1 Corinthians 14:27
What does 1 Corinthians 14:27 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:27 means
Paul limits tongue-speaking in the assembly to a small number—two or at most three—and requires them to speak one at a time, with an interpreter present. This preserves clarity and prevents a flood of unintelligible speech. The rule both honors the gift and protects the congregation. No one is forbidden outright, but all are restrained for the common good. The insistence on interpretation turns private edification into public blessing. The instruction assumes self-control and a willingness to submit personal impulse to communal order, reflecting the Spirit’s work not only in granting gifts but in producing love that seeks the edification of others.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret:
KJV
King James Version · 1611If 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If any man makes use of a tongue, let it not be more than two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let someone give the sense:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if an <FI>unknown<Fi> tongue any one do speak, by two, or at the most, by three, and in turn, and let one interpret;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any speak with a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in course: and let one interpret.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If any one speak with a tongue, [let it be] two, or at the most three, and separately, and let one interpret;
Context
Having established edification as the rule, Paul now gives concrete instructions regarding tongues. Limiting the number and ensuring interpretation guard the meeting from confusion. The following verse will state the consequence if no interpreter is present—silence in the assembly for the tongue-speaker. These steps are part of a broader pattern: similar limits will be stated for prophecy to ensure that all contributions remain orderly, understandable, and truly helpful to the gathered church.
v.26What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
v.27This passage
v.28but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
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