Understanding 1 Corinthians 14 on Speaking in Tongues

by Scott Sheridan, November 2006

In this edition, I chose to deal with a passage of Scripture that is a bit longer than last time. This passage continues to be a source of great confusion for many people. It is 1st Corinthians 13:8-14:40. The Church in Corinth was one that had an abundance of miraculous spiritual gifts, but the people of that Church were misusing them in a prideful way. It seems as though the one thing that the Corinthians excelled at was getting things wrong. To understand the “tongues” discussion in chapter 14, we must start back in chapter 13, and also understand the situation at Corinth.

Paul had been there and had bestowed many with spiritual gifts. By the way, the only way ANYONE obtained miraculous spiritual gifts, including tongues, was to have an apostle lay hands upon them. If interested in more on this subject, ask me to email you an article by James Smith entitled, “At the Hands of the Apostles”.

The Church at Corinth had become very arrogant and puffed up in that they thought their gifts made them better than other Christians, and this caused factions within the Church (see chap 1). Paul wrote this letter to chastise them for the things they were doing wrong. Corinth is not the Church we want to look to for orthodoxy. What we must keep in mind while studying chapter 14 is that Paul is discussing, pay attention here, how the Corinthians were wrongly using their gifts. He was NOT explaining HOW to use them, but correcting their usage of the gifts.

So as we begin in 13:8, concerning love, is to remember that the one thing the Corinthians were not doing was loving one another. (1 Cor 13:8-13) "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, will be done away." Paul emphasized love. Love is more important than the spiritual gifts, which he will now elaborate. Love never fails BUT prophecy and knowledge will be “done away” and tongues shall just “cease.”

The KJV and NIV are both very inconsistent in their translation of this verse. The Greek word Paul uses that means “done away” has the connotation of “to be replaced.” It is the same word he uses in verse 11 (did away). It means it will be replaced with something better, just as Paul “did away” with childish things and replaced them with adult things. Tongues however, would simply cease. The Greek word is “pauo” (and means to stop, i.e., to cease. Tongues would not be replaced, just stopped.

When Paul speaks of prophecy, he does not mean foretelling the future. A prophet was someone who spoke on God’s behalf. Only occasionally did that mean future telling. Prophecy would be replaced. Knowledge would also be replaced. He does not mean everybody will be stupid, he is referring to directly revealed knowledge. These gifts would be replaced when “the perfect comes” (v. 10). 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. Knowledge and prophecy was incomplete. It was only given in specific places to individual Churches, which meant (1) no Church had a complete revelation and (2) the revelations given were not widely distributed, even with their best efforts. However, when this perfect comes that will replace the incomplete stuff.

The word “perfect” is the Greek word “teleon” (which more accurately means “complete.” It is also neuter in gender, so it is not referring to a person.) A better translation would be “when the complete thing comes, the partial shall be done away.” 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. Paul now uses an illustration to show that this process of replacing incomplete things is only natural. As a child, he spoke and reasoned in an incomplete fashion. Once he became an adult, he put the childish things behind.

12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. Mirrors in ancient times were not exactly the best at reflecting. They were usually a polished metal and the images were usually somewhat distorted. He says that now, i.e., the time he is writing, revelation was like looking in a mirror in a poor light. But when the complete thing comes it will be like looking at someone’s face rather than a poor reflection. At the time of his writing, he only knew in parts, but when the complete thing comes it will be like looking at someone sitting next to you. It will be very clear.

13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. The only things that they had that would continue on after the complete thing comes is faith, hope and love. Love is the greatest because it will never be replaced. When Jesus returns to restore all things, hope and faith will be replaced. As Paul says in Rom 8:24 “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?” So it is certain the complete thing is not the 2nd coming. But love will last throughout eternity.

(1 Cor 14) Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. They had been prideful over unimportant things. Paul admonishes them to desire the better gifts. It seems the gift of tongues was pretty common and many of them had this gift, but Paul is about to begin letting them know that tongues did not make them all that special and they had nothing to boast about. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. This is not what tongues were for, this is how they were misusing the gift. In other words, they were speaking in tongues but no one was interpreting and it was a mystery. The only one who knew what was being said was God Himself. This was wrong as will be pointed out later.

3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

All gifts were to edify the Church. The Corinthians were trying to use the gift of tongues selfishly, for their own glory. 6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? Their gift of tongues was of no profit because no one was understanding the words. It would be better if Paul spoke to them without using tongues, by direct revelation or knowledge or prophecy, because those miraculous gifts did not need interpreting. But tongues were useless without being interpreted.

So Paul uses the analogies of vv. 7 & 8: 7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8 For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. If no one interprets tongues, no one knows what’s being said, which is the same as speaking to the air. Let me remind you once again, he is not telling them what to do, he is chastising them for what they were already doing. 10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

The word “glossa” means “tongue” or “language.” The word that has been translated as “tongues” throughout this passage is the same word translated as “languages” in v. 10. Paul’s point is that tongues, were to be translated and were to be used for edification. THAT is what they should be seeking for. Not their own pride.

13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. They were “showing off” their gift of tongues by using it to pray with. Again, he is not telling them what to do, he is chastising them for what they were already doing. If someone would pray in a tongue, they may be using their spiritual gift but they didn’t know what they’re saying, i.e., the spirit prays but the mind is unfruitful.

15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. The point is, DO NOT PRAY IN TONGUES! It is unprofitable if no one knows what is being said. What they were doing (which many so-called modern tongues speakers are claiming) would amount to God using a person with the gift of tongues to talk to Himself. God gives them the utterance, they do not know what they’re saying, and only God knows. God becomes the “Great Ventriloquist” speaking only to Himself. Paul is pointing out how absurdly silly it is using the gift this way.

16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. Once again, if the Church is not edified, it is useless. When he speaks of “in the spirit only” he means the attitude of the inner man and his thoughts. How does someone not inside the head of the tongues-speaker know what he is saying if no one translates? 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Tongues were not the great gift they thought it was. Paul had this gift and he used it properly. 20 Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. Grow up! 21 In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. Paul quotes from a judgment passage from Isaiah 28. For this part I am going to copy something I’ve already written. It is from my Article the titled: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Speaking in Tongues. (It can read in it’s entirety at www.crownhillchurch.com/Bhs.pdf):

So far in chapter 14 we’ve seen how tongues were supposed to be used and how the Corinthians abused this gift but we have yet to see a judgmental aspect to speaking in tongues. In verse 21 it reads: “In the Law it is written, ‘By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord.” This is a quotation of Isaiah 28:11.

As we turn back to Isaiah 28 let's begin with verse 9: To whom would He teach knowledge? And to whom would He interpret the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just taken from the breast? For He says “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line, a little here, a little there. Indeed, He will speak to this people through stammering lips and a foreign tongue, He who said to them “Here is rest, give rest to the weary,” and, “Here is repose,” but they would not listen. So the word of the Lord to them will be “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line, a little here a little there,” that they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared, and taken captive. Therefore hear the word of the Lord, O scoffers, who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overwhelming scourge will not reach us when it passes by, for we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception.

The words in italics should not be translated. Those words in Hebrew read “Sav lasav, sav lasav, kav lakav, Kav lakav, Ze’er sham, ze’er sham.” These are sounds imitating the sounds a baby would make. The English equivalent would be “goo goo gah gah.” God is telling Israel that because they would not listen to His commands, He would use people of stammering lips and a foreign tongue to proclaim His message of judgment. When the Baptism of the Holy Spirit took place, it was not in Hebrew that the terms of the new covenant were spoken, it was through about every other language except Hebrew (Acts 2:5-11). Just as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was a sign of judgment upon national Israel, speaking in tongues was a constant reminder that (1) the new covenant was for all, not only for the fleshly descendants of Abraham and (2) judgment is coming upon national Israel.

Paul then says in verse 22: “So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers, but to those who believe.” Who were the unbelievers? Primarily the Jews. Signs were always for unbelievers (Acts 8:6; 14:1-3; Heb. 2:1-4). In 70 A.D. God brought forth His judgments against Israel by using Rome to come and utterly destroy the city of Jerusalem. Israel had committed the ultimate national sin: they crucified the Son of God. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well as the gift of speaking in tongues, was a call to repentance for the nation of Israel.

When Jerusalem fell there was no longer a need for this sign of judgment therefore it simply ceased to exist just as Paul said it would in I Corinthians 13:8. 22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. 4 Signs were always for unbelievers. See Acts 8:6; 14:1-3; Heb 2:1-4. The desire for signs demonstrates a lack of faith, not a mature faith (Matthew 12:39). 23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?

Given the way in which the Corinthian Church was manifesting the gift of tongues, of course a stranger to their Assembly would think they were mad. As it has been said before, Paul was chastising them for the way they were doing things, NOT telling them what to do - until verse 24.

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.

There are four rules for tongues speaking: (1) three at the most may speak (v. 27), (2) They must take turns, not all speak at once (v. 27), (3) Make sure it is translated (v. 27), else be silent (28), and (4) women are not to speak in tongues (v. 34) 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.

By the way, this verse does not mean women may not speak at all in the assembly. We know they were to pray and prophesy (11:1-16). The prophesying that women did was always related to singing and never in a teaching position. (Concerning this, read George Faull’s article here: www.crownhillchurch.com/What_About_Women_Prophesying.pdf)

35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.

This teaching was not Paul’s opinion, it was of God, therefore they had better get their act together. 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. I hope my understanding of this passage helps you in your own studies.

Here’s a few comments from the last edition concerning 1st Timothy 2:15: GF in IN: “Last verse different than mine but good thought and perhaps the right one.” DG in IN: “Not a bad job. But....I think you completely missed the purpose of vs. 15 in light of the context. Simply put......after Paul instructs the men as to their roles of authority in the church.....he emphasizes that the role of women in the church "will be preserved through childbirth." After discussing all the things women could not do ....... he reassures them that their roles are forever protected, preserved, and saved ....... through their role as mothers and nurturers .... provided ...... they keep up the faith in other matters.” TB in WA: I remember you going over this explanation during a sermon sometime in the last couple years and it makes good sense. DS in FL: Very good except for that obsession you have with the rams. (He means my email address~ Scott) Another TB in WA: I always appreciate your insights! The only thing that bothers me is that goofy hat you’re wearing in the picture of yourself. Of course, when you wear a Gator hat, it can only make your face look that much better! Thanks for your article :-) --If you’d like one to make yourself look better, just let me know ;o) ~Scott

I invite you to comment on my interpretation or make comments in general. If you wish to be removed from my address list just let me know and you will be removed immediately. Thank you. All Scripture is from the NASB Updated