1 Corinthians 14:2 “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indee…”

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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.

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.

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

For hee that speaketh a strange tongue, speaketh not vnto men, but vnto God: for no man heareth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh secret things.

Darby Translation

For he that speaks with a tongue does not speak to men but to God: for no one hears; but in spirit he speaks 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;

Bible in Basic English

For he who makes use of tongues is not talking to men but to God; because no one has the sense of what he is saying; but in the Spirit he is talking of secret things.

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Cross references

“he that”

Acts 10:46 Acts 19:6 Acts 2:4–11 1 Corinthians 14:9–11 Genesis 42:23 Deuteronomy 28:49

Acts 10:46 · BSB

For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,

Acts 19:6 · BSB

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

Acts 2:4–11 · BSB

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

1 Corinthians 14:9–11 · BSB

So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

Genesis 42:23 · BSB

They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them.

Deuteronomy 28:49 · BSB

The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,

“understandeth”

Acts 22:9

Acts 22:9 · BSB

My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me.

“howbeit”

1 Corinthians 13:2 1 Corinthians 2:10 Ephesians 3:3–9 1 Corinthians 2:7 Ephesians 6:19 Colossians 2:2

1 Corinthians 13:2 · BSB

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 2:10 · BSB

But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Ephesians 3:3–9 · BSB

that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

1 Corinthians 2:7 · BSB

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

Ephesians 6:19 · BSB

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,

Colossians 2:2 · BSB

that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,

Also

Mark 16:17 1 Corinthians 14:18–23 1 Corinthians 14:27–28

Mark 16:17 · BSB

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

1 Corinthians 14:18–23 · BSB

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

1 Corinthians 14:27–28 · BSB

If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

Read 1 Corinthians 14