Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:13

What does 1 Corinthians 14:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:13 means

Here is Paul’s remedy: those who speak in tongues should pray for the ability to interpret what they say. This turns a private, God-ward utterance into a public blessing by making its content accessible. Paul does not say stop speaking in tongues; he says seek the accompanying gift that enables others to understand and be edified. Prayer acknowledges dependence on God to supply what the church needs. It also signals responsibility—if one would address the assembly, one should strive to make the meaning clear. The verse reflects love’s posture: not content merely to experience the Spirit personally, but eager to serve others by bringing understanding alongside zeal.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason, let the man who has the power of using tongues make request that he may, at the same time, be able to give the sense.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

wherefore he who is speaking in an <FI>unknown<Fi> tongue--let him pray that he may interpret;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And therefore he that speaketh by a tongue, let him pray that he may interpret.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret.

Context

Having urged the Corinthians to aim for edification, Paul outlines a specific application. Praying for interpretation directly addresses the problem of unintelligibility raised in prior verses. The following lines will further explain why both spirit and understanding must be engaged in prayer and praise during worship. This instruction prepares for the later rules about limiting tongue-speakers and ensuring an interpreter is present. It shows that Paul’s solution is neither to quench the Spirit nor to let chaos reign, but to seek God’s provision so that spiritual manifestations become intelligible and therefore genuinely beneficial to the gathered church.

v.12So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.

v.13This passage

v.14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 4:29

    And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,

  • John 14:13

    And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

  • Acts 1:14

    These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:10

    and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:

  • 1 Corinthians 14:27

    If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret:

  • Acts 8:15

    who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

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