1 Corinthians 14:28

Orderly Worship · 1 Corinthians 14:26–40
Read 1 Corinthians 14

Translations

Modern
But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.
Traditional
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Literal
But if there may be no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Latin
Si autem non fuerit interpres, taceat in ecclesia: sibi autem loquatur, et Deo.

Original

Greek
English
But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.

Notes

Paul advises a church eager for the gift of tongues to limit its public use. He suggests no more than two or three people should speak, one at a time, and only if someone can interpret the message.

Paul provides clear instructions for using spiritual gifts in the church. He stresses the importance of expressing them in an orderly manner. In the early Christian community, church meetings were not led by professional pastors or priests. Instead, everyone shared what God had given them to strengthen the church.

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Interpreter Mystery Prophecy Tongues, Speaking in

Topics

Church: Congregation Interpreter in Congregations Language: Interpretation of Most Important in the Early Church Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden The Gift of Tongues Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians