English Standard Version
1 Corinthians 14:13
13Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:13 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
- New International Version (NIV)For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
- New Living Translation (NLT)So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said.
Context of 1 Corinthians 14:13
11but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.
Read all of 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14:13 word by word
Διὸ ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ προσευχέσθω ἵνα διερμηνεύῃ.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 14:13
- 1 Corinthians 14:27If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
- 1 Corinthians 12:10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
- Mark 11:24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
- John 14:13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- Acts 1:14All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
- Acts 4:29And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,
- Acts 8:15who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 14:13
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 13Pray that he may interpret - Let him who speaks or reads the prophetic declarations in the Old Testament, in that tongue in which they were originally spoken and written, pray to God that he may so understand them himself, and receive the gift of interpretation, that he may be able to explain them in all their depth and latitude to others.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 13Pray that he may interpret - Let him ask of God ability that he may explain it clearly to the church. It would seem probable that the power of speaking foreign languages, and the power of conveying truth in a clear and distinct manner, were not always found in the same person, and that the one did not of necessity imply the other. The truth seems to have been, that these extraordinary endowments of the Holy Spirit were bestowed upon people in some such…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 6-14Verses 6-14 Even an apostle could not edify, unless he spoke so as to be understood by his hearers. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. That cannot answer the end of speaking, which has no meaning; in this case, speaker and hearers are barbarians to each other. All religious services should be so performed in Christian assemblies, that all may join in, and profit by them. Language plain and easy to be…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 13Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues (see 14:39), but interpreting is crucial, especially in public worship (see 14:27–28).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1313. Explain, "Let him who speaketh with a tongue [unknown] in his prayer (or, when praying) strive that he may interpret" [Alford]. This explanation of "pray" is needed by its logical connection with "prayer in an unknown tongue" (1Co 14:14). Though his words be unintelligible to his hearers, let him in them pray that he may obtain the gift of interpreting, which will make them "edifying" to "the church" (1Co 14:12).Read the comment
Topics related to 1 Corinthians 14:13
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 14
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries