27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, [1] or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 14:27

New International Version

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three-should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.

English Standard Version

27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.

The Message

27 If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three's the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you're saying.

New King James Version

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

New Living Translation

27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:27

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

(Read 1 Corinthians 14:26-33)

Religious exercises in public assemblies should have this view; Let all be done to edifying. As to the speaking in an unknown tongue, if another were present who could interpret, two miraculous gifts might be exercised at once, and thereby the church be edified, and the faith of the hearers confirmed at the same time. As to prophesying, two or three only should speak at one meeting, and this one after the other, not all at once. The man who is inspired by the Spirit of God will observe order and decency in delivering his revelations. God never teaches men to neglect their duties, or to act in any way unbecoming their age or station.