I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

1 CORINTHIANS 14:18KJV
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1 Corinthians 14:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 14:18 mean?

1 Corinthians 14:18 describes Paul thanking God that he speaks in tongues more than the people he is writing to. Paul is expressing gratitude for his own experience with speaking in tongues, but he is not boasting—he is making a point about spiritual gifts.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group known for valuing spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues. In this section, Paul is explaining that while he personally has great experience with this gift, his main concern is how it benefits the church as a whole. This sets up his argument that understanding and building up others is more important than simply displaying spiritual gifts.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 14:18

  • "thank" (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō): This word means to express gratitude or give thanks. Paul’s use of it here shows his attitude is one of thankfulness, not pride.
  • "speak" (λαλέω, laleō): This verb means "to speak" or "to talk." Paul uses it to describe his own practice of speaking in tongues, emphasizing that he is familiar with the gift.
  • "tongues" (γλῶσσα, glōssa): In this context, "tongues" refers to speaking in languages not naturally learned. Paul’s mention highlights the specific spiritual gift under discussion.
  • "more than" (μᾶλλον, mallon): This phrase means "to a greater degree." Paul is making a comparison, not to boast, but to set up his teaching about the proper use of gifts in the church.

Why 1 Corinthians 14:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul is not against speaking in tongues; he actually practices it more than anyone in Corinth, which gives weight to his guidance on the topic.
  • Paul’s gratitude for his gift shows that spiritual experiences are good, but his main concern is how they serve others in the church.
  • The verse helps the reader see that Paul’s later instructions about order and understanding in worship come from someone who values and personally experiences spiritual gifts.

Where else these words appear

“thank” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“tongues” Greek G1100 · used in 47 verses

  • Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
  • 1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

“than” Greek G3123 · used in 81 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.