King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:2 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:2 in the King James Version says “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. understandeth: Gr. heareth

1 Corinthians 14:2 · KJV


Context

1

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2

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. understandeth: Gr. heareth

3

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God—the Greek simply has glōssa (γλῶσσα, "tongue/language"), with "unknown" supplied by translators. Paul's point: uninterpreted tongues are vertically directed (God-ward) but horizontally ineffective (man-ward). No man understandeth him (oudeis akouei, "no one hears/understands")—without interpretation, tongues lack communicative function in corporate worship.

In the spirit he speaketh mysteries (πνεύματι λαλεῖ μυστήρια)—pneumati could be "in spirit" (his spirit) or "by the Spirit" (Holy Spirit), likely the former given the context of private devotion. Mystēria are divine secrets, but here secrets that remain secret—unknown to hearers, thus failing to edify.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinthian worship likely included simultaneous uninterpreted tongues-speaking, creating confusion rather than worship. Paul doesn't deny tongues' validity but questions their public use without interpretation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes private devotional tongues from their misuse in public worship?
  2. How does speaking 'mysteries' that no one understands fail to serve love?
  3. Why does Paul emphasize that tongues are directed toward God rather than men?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

λαλεῖ3 of 17

he speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

γλώσσῃ4 of 17

in an unknown tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

οὐκ5 of 17

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀνθρώποις6 of 17

unto men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

λαλεῖ7 of 17

he speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἀλλὰ8 of 17

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τῶ9 of 17
G3588

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

θεῷ·10 of 17

unto God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐδεὶς11 of 17

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γὰρ12 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀκούει13 of 17

understandeth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

πνεύματι14 of 17

in 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

δὲ15 of 17

him howbeit

G1161

but, and, etc

λαλεῖ16 of 17

he speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

μυστήρια·17 of 17

mysteries

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)


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 14:2 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 14:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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