Parallel Verses

An Understandable Version

For the person who speaks in a language [supernaturally] does not speak to people, but to God, for no one can understand him [i.e., unless there is an interpreter or it is the person's native language]; he speaks [previously] unrevealed truths under the influence of the Holy Spirit [or "in his spirit"]. [Note: For a correct understanding of this chapter, it must be kept in mind that Paul is addressing a misuse ofthe gift of speaking in languages supernaturally. The Corinthians were doing this in the wrong way and for the wrong purpose].

New American 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.

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.

Holman 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.

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.

A Conservative Version

For he who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God, for no man hears, but in 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.

Amplified

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].

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.

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.

Common New Testament

For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands him, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

Daniel 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.

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.

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:

Goodspeed New Testament

For anyone who speaks ecstatically is speaking not to men but to God, for no one can understand him, though he is uttering secret truths.

John Wesley New Testament

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God; for no one understandeth him, though by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries:

Julia Smith Translation

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

King James 2000

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

Lexham Expanded Bible

For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, because no one understands, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

Modern King James verseion

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. For no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries.

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

For he that speaketh with tongues speaketh not unto men, but unto God. For no man heareth him: Howbeit, in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Moffatt New Testament

For he who speaks in a 'tongue' addresses God not men; no one understands him; he is talking of divine secrets in the Spirit.

Montgomery New Testament

For he who speaks in a "tongue" speaks not to man but to God, for no one understands him, but in the Spirit he utters secret truths.

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

Noyes New Testament

For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not to men, but to God; for no one heareth; but in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries;

Sawyer New Testament

For he that speaks with a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but in spirit he speaks mysteries;

The Emphasized Bible

For, he that speaketh with a tongue, not unto men, doth speak, but, unto God, - for, no one, understandeth, although, in spirit, he is speaking sacred secrets;

Thomas 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.

Twentieth Century New Testament

He who, when speaking, uses the gift of 'tongues' is speaking, not to men, but to God, for no one understands him; yet in spirit he is speaking of hidden truths.

Webster

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.

Williams New Testament

For whoever speaks in ecstasy is speaking not to men but to God, for no one understands him, and yet by 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.

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.

Youngs 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;

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
For
γάρ 
Gar 
for, , not tr
Usage: 825

he that

which, who, the things, the son,
Usage: 0

λαλέω 
Laleo 
λαλέω 
Laleo 
Usage: 235
Usage: 235

in an
γλῶσσα 
Glossa 
Usage: 48

γλῶσσα 
Glossa 
Usage: 48

not
οὐ 
Ou 
not, no, cannot ,
Usage: 1032

ἄνθρωπος 
Anthropos 
man, not tr,
Usage: 316

but
ἀλλά 
Alla 
but, yea, yet, nevertheless, howbeit, nay, therefore, save, not tr,
Usage: 461

θεός 
theos 
Usage: 1151

for
γάρ 
Gar 
for, , not tr
Usage: 825

no
οὐδείς 
Oudeis 
Usage: 160

ἀκούω 
Akouo 
Usage: 313

δέ 
De 
but, and, now, then, also, yet, yea, so, moreover, nevertheless, for, even, , not tr
Usage: 2184

in the spirit
πνεῦμα 
Pneuma 
Usage: 334

λαλέω 
Laleo 
Usage: 235

Context Readings

Appropriate Use Of Prophecy And Tongues

1 You should make loving [others] your aim, yet eagerly desire [to possess] spiritual gifts, and especially [the gift of] prophecy. 2 For the person who speaks in a language [supernaturally] does not speak to people, but to God, for no one can understand him [i.e., unless there is an interpreter or it is the person's native language]; he speaks [previously] unrevealed truths under the influence of the Holy Spirit [or "in his spirit"]. [Note: For a correct understanding of this chapter, it must be kept in mind that Paul is addressing a misuse ofthe gift of speaking in languages supernaturally. The Corinthians were doing this in the wrong way and for the wrong purpose]. 3 But the person who prophesies speaks [God's message] to people to build them up [spiritually], encourage them and comfort them.


Cross References

1 Corinthians 13:2

And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God's] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing.

Mark 16:17

And these [miraculous] signs will attend [the conversion of] those who believe. [Note: This refers to the supernatural miracles performed by the apostles and their associates during the apostolic age. See verse

Acts 10:46

For [as evidence of it] they heard them speaking in [other] languages [supernaturally] and lifting up God [in praise]. Peter then said,

Acts 19:6

Then Paul placed his hands on them and [the supernatural power of] the Holy Spirit came on them and they [began to] speak in [other] languages and prophesy [i.e., speak God's message].

Matthew 13:11

He replied, "You disciples are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but the crowds of people are not.

Mark 4:11

He said to them, "You disciples are being given an understanding of the secret of the kingdom of God, but to outsiders everything will be told in parables.

Acts 2:4-11

And they [i.e., the apostles] were all filled with [the power of] the Holy Spirit and began to speak ["the mighty accomplishments of God," See verse 11] in different languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them the ability.

Acts 22:9

Those who accompanied me saw the light clearly, but did not hear [i.e., understand] the voice of the one speaking to me.

Romans 16:25

Now may there be glory for ever, through Jesus Christ, to the only wise God, who is able to make you stand firm [in the faith], according to the good news and proclamation of Jesus Christ. This message is the secret which was [eventually] revealed, after having been kept quiet about for long ages.

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we [apostles] speak God's secret wisdom, which has been hidden [through the ages], which God predetermined for our honor before time began.

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God has revealed [to us] these things [i.e., His divine wisdom. See verses 7-8] through the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 14:9-11

So, unless you people also speak clearly with your tongue, how will your speaking be understood? For it will be like you were speaking into the air.

1 Corinthians 14:16

For if you [ask God to] bless with your spirit [i.e., in a language supernaturally], how will the person there, who does not have the gift [i.e., of interpreting the language] be able to say, "May it be so," when you offer [a prayer of] thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

1 Corinthians 14:18-23

I thank God that I speak in languages [i.e., supernaturally] more than all of you.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28

If any person speaks in a language [supernaturally], there should be [only] two, or at most three people [doing it in one meeting], and they should take turns. And [only] one person should interpret [the language spoken].

1 Corinthians 15:51

Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]

Ephesians 3:3-9

[It is] that God's secret plan [i.e., revealed in the Gospel preached to Gentiles. See verse 6] was made known to me by way of a revelation. [See Acts 9:15; 22:21]. I have already written to you [about this] briefly [i.e., probably a reference to 1:9ff].

Ephesians 6:19

And [also pray] for me to be given boldness of speech in opening my mouth to make known the secret plan of the Gospel,

Colossians 1:26-27

[This message is] the secret which has been kept hidden throughout the ages and generations, but has now been revealed to God's saints [i.e., His holy people].

Colossians 2:2

[I do this] so that their hearts will be encouraged [while] being united in [mutual] love, [and] so that they will have the wealth of a fully assured understanding, in order to fully know about God's hidden secret, [which is] Christ.

1 Timothy 3:9

They should keep holding on to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

Revelation 10:7

But in the days when the seventh angel is ready to sound his trumpet, then the secret plan of God will be accomplished, just as He [had] announced to His servants the prophets."

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain