1 Corinthians 14:16

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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?

Cross References

Matthew 15:36

and He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and gave thanks to God for them. He divided the food and gave it to the disciples who, [in turn], distributed it to the crowds.

Matthew 28:20

[Then] go on teaching them [i.e., these new converts] to obey everything I have commanded you and my presence will be with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 6:13

And do not allow us to fall under temptation, but deliver us from [being harmed by] the evil one.’

Mark 16:20

And the apostles [See verses 14-15] went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them and confirmed the message [i.e., verified that it was true] by means of the [miraculous] signs which accompanied their ministry. May it be so.

John 21:25

And Jesus did many other things; if every one of them were written down, I do not think the world would hold [all] the books that would be written.

John 7:15

Now the Jewish authorities were amazed, saying, “How can this man know so much, since he has never been educated?”

Acts 4:13

Now when these men saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and perceived that they were uneducated and [even] ignorant men, they were quite surprised; then they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:24

and after giving thanks [for it], He broke it [in pieces] and said, “This represents my [physical] body, which is [to be given] for you. [Continue to] do this in memory of me.”

1 Corinthians 14:14

For if I pray in a language [supernaturally], [it is] my spirit that is praying, but my mind does not understand [what I am saying] [Note: Here Paul raises an objection to the use of a language without the person knowing what he is saying].

1 Corinthians 14:2

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 of the gift of speaking in languages supernaturally. The Corinthians were doing this in the wrong way and for the wrong purpose].

1 Corinthians 16:24

[I send] my love to all of you in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus. May it be so.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For [no matter] how many promises God has made, in Christ [the answer] is “yes” [i.e., Christ has fulfilled all of God’s promises to mankind] Also, through Christ, the “amen” [Note: This word is always translated elsewhere as “May it be so”] can be said by us in order to honor God.

Revelation 22:20

The One who testifies about these things [i.e., Jesus] says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” May this be so. Come [ahead] Lord Jesus!

Revelation 5:14

And the four living beings said, “May it be so.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelation 7:12

saying [See Note at 4:8], “May it be so; May there be praise and splendor and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. May it be so. ”