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1 Corinthians 14:28

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1 Corinthians 14:28 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.
26What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27If any man speaketh in a tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most three, and [that] in turn; and let one interpret:
28but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29And let the prophets speak [by] two or three, and let the others discern.
30But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.
31For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted;
← 1 Corinthians 14:271 Corinthians 14:29 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if there be no interpreter, etc.] None that has the gift of interpretation of divers tongues, and he that speaks with them has not that, which was sometimes the case: let him keep silence in the church; let him not make use of his gift publicly before the whole congregation, since without an interpreter it will be entirely useless: and let him speak to himself, and to God; he may make use of his gift to his own edification, and to the glory of God, by speaking with a low voice, or in his heart, which he himself may be conscious of, and God the searcher of hearts, and that knows all languages, fully understands; and so may be edified himself, and God may be glorified by him; whereas, if…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“let him--the speaker in unknown tongues. speak to himself, and to God--(compare Co1 14:2, Co1 14:4) --privately and not in the hearing of others.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But if there be no interpreter - If there be no one present who has the gift of interpretation. And let him speak to himself and to God - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:2, note at 1 Corinthians 14:4. Let him commune with himself, and with God; let him meditate on the truths which are revealed to him, and let him in secret express his desires to God. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let him speak - That tongue, if he find it profitable to himself in his private devotions. 1 Corinthians 14:29”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 14 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification