1 Corinthians 14:13 Meaning: Pray That You May Interpret
Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
wherefore he who is speaking in an unknown tongue--let him pray that he may interpret;
Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret.
Meaning in one sentence
What does Paul mean when he tells tongue-speakers to pray that they may interpret?
Context
Paul has spent this whole chapter arguing that prophecy builds up the church more than speaking in tongues, unless those tongues are interpreted. The Corinthians loved the more dramatic gifts, but Paul keeps steering them toward what helps everyone. In the verses just before this one, he says that even musical instruments need to play distinct notes, or no one knows the tune. A tongue without interpretation is like that: beautiful sound, no meaning for the listener. So now he gives a direct instruction. The person speaking in a tongue should pray for interpretation. That is the bridge between personal blessing and corporate good.
Key Words
Three Greek words shape this verse. First, glōssa, the word for tongue. It can mean the physical organ, but here it means a language, one someone does not understand naturally. Second, proseuchomai, to pray, to turn toward God with requests. Paul commands this: not just wish, but pray. Third, diermēneuō, to interpret. This word means to unfold meaning, to explain, even to translate. It is the same verb Paul uses for interpreting dreams in the Old Testament. The point is not just repeating words in a known language. It is making what was hidden clear to others. That takes work, and Paul says it starts with asking God.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians read this verse in two main ways. Many Protestants and Evangelicals understand Paul to mean that a tongue-speaker should pray to receive a separate gift of interpretation, the same gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10. In this view, the speaker may not even understand what they are saying, so they ask God for the ability to explain it. Other Christians, including some in the Reformed tradition, read it as an instruction to pray in the tongue with the intention of interpreting one's own utterance. Either way, everyone agrees on the goal: the church is built up when the meaning comes through. Both readings put love for the congregation ahead of personal experience.
A common misunderstanding
Some think this verse means tongues are always inferior to prophecy. In fact, Paul is not ranking the gifts; he is regulating how they are used. His concern is order and understanding. He himself says he speaks in tongues more than all of them (1 Corinthians 14:18). The problem is not the gift itself, but using it without interpretation in the assembly. The instruction to pray for interpretation is not a rebuke. It is an invitation for the gift to reach its full purpose.
Living This Out
If you speak in tongues in private, this verse may still speak to you. It asks: are you content with a gift that only you understand? Or do you want it to bless others too? That might mean praying for the ability to explain what you pray, so a friend or a church can say “Amen” and be built up. It might also mean asking God to give you words that connect, not just impress. The heart of this verse is a simple turn: from what makes me feel close to God, to what makes others feel close to God too.
Main takeaway: Paul calls those who speak in tongues to seek the gift of interpretation so that the whole church may be built up through what is said.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When you talk to God in a special way, ask God to help you tell others what you said. That way everyone can learn about God together.
For ages 9, 12
God gives different gifts to His people. Some people pray in languages they have not learned. That is a beautiful gift, but Paul says it is even better when someone can explain what was said, so the whole church understands and grows. That is why he tells them to pray for the ability to interpret. It is about making sure everyone is included and encouraged.
Questions People Ask
Does 1 Corinthians 14:13 mean I have to interpret every time I pray in tongues aloud?
Paul is writing about the gathered church. In private, there is no need for interpretation. But when the church meets, he says a tongue should be interpreted so everyone can understand and be built up.
Was the gift of interpretation the same as being able to translate?
The Greek word diermēneuō can mean either translate or explain meaning. Commentators note that the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation were often given separately, so some speakers needed to ask God for the ability to make their words understood.
Why does Paul say 'pray that he may interpret' instead of just 'interpret'?
Paul directs the speaker to pray because interpretation is a gift from God, not a skill you can produce on your own. Praying shows dependence on God and keeps the focus on serving others, not showing off.
Does this verse apply to modern speaking in tongues?
Christians who practice the gift of tongues today see this verse as a practical guideline for worship. It encourages them to seek interpretation so the whole congregation can benefit, just as Paul commanded.
What if someone speaks in tongues in church and no one interprets?
Paul addresses this in the same chapter: if there is no interpreter, the person should keep silent in the church and speak only to himself and to God (1 Corinthians 14:28). The goal is always order and edification.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study