What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:15KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:15 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:15 means that Paul wants to both pray and sing in a way that involves his spirit and his understanding—he wants to engage both his heart and his mind when worshiping God. Paul is saying that spiritual expression should not be mindless, but thoughtful and clear, so that both emotion and understanding are present.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing their use of spiritual gifts in worship, especially speaking in tongues. He explains that while spiritual experiences are valuable, they should also make sense to the person and to others. Paul’s point is that worship should be both heartfelt and understandable, not just a display of spiritual feeling.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:15

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "spirit"): This word often means the inner, spiritual part of a person. Here, it suggests praying or singing with deep spiritual feeling or inspiration.
  • νοῦς (nous, "understanding"): This word means the mind or intellect. Paul is emphasizing that worship should also involve clear thought and comprehension.
  • ψάλλω (psallō, "sing"): This word can mean to sing or make music. Paul uses it to show that both singing and praying should be done with both spirit and understanding.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:15 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that spiritual worship is only about emotion or ecstatic experience; Paul insists that the mind should also be engaged.
  • It highlights the balance Paul wants in Christian worship: both genuine spiritual feeling and thoughtful understanding are important.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul is teaching about order and clarity in church gatherings, so that everyone can benefit and participate meaningfully.

Where else these words appear

“sing” Greek G5567 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

“understanding” Greek G3563 · used in 22 verses

  • Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
  • 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
  • Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

“pray” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.