1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

Bible > 1 Corinthians > Chapter 14 > Verse 2

◄ 1 Corinthians 14:2 ►

New International Version
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.

New Living Translation
For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.

English Standard Version
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

Berean Literal Bible
For the one speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God. For no one hears, but in the Spirit he utters mysteries.

King James Bible
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

New King James Version
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

New American Standard Bible
For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things].

Christian Standard Bible
For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the person who speaks in another language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.

American Standard Version
For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Contemporary English Version
If you speak languages that others don't know, God will understand what you are saying, though no one else will know what you mean. You will be talking about mysteries that only the Spirit understands.

English Revised Version
For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When a person speaks in another language, he doesn't speak to people but to God. No one understands him. His spirit is speaking mysteries.

Good News Translation
Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit.

International Standard Version
For the person who speaks in a foreign language is not actually speaking to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands him, because he is talking about secrets by the Spirit.

Majority Standard Bible
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

NET Bible
For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.

New Heart English Bible
For the one who speaks in another language speaks not to people, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he that speaketh in an unknown language, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; yet in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Weymouth New Testament
For he who speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. Yet in the Spirit he is speaking secret truths.

World English Bible
For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God, for no one understands, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for he who is speaking in an [unknown] tongue—he does not speak to men, but to God, for no one listens, and he speaks secrets in spirit;

Berean Literal Bible
For the one speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God. For no one hears, but in the Spirit he utters mysteries.

Young's Literal Translation
for he who is speaking in an unknown tongue -- to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit he doth speak secrets;

Smith's Literal Translation
For he speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God: (for none hears; and in the spirit he speaks mysteries.)

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For he that speaketh in a tongue, speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For whoever speaks in tongues, speaks not to men, but to God. For no one understands. Yet by the Spirit, he speaks mysteries.

New American Bible
For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to human beings but to God, for no one listens; he utters mysteries in spirit.

New Revised Standard Version
For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no man understands what he says; however through the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For whoever speaks in languages does not speak to men, but he is speaking to God, for no man understands what he speaks, but by The Spirit he speaks mysteries.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands him: but yet in spirit he speaks mysteries.

Godbey New Testament
For the one speaking with a tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no one hears him; but he speaks mysteries in the spirit:

Haweis New Testament
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; although in spirit he speaketh mysterious truths.

Mace New Testament
for he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God: for no man can understand the mysteries he delivers by the spirit.

Weymouth New Testament
For he who speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. Yet in the Spirit he is speaking secret truths.

Worrell New Testament
For he that speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

Worsley New Testament
For he, that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no one understandeth, though in spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Audio Bible

Context

Prophecy and Tongues
1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. / And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Acts 10:46
For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.

Acts 19:6
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

1 Corinthians 2:7
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30
Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

Isaiah 28:11
Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people

Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Treasury of Scripture

For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

he that.

1 Corinthians 14:9-11,16,21,22
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air…

Genesis 11:7
Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

Genesis 42:23
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

understandeth.

Acts 22:9
And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

howbeit.

1 Corinthians 2:7,10
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: …

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 15:51
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

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1 Corinthians 14

1. Prophecy is commended,
2. and preferred before speaking in tongues,
6. by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.
12. Both must be referred to edification,
22. as to their true and proper end.
26. The true use of each is taught,
27. and the abuse rebuked.
34. Women in the churches.

Berean Study Bible

For he who speaks in a tongue
The phrase "speaks in a tongue" refers to the practice of speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, often understood as a spiritual gift. The Greek word for "tongue" is "glossa," which can mean both the physical organ and a language. In the early church, this gift was seen as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. Historically, speaking in tongues was a way to demonstrate the universality of the Gospel, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. It is important to note that this gift was meant to edify the church when interpreted, aligning with the broader biblical theme of building up the body of Christ.

does not speak to men, but to God
This phrase emphasizes the vertical nature of the gift of tongues. The speaker is communicating directly with God, rather than delivering a message to other people. This highlights the personal and intimate nature of this spiritual practice. Theologically, it underscores the idea that certain spiritual experiences are meant for personal edification and communion with God, rather than public instruction. This aligns with the conservative Christian perspective that prioritizes personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

Indeed, no one understands him
The phrase "no one understands him" points to the mystery and exclusivity of the language spoken in tongues. The Greek word "oudeis" means "no one" or "nobody," indicating that without interpretation, the message remains unintelligible to others. This serves as a reminder of the need for order and clarity in worship, as Paul later instructs that interpretation should accompany tongues in a congregational setting. Historically, this reflects the early church's struggle to balance charismatic expressions with orderly worship.

