneuē) means "he may interpret." The Greek construction commands the tongue-speaker to actively request interpretive ability rather than assume it.
The thread — This directive echoes Paul’s rhetorical question in 1 Corinthians 12:30 regarding the distribution of interpretive gifts. It aligns with the prayer framework found in Mark 11:24 and John 14:13, where believers are instructed to ask and receive through faith.
Why it lands — The text requires the speaker to seek interpretation before the utterance serves its purpose. It demands that personal spiritual expression be submitted to the practical need of the congregation to understand.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Cross-references
- Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
- John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- 1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
- Acts 1:14 With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,
- Acts 8:15 On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
- 1 Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.