What does 1 Corinthians 14:2 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:2 suggests that speaking in tongues, a gift of the Holy Spirit, is a form of communication between a person and God.

This verse implies that such utterances are incomprehensible to human listeners and bypass the mind to speak in a divine language.

The "unknown tongue" refers to a language not understood by the speaker or the listener – it's a phenomenon where believers are believed to speak in a language they have never learned.

The speaker in tongues communicates mysteries through the Spirit, which suggests a divine, perhaps prophetic message, being transmitted albeit not understandable by human intelligence without interpretation.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around A.D. 55.

Corinth was a major Greek city and a cultural melting pot with diverse practices and beliefs.

At this time, the early Christian community grappled with how to exercise spiritual gifts properly.

Paul wrote to address issues of division, immorality, and disorder within the church, including the misuse of the gift of speaking in tongues, which some Corinthians apparently prized over other gifts and used as a status symbol.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations interpret this verse in varying ways.

Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians see this verse as a foundation for the practice of speaking in tongues as a spiritual gift that continues today.

These groups believe that the experience of speaking in tongues is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power.

Other denominations, including many Reformed and cessationist Christians, interpret this verse historically, believing that the gifts of tongues were specifically for the foundational era of the church, and their purpose has since ceased.

They may argue that these "mysteries" were relevant for the apostolic age but not for contemporary practice.

Practical Applications

In modern application, this verse advises believers who speak in tongues to be mindful of the setting, they are encouraged to seek interpretation when in a communal worship setting so that all can be edified.

It also acts as a reminder for the need for discernment in spiritual matters, placing the focus on building up the church community rather than on individual spiritual experiences.

Cross-References

• Mark 16:17 – "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
• Acts 2:4 – "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
• 1 Corinthians 12:10 – "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:"

Language Study

The phrase "unknown tongue" (Greek: γλώσσῃ, glōssē) specifically refers to the "tongue" or "language" which is not known to the audience or the speaker.

The word "speaketh" (Greek: λαλῶν, lalōn) in this context means "to utter, tell, or declare." "Unto God" (Greek: τῷ Θεῷ, tō Theō) emphasizes a divine or sacred communication.

The word "mysteries" (Greek: μυστήρια, mystēria) hints at hidden divine truths or secrets that are beyond human understanding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Speaking in tongues is somewhat analogous to the ancient practice of oracles and ecstatic utterances found in various pagan religions, where individuals were believed to be communicating with deities.

However, in the Christian context, speaking in tongues is distinctly understood as a gift from the Holy Spirit and is characterized by praising God and edifying the church rather than delivering ambiguous predictions as in some pagan settings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, speaking in tongues is often studied in the context of neurology and psychology. Researchers have observed that when individuals speak in tongues, there is activity in the frontal lobes, temporal lobes, and language centers of the brain.

Some studies suggest that the practice may induce a trance-like state and alter the speaker's state of consciousness, although interpretations and implications of such findings vary.

Commentaries

• **Gordon D.

Fee - Pentecostal New Testament Scholar**: Fee understands speaking in tongues as a legitimate, Spirit-led utterance directed to God and sees 1 Corinthians 14:2 as an affirmation that these activities should be orderly and interpreted when in the community.

• John Calvin - Reformer: Calvin believed the gift of tongues ceased with the apostolic age and was intended as a sign for unbelievers, not for the self-edification of the speaker or the present-day church.
• David Guzik - Contemporary Pastor and Author: Guzik provides a balance, suggesting that while speaking in tongues is primarily for divine communication, it should not create disorder or confusion in the congregation, adhering strictly to Paul’s directions later in 1 Corinthians 14.