Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:2
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian assembly, ranking spiritual gifts and urging them to prioritize prophecy over tongues in public worship.
The words — μυστήρια (mysteria) means "mysteries" or "secrets," not vague spiritual jargon but specific hidden truths. The participle λαλῶν (lalōn, "the one who speaks") marks tongues as continuous, unbroken utterance, distinct from the finite λαλεῖ ("speaks") used for address to men.
The thread — Tongues appear as a sign accompanying belief (Mark 16:17) and as evidence of the Spirit's arrival (Acts 10:46; 19:6), but Paul here redefines its function: directed to God, not to the assembly.
Why it lands — A genuine gift can still be functionally useless to the congregation if no one comprehends it; the verse forces the reader to ask whether a worship service is for God's ear or the body's edification.
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
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Cross-references
- Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
- Acts 10:46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
- Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
- Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
- Ephesians 3:3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
- Colossians 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.