Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:28
But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian assembly during a direct regulation of corporate worship, immediately following the command in 1 Corinthians 14:27 that tongues require interpretation.
The words — διερμηνευτής (diermēneutēs) identifies the necessary interpreter, while σιγάτω (sigatō) issues a direct command to remain silent. These terms frame the conditional limit on public spiritual speech.
The thread — The instruction runs directly alongside the interpreter mandate in 1 Corinthians 14:27 and the weighing requirement for prophets in 1 Corinthians 14:29. The text consistently ties every public utterance to the church's ability to process and benefit from it.
Why it lands — The text states that without an interpreter, the speaker must stop speaking publicly and restrict his words to himself and God. It asks the reader to halt personal spiritual expression when the assembly cannot understand it, prioritizing communal edification over individual display.
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The Greek words
King James Version
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.