King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 14:18 Mean?
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:”
1 Corinthians 14:18 · KJV
Context
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.
18
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
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.
20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryI thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all—Paul's surprising disclosure: eucharistō tō theō mou, pantōn hymōn mallon glōssais lalōn (εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου, πάντων ὑμῶν μᾶλλον γλώσσαις λαλῶν, "I thank my God, speaking in tongues more than all of you"). This prevents misunderstanding: Paul isn't anti-tongues; he exercises the gift extensively—privately.
The present participle lalōn (λαλῶν, "speaking") suggests ongoing practice. Paul's comparative "more than you all" establishes authority: he's not speaking from ignorance or lack of experience. His regulation of tongues comes from one who values and exercises the gift. But notice: he thanks God for private tongues-prayer, then immediately contrasts public worship (v. 19).
The present participle lalōn (λαλῶν, "speaking") suggests ongoing practice. Paul's comparative "more than you all" establishes authority: he's not speaking from ignorance or lack of experience. His regulation of tongues comes from one who values and exercises the gift. But notice: he thanks God for private tongues-prayer, then immediately contrasts public worship (v. 19).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This rhetorical move disarms critics: Paul can't be accused of despising what he doesn't have. He has tongues in abundance but subordinates them to edification in corporate settings.
Reflection Questions
- Why does Paul reveal his own tongues-speaking at this point in the argument?
- What's the significance of Paul thanking God for tongues despite his concerns about their public use?
- How does Paul's personal practice model the principles he teaches?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 9 wordsεὐχαριστῶ1 of 9
“I thank”
G2168to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
θεῷ3 of 9
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γλώσσαις8 of 9
“with tongues”
G1100the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
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 14:18 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 14:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge