1 Corinthians 14:2

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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].

Cross References

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 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 20 and Acts 2:43]. In my name [i.e., by my authority], they will drive out evil spirits; they will speak in languages [supernaturally];

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 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].

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

– See Verse 27

1 Corinthians 12:10

Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally].

1 Corinthians 12:28

Now God has placed some [ministries] in the church [as follows]: First apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then [those able to perform] miracles, then gifts [enabling people] to perform [supernatural] healings, [those able] to help the needy, [wise] administrators, [and] those able to speak in different languages.

1 Corinthians 13:1

If I have the ability to speak in the languages of human beings and angels [Note: Perhaps the idea is supernaturally and eloquently], but do not have love [for people], I have become [no more than] a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

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.

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 14:26

So, what is the conclusion, brothers? When you people assemble together, each one of you has a psalm [to sing], or a lesson [to teach], or a [supernatural] revelation [to give], or a language [to speak supernaturally], or an interpretation [of that language]. Everything that is done should be for the building up [of the church].

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]

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 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.

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 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 3:16

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].

1 Timothy 3:9

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

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.”