Bible Commentary

In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 21. In the law it is written ] The law here stands for the whole Old Testament, as we might naturally expect … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:21”

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 20. howbeit in malice be ye children ] This is subjoined lest the Apostle should be charged with contradicting his Master. There is a sense in which all Christians must be children. What it is the Apostle tells … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:20”

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue. 19. yet in the church ] “Whatever I may do in private, I should desire my public ministrations to be for the instruction and edification … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:19”

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 18. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all ] St Paul, no doubt, had the gift of interpretation. Yet apparently he did not often exercise in public, whatever he may have done in private, the gift of speaking … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:18”

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 17. thou verily givest thanks well ] Well, either (1) as referring to the fact that thanks were given it is well to give thanks or, (2) to the manner and spirit in which that action was performed , nobly, honourably. Some would … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:17”

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 16. Else when thou shalt bless ] A further argument Even your prayers and thanksgivings are useless, for none can respond to them. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:16”

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 15. What is it then? ] “What is the purport of what I have been saying? That it is desirable that the spirit … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:15”

For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 14. my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful ] The afflatus of the Spirit suggests the words of prayer to the possessor of the gift. He is conscious that he is fervently addressing the Giver of all good … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:14”

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. 13. pray that he may interpret ] Cf. 1Co 14:1 ; 1Co 14:5. This passage may mean (1) pray that he may receive the faculty of interpretation, or (2) pray in such a language as he has the power of interpreting. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:13”

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts,] seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 12. spiritual gifts ] Literally, as margin, spirits, a word obviously standing here for the gifts of the Spirit. seek that ye may excel ] i.e. by prayer, see next verse. Excel should … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 14:12”