1 Corinthians 14:4-5, Speaking with Interpretation

1 Corinthians 14:4-5 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

A person speaking in an unknown tongue will not help to build up the spiritual life of others in the church unless there is proper interpretation. With interpretation, the amount of content conveyed would be reduced by half when there is a need for translation. Unless there is a grave need because the majority of the congregation needs interpretation to a language they would understand and the preacher is unable to do so in that language, an interpreter would benefit the congregation.

It would be more beneficial the church to receive the wholesome preaching and teaching of the Word of God in the speaking language of the congregation. The emphasis is that the church would be focused on the study of God’s Word for their spiritual strengthening through sermons, prayer meeting devotions, fellowship meetings, Sunday School classes. It is true that concurrent translation for a small number in the congregation speaking a different language from the preacher can be limiting of the listeners because the preacher does not pause to allow the translator to speak before he continues. However, amidst such limitation, there is still a possibility to edify this smaller group.

May the Lord bless His church with interpreters and preachers for the strengthening of the church. Amen.