he utters mysteries in the Spirit
The term "mysteries" (Greek: "mysteria") refers to divine truths that are hidden or not fully understood. In the context of speaking in tongues, these mysteries are spiritual insights or revelations communicated through the Holy Spirit. The phrase "in the Spirit" indicates that this is a supernatural activity, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This aligns with the conservative Christian belief in the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, guiding them into deeper truths and experiences of God's presence. The use of "mysteries" also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's wisdom being revealed progressively to His people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue.--Better, For he that speaketh in a tongue. The word "unknown" is not in the original, but it has been inserted in connection with the word tongue "all through this chapter, so as to make the various passages seem to be consistent with the theory that the gift of tongues was a gift of languages. This is not the place to enter into the question of what particular external manifestation of this gift was evidenced on the Day of Pentecost. (See Acts 2:1-13.) Still, believing that the gift of tongues here spoken of is identical with the gift of tongues which was first bestowed at Pentecost, I would say that the phenomena described as occurring then must be explained by the fuller and more elaborate account of the nature of the gift which is given to us here. Against the theory that the gift was one of a capacity to speak various languages we have three considerations. (1) The word dialectos, which is repeatedly used to express languages (Acts 1:19; Acts 2:6; Acts 2:8; Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2; Acts 26:14), is never used by St. Paul or by the author of the Acts in reference to the utterances of those who possessed the gift of tongues, but the other word, glossa, which is, literally, the physical organ of speech--as if the utterances were simply sounds that proceeded from it. (2) There is no trace whatever of this knowledge of languages having been ever used for the purpose of preaching to those who spoke foreign languages. The language of the Lycaonians was evidently not understood by the Apostles when they were addressed in it (see Acts 14:11), and they did not speak in it. That the hearers at Pentecost said they heard those who were filled with the Spirit "speak in our own language" would only imply, either that the outpouring on Pentecost had for the moment a miraculous effect, which immediately ceased, or that "all the various elements of Aramaic and Hellenistic speech, latent in the usual language of the time, were quickened, under the power of this gift, into a new life, sometimes intelligible, sometimes unintelligible to those who heard it, but always expressive of the vitality and energy of the Spirit by which it was animated." (3) The description of the gift in this chapter is utterly inconsistent with it being a gift of languages. The gift was the result of a quickened spiritual power by the action of the Holy Ghost (see also Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6); it poured itself forth in wild, impassioned utterances, which were sometimes mistaken for delirium (1Corinthians 14:23); and these were the expressions, not of thoughts, but of feelings, unintelligible always, if uninterpreted, to the listener, and sometimes to the utterer himself. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - In an unknown tongue. The interpolation of the word "unknown" in our Authorized Version is quite unjustifiable, and shows the danger of giving way to the bias of mere conjectures. Probably it is this word, not found in the original, which has given rise to the perplexing, unhistoric, and unwarranted theory that "the gift of tongues" was a power of speaking in foreign languages. Speaketh not unto men. Because, as a rule, no one understands anything that he says. The word literally means "hears." It may, perhaps, imply that no special attention was given to those who gave way to these impulses of utterance. The whole of this chapter proves in a most striking way the close analogy between "the tongue" and the impassioned soliloquies of inarticulate utterance which were poured forth in tones of thrilling power among the Montanists, and in modern times among the Irvingites. In the spirit. It is uncertain whether this means "in his own spirit," or "in the Spirit of God," i.e. as a result of inspiration. Probably the former (John 4:24; Romans 8:13, etc.). Perhaps, however, the two imply the same thing. The spirit is the one Divine part of our human being, and when a man is a true Christian his spirit is in union with, is as it were lost in, the Spirit of God. St. Paul recognizes the true tongue - for it might be simulated by hysteria and even by mere physical imposture - as a result of inspiration, that is, of the overpowering dominance of the human spirit by a supernatural power. Nevertheless, he points out the extreme peril of yielding to or self inducing these emotions public, or in leaving them uncontrolled. Mysteries. Secrets revealed possibly to him, but unrevealed by this strange "tongue" to others.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

speaks
λαλῶν (lalōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

in a tongue
γλώσσῃ (glōssē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.

does not speak
λαλεῖ (lalei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

to men,
ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

to God.
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

Indeed,
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

understands [him];
ἀκούει (akouei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

he utters
λαλεῖ (lalei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

mysteries
μυστήρια (mystēria)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.

in the Spirit.
πνεύματι (pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in another language (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)