King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:15 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:15 in the King James Version says “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”

1 Corinthians 14:15 · KJV

PrayerHoly Spirit

Context

13

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Read 1 Corinthians 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also—Paul resolves the tension with kai (καί, "both/and"). He'll pray tō pneumati (τῷ πνεύματι, "with the spirit") and tō noi (τῷ νοΐ, "with the mind"). I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also—the same principle applies to singing (psalō, ψάλλω, "sing psalms").

Paul's "both/and" refuses to sacrifice either dimension. True Spirit-filled worship engages the whole person—emotions, will, intellect, spirit. The four-fold "I will" (proseuxomai... proseuxomai... psalō... psalō) emphasizes determined commitment to integrated worship. Paul won't choose between Spirit and mind; he'll worship with both.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reveals Paul's own practice: he exercises tongues privately (v. 18) but ensures public worship engages mind and spirit. His personal discipline models what he teaches.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance spirit-engagement and mind-engagement in your worship?
  2. Why does Paul mention both prayer and singing—what's the significance?
  3. What would worship that fully engages spirit and mind look like practically?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
τί1 of 19

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 19

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐστιν3 of 19

“is it”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

προσεύξομαι4 of 19

“I will pray”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

τῷ5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματι6 of 19

“with the spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

προσεύξομαι7 of 19

“I will pray”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

δὲ8 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ9 of 19

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νοΐ11 of 19

“with the understanding”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

ψαλῶ12 of 19

“I will sing”

G5567

to twitch or twang, i.e., to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes)

τῷ13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματι14 of 19

“with the spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ψαλῶ15 of 19

“I will sing”

G5567

to twitch or twang, i.e., to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes)

δὲ16 of 19

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ17 of 19

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νοΐ19 of 19

“with the understanding”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 14:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:16Ephesians 6:18John 4:23-24Ephesians 5:17-20Jude 1:20Psalms 47:7

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 14 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes