1 Corinthians 14:28
“But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
What does 1 Corinthians 14:28 mean?
Paul is addressing a practical problem in the Corinthian church: some people were speaking in tongues (ecstatic speech) during worship gatherings, but nobody could understand what was being said. He's saying that if you feel moved to speak in tongues and there's no one present who can interpret it for the community, then stay quiet during the service instead. You can still pray silently in that language for your own spiritual benefit and your connection with God, but keep it private rather than confusing or disrupting everyone gathered together. The underlying principle here is that Paul values the health and understanding of the whole community over individual spiritual experiences. He's not dismissing tongues or saying they're invalid, just redirecting them toward moments and settings where they actually serve others, not just yourself. It's a wisdom that applies beyond this specific issue: sometimes the most loving thing is to exercise restraint for the sake of those around you.