“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” – 1 Corinthians 14:2
Comment: Jesus Christ our Lord stated of man, “….of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45). So, anybody who speaks knows what he or she says. Now “an unknown tongue” is a language not understood by those listening to the person addressing them. In the world today, there are many languages. Remember the story about the tower of Babel. – Genesis 11:1-9
On the day of Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven and Matthias having replaced Judas Iscariot as an Apostle, the twelve received the anointing of the Holy Spirit as “cloven tongues as of fire” and they spoke in languages which were not their mother tongue. Those who heard them speak understood them according to their various tongues or languages. (Acts 2:1-10). It was wonderful and miraculous.
Now in the days of St. Paul, some of the Christians at Corinth were given to speaking in tongues or languages which those listening to them understood not, so it is definitely meaningless to them, and they have gained nothing or edified from the speech made. To the hearers it is a mystery. However, for the fact that God understands every language it is Him only that knows what the person has spoken.
It is for this reason that St. Paul instructed the Christians at Corinth to prophesy or speak the word of God to edify and be sure that there will be an interpreter so that listeners may understand. He emphasized that everyone speaking in tongues or languages not understood by listeners at the same time is barbaric and people will think such persons are mad. He instructed that one person should speak at a time with appropriate interpretation given one after the other so that all present are edified. “If there is no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” – 1 Corinthians 14:3-31.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven help us Your children to speak Your word for edification of your children, for our good through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.