1 Corinthians 14:13Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret.
The setting
Corinth, Greece, ~55 AD. Paul writes from Ephesus to address chaos in Corinthian worship services where multiple people spoke in tongues simultaneously without interpretation...
The emotion here: frustrated but patient, like a parent setting boundaries
The original word
diermēneuō (διερμηνεύω) — to translate thoroughly, making meaning clear across language barriers
Why it matters
Corinth was a major trade port where 8+ languages were spoken daily in the marketplace
Read with care
What most readers miss in 1 Corinthians 14:13
This wasn't anti-tongues — Paul spoke in tongues MORE than anyone (v.18)
Common misconceptionPeople think Paul is against tongues, but he's addressing selfish use. He wants tongues WITH interpretation so everyone benefits, not just the speaker.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 1 Corinthians 14:13
Bible Genome reading
1 Corinthians 14:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
1 Corinthians 14:13 comes from the book of 1 Corinthians, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the teaching genre of biblical literature. Key themes include spiritual gifts, interpretation. Notable phrases: pray that he may interpret. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does 1 Corinthians 14:13 mean to you, today?
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