1 Corinthians 14:2 akjv — For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spir…

American King James Version

"For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. "

— 1 Corinthians 14:2, American King James Version

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1 Corinthians 14:2 in Other Translations

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1 Corinthians 14 — Context

1

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.

2

For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

3

But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4

He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.

5

I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 14:2 say?
1 Corinthians 14:2 in the American King James Version reads: “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. ”
Where is 1 Corinthians 14:2 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 14:2 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 2.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 14:2.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 14:2 in?
1 Corinthians 14:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 14:2?
1 Corinthians 14:2 reads (AKJV): “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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