Bible verse

1 Corinthians 14:16

Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit, how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

1 Corinthians 14:16 · BSB

1 Corinthians 14:16 in context

The verses around it, from 1 Corinthians 14.

12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13 Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

16 Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit, how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

19 But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:16 in other translations

KJV

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?

ASV

Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?

ERV

Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?

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Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible, which is free of copyright restrictions for use on websites. Read the full Bible on Great Faith.