1 Corinthians 14:6 - Meaning and Application

In this section, Paul shows how empty it is to speak in an unknown and unclear language just to impress others. Such speech does nothing to build up the church and brings no benefit at all (1 Corinthians 14:6). If I come to you speaking in tongues, he says, what good does that do unless I speak by revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching? Even an apostle, with all his gifts, cannot help the church unless he speaks in a way his hearers can understand.

This is true even when the message itself is rich and useful. New revelations, clear explanations of old ones, and lessons that are useful in themselves all fail if they are spoken in a language the people do not know. Even Scripture explanation, if given in an unknown tongue, would need to be translated again before it could help anyone. The problem is not with the truth being spoken, but with the fact that the hearers cannot grasp it.

Paul explains this with several simple comparisons. First, he compares it to a flute or harp that plays only one note. What use is that to dancers? If there is no difference in the sounds, no one can tell how to move. In the same way, unclear speech gives no guidance for Christian living, just as a single-note instrument gives no direction to a dancer (1 Corinthians 14:7).

Second, he uses the image of a trumpet sounding an uncertain note. A trumpet is meant to call people to action, especially in battle. But if it gives the wrong sound, or no clear sound at all, who will prepare for the fight? In the same way, speaking in an unknown language in church is useless. It leaves the congregation unsure and confused, just as an army would be if the signal were unclear (1 Corinthians 14:8).

Third, Paul compares such speech to the speech of foreigners who cannot understand one another. There are many kinds of voices in the world, and each language has its own meaning (1 Corinthians 14:10). But if a person does not understand the words, then speaker and hearer are like strangers to each other, or, as Paul says, like barbarians to one another (1 Corinthians 14:11). They are only exchanging sounds without sense. So to speak in church in an unknown tongue is to talk gibberish and confuse the people instead of helping them.

Having proved his point, Paul gives practical advice. Since they are eager for spiritual gifts, they should seek the gifts that help the church most (1 Corinthians 14:12). True zeal is shown by wanting to build up other believers, increase Christian knowledge, and encourage holy living. That is the rule by which spiritual gifts should be measured.

He then applies this directly to the matter of tongues. If someone speaks in a foreign language, he should pray for the gift of interpreting it as well (1 Corinthians 14:13). Speaking and understanding a foreign language are not always the same gift. A person may be able to speak it, yet not be able to translate it into the common language. But the church can only be edified if it understands what is said. So the person who speaks in a tongue should also ask God for the ability to interpret it, or even seek that gift more than the other, since it serves the church better.

Some take Paul to mean that a person should pray in such a way that he can explain what he says in prayer. Either way, the main point is the same. Everything done in public worship should be done so that all can join in and benefit from it.

Paul adds a reason for this. If he prays in an unknown tongue, his spirit may be praying, meaning his spiritual gift may be active, or his inner mind may be sincerely engaged. But his understanding is unfruitful, because the meaning of what he says is not understood by others (1 Corinthians 14:14). No one can join in what they do not understand.

So those who pray in public should pray plainly and clearly. They should not use a foreign language, and not even language that is so difficult that the listeners cannot follow it. The best language for public prayer, and for all public worship, is language that people can understand easily.