1 Corinthians 14:18
What does 1 Corinthians 14:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:18 means
Paul thanks God for his own extensive experience with tongues, showing he is no enemy of the gift. He affirms its reality and value in his life. This establishes credibility: his counsel comes from appreciation, not suspicion. Yet he will soon say that in church he limits himself to a few clear words. The point is not to elevate or diminish tongues, but to put them in their proper place in corporate worship. By acknowledging his own practice, Paul models humility and balance—rejoicing in what God has given while refusing to let personal experience dictate what will best serve the whole congregation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all:
KJV
King James Version · 1611I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I give praise to God that I am able to make use of tongues more than you all:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I give thanks to my God--more than you all with tongues speaking--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I thank my God I speak with all your tongues.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I thankGod I speak in a tongue more than all of you:
Context
After urging intelligibility for the sake of others, Paul testifies to his own frequent use of tongues, preventing the Corinthians from dismissing him as anti-charismatic. The very next verse will clarify his preference in church gatherings for a handful of understandable words over countless in a tongue. This juxtaposition reinforces the principle of edification that governs the chapter. With that established, Paul will pivot to a call for maturity and then to a Scriptural citation explaining the sign-function of tongues, further grounding his guidance in both pastoral wisdom and biblical precedent.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 4:7
For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
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