1 Corinthians 14
Dort1 The Apostle concluding the foregoing exhortation to love, teacheth further that they that seek after spiritual gifts, must seek most after the gift of prophesying. 5 That nevertheless the gift of strange tongues is not to be despised, but must be used with interpretation of the same, 7 which he proves by the similitude of a pipe, harp and trumpet, 10 and shows that it is contrary to nature, and is nothing else then if men spoke to Barbarians. 13 Teacheth further that men must so pray, that this may be done not only with the Spirit, but also with understanding. 16. Otherwise that one that understandeth not the strange tongues, cannot say amen to such a prayer. 18 confirms the same by his own example which he exhorts them to imitate, 21 and proves out of the Scripture that strange tongues are sometimes rather a judgement then a gift, 23 teacheth also that it be ridiculous if they all spake with strange tongues, but for the edification if they all prophesied. 26 Afterwards he lays down certain rules which must be followed in the use of extraordinary gifts, namely, that all must be done to edification, 27 when they speak with strange tongues that another interpret it, 29 that prophesying must be done by turns, 32 and that the prophets judge thereof. 34 That the women hold their peace in the Church. 37 That these his ordinances are the commandments of the Lord. 40 Finally that all things must be done be seemingly, and in order in the Church.
1. Follow after love [Gr. pursue love. This is the conclusion of the former chapter] and be zealous [that is, labour nevertheless for this, that each may excel other therein] for spiritual (gifts) [to obtain extraordinary gifts, which the Holy Ghost then wrought in many. See 1 Cor. 12.ver.1,8.9.10. Although men must be zealous for the ordinary gifts, also] but most that ye may prophecy. [what that is, see Rom. 12.ver.7.10. 1 Cor. 12.10. and the third following.]
2. For he that speaketh a (strange) language, [Gr. with a tongue, as also in the following] speaketh not to men, [that is, he might thereby known to them the thoughts his heart, which is the end whereof speech is used,] but to God, [that is, that God well understandeth it but not men, which is not enough] for no men understandeth (it) [Gr. heareth it; namely, with understanding See Genesis 11:7.] yet with the spirit [that is, with the gift which the holy Ghost hath wrought in him. Or his mind] he speaketh mysteries. [this may be understood either of the mysteries of the Kingdome of heaven, Matthew 13:11. 1 Cor. 4.1. and 13.2. which are more excellent then that they should be held forth without fruit and attention in an unknown tongue. Or that he that speaketh in an unknown tongue doth not otherwise then if he propounded some hidden things, which no man can understand.]
3. But he that prophecieth [that is, he that interprets the writings of the Prophets in an unknown tongue. See ver.1.] speaketh unto men, [that is, speaketh so that men can understand it, and receive benefit by it] edification, and exhortation. [that is, that which may serve for edification or instruction of the ignorant, exhortation of the disorderly and consultation of the sad. Unto these three advantages must all interpretations of Gods word be fitted, Romans 15:4. 2 Tim. 3.16. And for this course is the gift of prophesying better then that of strange tongues, because that these benefits are not obtained.
4. He that speaketh a (strange) tongue he edifieth himself, but he that prophecieth edifieth the Church.
5. And I will (indeed) [That is, I would or wished indeed: so far it is from me to have the gift of strange tongues hereby despised] that ye all speak in (strange) tongues, but rather that you should prophecy. For he that prophecyieth is greater [that is, hath a more excellent gift, and more serviceable to the edification of the Church.] then that speaketh (strange) tongues, except that he interprets it, [or, translate it, Namely, into another known tongue, for that the Church can understand it] that the Church may receive edifying.
6. And now brethren, if I should come unto you, and should speak (strange) tongues, what should I bring you [Namely, for your edification] if I speak not unto you, either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in doctrine? [or, spoke not, either by revelation etc. i.e. preached not in you in a known tongue, so that you should be able to understand that I held forth unto you either some revelation of my mysteries, or some knowledge how a man must carry himself in doubtful matters, or some exposition of the writings of the Prophets, or some confirmation of some article of faith.]
7. Even the very liveless things [Gr. soul-less i.e. the instrument of music] which give sound [Gr. voice] whether it be pipe, or harp, if they give no difference with (their) sound, [that is, diversity of tones, but always one kind of tone: which is very unacceptable, and irksome to hear] how shall that be known which is piped [that is, that song or ditty] or played on the harp?
8. For if the Cornet [Or, Trumpet whereby solders are warned or stirred up to battle] give an uncertain sound, [or, unknown, Namely, by which men cannot understand that they are being warned and stirred up to prepare themselves for battle . For there was a certain manner of trumpeting wont be for this purpose which was called classium] who shall prepare himself to the war?
9. Even so ye also, if ye by the language [or, by the tongue] give not a significant speech, [or speak words which men can understand what ye mean thereby] how shall that be understood [namely, by the hearers who understand not the language] which is spoken? For ye shall be as they that speak into the air. [that is, make some noise and cast it out into the air. Which vanisheth there without any profit. See 9.26.]
10. There are, as it falleth out [That is, as according to the condition of times and places in happeneth] so many sorts of voices in the world, [namely, not only among them, who have their several speeches, but also among all sorts of beasts and souls] and none of them is without voice. [that is, without such a sound, that men of one kind of language may thereby understand one another, and that by the noise of the beasts and souls each sort of them may be discerned: so that they have yet some signification, which is not in strange unknown languages.]
11. If therefore I know not the force of the voice, [That is, understand not the meaning of that which is spoken] I shall be barbarious [that is, as a man of an unknown language. The Greeks and Romans called all other nations which did not speak or understand their languages Barbarians. See Acts 28:2.4. Romans 1:14. Colossians 3:11.] to him that speaketh: and he that speaketh shall be barbarious with me. [Gr. in me.]
12. Even so ye also, seeing ye are zealous [Gr. are zealots of spiritual gifts, i.e. strive for endeavour after this, that ye may have the best spiritual gifts: which is a commendable zeal and strife] after spiritual gifts, [Gr. spirits] seek that ye may be abundant [or, excellent] for edifying of the Church. [that is, that ye may have and use such gifts, whereby the Church must be most edified.]
13. Therefore he that speaketh [That is, can and will speak in the Church] in a (strange) tongue, let him pray [that is, that besides the gift of strange tongues, God will also bestow him the gift of the spirit. See 1 Cor. 12.ver.10.30. and here ver.26.27. and howsoever they themselves understood well what they said, yet nevertheless they had not always therewith the gift of being able plainly to translate the same. Or that he so pray, namely in the Church, that he also interpret in a known tongue made in an unknowing tongue] that he may interpret it.
14. For if I pray [that is, make a prayer openly in the Church] in a (strange) tongue, my spirit (indeed) prayeth, [that is, I prayer indeed in my mind, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is good] that my understanding [namely, which I have of that language. See v.4. Or the meaning of my prayer] is fruitless. [namely, to the hearers, who understands not such a prayer.]
15. What is then? [That is, what must men do then use this gift aright] I will (indeed0 pray with the spirit [that is, I will indeed use this gift of the Holy Ghost, to make a prayer in the Church in a strange tongue] but I will also pray with the understanding: [that is, I will adjoin a plain interpretation that the hearers shall be able to understand it] I will (indeed) sing [namely, psalms and spiritual songs in the assembly of the Church] with the spirit, but I will also sing with the understanding.
16. Otherwise thou givest thanks, [Gr. blessest, i.e. being endured with this gift of the Holy Ghost, makest public thanksgiving in the Church] with the spirit, how shall he which filleth the place [that is, who sitteth amongst the common persons or hearers. For it seemeth that the teachers sate in a special and more raised place in the assembles] of an unlearned (person) [Gr. idiots, i.e. that understandeth not strange tongues, and who hath not public ministry or extraordinary gifts to teach in the Church, or to make prayer or thanksgiving] say amen? This word amen cometh from an Hebrew word, signifying truth, certainty, firmness,; and is used for the conclusion of prayer or other weighty speeches, thereby to declare that men consent so that which is prayed for or spoken, and with that it may come to pass. See Deuteronomy 27:15. Nehemiah 5:13. Jeremiah 11:5. Luke 24:43. Romans 1:25. and 9.5. Revelation 22:20,21.] upon thy thanksgiving? Seeing he knoweth not thou saist.
17. For thou givest thanks very fitly, [That is, thou indeed makest a good thanksgiving, which can edify thee because thou understandeth the language] but the other [namely, who heareth thy thanksgiving, and understandeth not thy tongue wherein thou givest thanks] is not edified.
18. I thank my God that I speak more (strange) tongues, then you all [Or, that I speak strange tongues more then you all. The Apostle propounds his own example to the Corinthians, which they ought in equity to imitate. He giveth God thanks for the gift of strange tongues, which he had received more abundantly than any one of them, who made ostentation thereof in the Assembles; to show that he did despise this gift, but only repriveth the abuse of the same:]
19. But I will (rather) in the Church [That is, in the assembly of the faithful where many idiots are present also] speak five words [that is, some few] with [or, by] mine understanding, [that is, so that I express my understanding, or the thoughts of my mind with clear, known and significant words, which every one can understand] that I may instruct others also, then ten thousand words, [that is, a great and long speech; See 1 Cor 4.15. from whence clear appears; that they do directly contrary to the doctrine of the Apostle, who perform Gods worship and their prayers unto God in a strange tongue which they themselves or hearers understand not, and who do as it were number of those prayers to God by fifties and hundreds] in a (strange) tongue.
