1 Corinthians 14:2

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
KJV
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
WEB
For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God, for no one understands, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
ASV
For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
DARBY
For he that speaks with a tongue does not speak to men but to God: for no one hears; but in spirit he speaks mysteries.
BLB
For the one speaking in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God. For no one hears, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
ÅB
For den som taler med tunge, taler ikke for mennesker, men for Gud; for ingen skjønner det, men han taler hemmeligheter i Ånden;
OTB
For den som taler med tunger, taler ikke til mennesker, men til Gud; for ingen forstår ham, men han taler hemmeligheter i sin ånd.
B1930
For den som taler med tunge, taler ikke for mennesker, men for Gud; for ingen skjønner det, men han taler hemmeligheter i Ånden;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

    Read in context
  • Acts 19:6

    And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

    Read in context
  • Acts 10:46

    For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

    Read in context
  • Acts 2:4–11

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2

    And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 2:10

    But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 14:9–11

    So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 3:3–9

    How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

    Read in context