King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:27 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:27 in the King James Version says “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interp...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. two: by two or three sentences separately”

1 Corinthians 14:27 · KJV

Context

25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. two: by two or three sentences separately

28

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

Read 1 Corinthians 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course—Paul regulates tongues: kata dyo ē to pleiston treis (κατὰ δύο ἢ τὸ πλεῖστον τρεῖς, "by two or at most three"), and ana meros (ἀνὰ μέρος, "in turn, one at a time"). And let one interpret (kai heis diermēneuetō, καὶ εἷς διερμηνευέτω, "and let one interpret").

Paul's specificity is striking: (1) limit tongues to 2-3 per service, (2) speak sequentially, not simultaneously, (3) ensure one person interprets. These rules prioritize order and intelligibility. Tongues aren't forbidden, but they're carefully regulated to serve edification. The present imperative diermēneuetō ("let him interpret") makes interpretation non-negotiable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This suggests Corinthian worship featured multiple simultaneous tongues-speakers with no interpretation—chaos. Paul imposes order: few speakers, sequential turns, mandatory interpretation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul limit tongues to 2-3 per service?
  2. What's the significance of speaking 'by course' (in turn) rather than simultaneously?
  3. How do these regulations serve the edification principle?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἴτε1 of 16

“If”

G1535

if too

γλώσσῃ2 of 16

“in an unknown tongue”

G1100

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

τις3 of 16

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

λαλεῖ4 of 16

“speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

κατὰ5 of 16

“let it be by”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

δύο6 of 16

“two”

G1417

"two"

ἢ7 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τὸ8 of 16
G3588

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

πλεῖστον9 of 16

“at the most”

G4118

the largest number or very large

τρεῖς10 of 16

“by three”

G5140

"three"

καὶ11 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

ἀνὰ12 of 16

“that by”

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

μέρος13 of 16

“course”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

καὶ14 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

εἷς15 of 16

“one”

G1520

one

διερμηνευέτω·16 of 16

“interpret”

G1329

to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate

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 14:27 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 14:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:26

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