20. Brethren, be not children in understanding: [that is, show that ye have better understanding then children, seeing it is altogether childish to make an ostentation in the Assemble with strange tongues without any edification or abide not always in the childish and mean knowledge of spiritual things. See Hebrews 5:12. and chapter 6.1.] but be children in weakness, [that is, imitate children, not in their ignorance but in their innocence, seeing children although they are born with a corrupt nature notwithstanding do not yet so show it, as they that are grown] and in understanding [namely, of spiritual things necessary to salvation] be full grown. [Gr. perfect, i.e. increase daily in this understanding, in such a manner, that betwixt the understanding which ye now have of spiritual things, and that which ye shall yet obtain, there be such a difference, as there betwixt the understanding of a child and of a man grown. For that in this life we shall not come to an altogether perfect knowledge of Spiritual things, the Apostle taught in the former chapter v.9,10.11.12.]
21. It is written in the law, [that is, in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. See John 10:34.] I will speak to this people, [namely, thereby to punish them; seeing then that God useth unknown tongues & speeches as a punishment, therefore men ought not to use them in the Church without interpretation, forasmuch as this tend more to punishment then to the edification thereof. See the further exhortation, Esa. 28.11.] by men of other tonus, [that is, of unknown tongues which they shall not understand] and by other lips, [that is, unknown speech] and neither so they will hear me [that is, not understand] saith the Lord.
22. So then (strange) tongues are for a sign, [Namely, of Gods wrath] not to them that believe, but to unbelievers, [that is. They that obstinately reject the word of God, to them God sends (this) for a punishment, that they are spoken to in an unknown tongue] and prophecy [see v. 3,4.] not to believers, [for although the prophecy may serve also to convert an unbeliever; not withstanding seeing unbelievers come not much into the Congregation, it is principally framed to exhort comfort and confirm believers] but to them that believe.
23. If therefore the whole church were gathered into one, and they all spoken in (strange) tongue, and (some) unlearned or unbelievers should come in, [Namely, who are not yet converted to the Christian Religion] would they not say ye were out of your wits? [namely, when ye spoke before the people that which they do not understand, which no wise persons, but they that are out of their wits do. Whereby when unbeliever is more and more estranged from the Christian Religion: as that which seemed to him to make men out of their wits.]
24. But if they all prophesied, [Namely, who have the gift of prophecy, one after another. See v.28,29,30.] and one unbelieving or unlearned came in, he is convinced [or reproved, i.e. overcome in his conscience that the Christian Religion is the right and true Religion] of all, [namely, who use the gift of prophecy in the church aright] (and) he is judged [that is, condemned, namely, for his former sins, and if he will not receive by a true faith that which by prophesying is propounded out of Gods word, he is rendered without all excuse. See Acts 24:25.] all.
25. And so the hidden things of his heart become manifest: [that is, when by prophesying Gods word is interpretated, it appears how a man is disposed in his heart, namely, whether he will abide stiffeneckedly in his unbelief, or believe the Gospel. See 2 Cor. 2.v.15,16.] and so falling on (his) face, [namely, he that by prophecying is convinced in his heart of the true Christian Religion, he will immediately with all reverence betake himself to the service of the true God, and to confess the Christian Religion for the true.] he will worship God, and declare that God is truly [that is, that in your that the true Religion is rightly taught and exercised] among you. [Gr. in you.]
26. What is it then Brethren? [That is, seeing that which is said before is so indeed, what shall then be done further? Here the Apostle begins to prescribe certain rules; which men must observe in the church in using of gifts] when ye come together, every one of you hath he a Psalm [Or, hymn, namely made by him by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to the glory of God, and edification of the Church] hath he a doctrine, [that is, a particular instruction, exhortation, or consultation, specially inspired into him by the Holy Ghost] hath he a (strange) tongue, hath he a revelation, [namely, of the Holy Ghost, of any unknown or future things. See Revel. 1.1.] hath he an interpretation; [that is, the gift of translating strange tongues into speeches that are known: or as well and plainly to expound any dark places of the Holy Scripture] let all things be done unto edifying:
27. And if any man speaketh a (strange) tongue, (let) it (be done) by two, or at most by three, [That is, let not many spend the time thereby: but if men will indeed speak strange tongues, let this be by as few as may be] and by turn; [that is, not altogether at one time in a company, but one after another] and let one interpret it. [namely, that the Church may understand thereby, what is it that was spoken in an unknown tongue.]
