But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
But if there's no one there who can translate what you're saying, then stay quiet during the service. Keep that conversation between you and God instead.
No translator? Then keep it between you and God, timing matters in community spaces.
📚 Historical Context
In the first-century church in Corinth, believers were enthusiastically using spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, but this often led to disorder and confusion during worship gatherings. Paul wrote to address these issues, emphasizing that tongues should only be spoken publicly if an interpreter was present to ensure the message was understood and the church remained edified. This was part of his broader guidance on maintaining orderly and beneficial worship services.
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