28. But if there be no interpreter, [namely, either he himself that speaketh a strange tongue, or another who hath the gift to translate these strange tongues, and to turn them into known tongues] let him hold his peace [namely, he that speaketh in a strange tongue] in the Church but let him speak to himself [or with himself, privately, not openly in the Church] and to God. [namely, inwardly calling upon and giving thanks to God. Who knoweth the thoughts of the heart, and understandeth all languages.]
29. And let two or three [Namely, not to pass away the time with prophesying only] Prophets [see ver.3.4.] speak, [namely, in the Church and that by turn, ver.27.[ and let the other [namely, who have the same gift of prophesying, of the gift of discerning of spirits] judge. [namely, whether that prophecy agree with Gods word, by which all doctrines and revelations must be tried. See Isaiah 8:20. John 5:39.]
30. But if (ought) be revealed [Namely, which either is not, or not so clearly revealed to the other that speaketh, as to him] to another [namely, who hath the gift of prophecy also] which sitteth, [that is, who hath yet had no turn to stand up and speak] let the first hold his peace. [namely, to give place to that second to speak.]
31. For ye may all prophecy one after another, that they might all learn [That is, as well the Prophets as the ordinary hearers may be instructed] and all be comforted. [or exhorted.]
32. And the spirits of the Prophets, [That is, the doctrine which the prophets propound by the gift and inspiritation of the holy Ghost] are subject to the Prophets. [that is, are subject to the judgment of the other prophets which hear them, which judgment they also willingly submit unto: for howsoever this prophesying was inspired by the Holy Ghost which cannot err, yet nevertheless all was not always revealed unto one, that same was also oftentimes revealed unto more others likewise. There might also by some Prophets be somewhat of their own mingled therewith. It must therefore be proved and judged by others, whether their prophesying also be by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and according to the measure of faith. See Isaiah 8:20. Rom.12.7.]
33. For God is no (God) [Or, no author, or lover] of confusion [or, disturbance] but of peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints. [namely, is taught by me: or is needful.]
34. Let your women be silent in the Churches: [That is, not speak openly to the Church even although they be endured with good knowledge. See 1 Cor. 11.5.] For it is not permitted unto them to speak, [namely, to teach or propound any thing in the Church. See 1 Tim 2.12.] but (commanded) to be subject [namely, to the men to receive instruction from them: for he that instructs another in public assembles, hath thereby some authority over or above him that is instructed] as also the law saith. [namely, Genesis 3:16.]
35. And if they will lean any thing, [That is, be more largely instructed concerning any points of doctrine] let them ask their own husbands, [namely, if they be fit to instruct them: otherwise they may also well in private inquire of the teachers of the Church, or any other honest and gifted men] for it is shameful [that is, uncomely, ill besitting: because thereby the order is inverted which God hath set between man and woman and that this is repugnant also to that honourable shamefastness which ought to be in women] for women that they should speak in the Church.
36. Went the word of God from you? [That is, from your teachers of Corinth, who are so proud of your gifts, and not much rather from us Apostles, who first preached the word of God unto you] or is it come unto you only? [that is, you carry yourselves so proudly as if you alone had all wisdom. A serious reproof of those proud spirits, whereby is also shewd withal, that they have no reason to exalt themselves.]
37. If any man thinketh that he is a Prophet, [That is, really endued with the gift of prophecy, or presumeth that he is, and gives himself out for such a one] or spirit, [that is. Endued with any extraordinary gift of the Holy Ghost. Or abundantly exercised in Christian doctrine, 2 Cor. 2.15. and chapter 3.1. Galatians 6:1.] let him acknowledge [that is, he must or ought to acknowledge: namely, if he be such a one as he gives himself out for] that what I write to you are the commandments of the Lord: [namely, Jesus Christ, who as our Lord hath power to command us, and whom we his servants are bound to obey.]
38. But if any one be ignorant [that is, willful, will not know or acknowledge the same] let him be ignorant. [that is, seeing he will willfully abide in his ignorance, and not suffer himself to be informed by my writing he may do this at his own peril: I will not trouble my self with such, seeing I have done my duty to bring them out of this ignorance. See the like phrase, Revel.22.11.]
39. So then brethren be zealous to prophecy, and hinder not to speak in (strange) tongues. [That is, although I judge that prophesying produceth more edification in the Church then to speak with strange tongues, yet I will not thereby have the use of strange tongues altogether rejected or hindered, so it be but duly performed, and with interpretation.]
40. Let all things [That is, which are to be done in the assembles of the Church, as there are prophesying of preaching the word of God, making the public prayers and thanksgivings, administration of the Sacraments, and the like] be done decently [or befittingly, so that it may have a faire appearance, which is becoming Christian decency and simplicity] and with order. [that is, without confusion, each in its due time, course, place etc.]