Why does 1 Corinthians 14 use unknown tongue in the singular form?
The singular “unknown tongue” points to a sound or utterance that cannot be reduced to a phonetic sound or to writing. Paul uses it in verse 14 to describe praying in a language the speaker does not understand, so his spirit prays but his understanding remains unfruitful.
Les explains that in verse 14 Paul speaks in the first person: “If I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.” The singular “unknown tongue” is significant because it refers to a sound that cannot be reduced to a phonetic sound or reduced to writing. Les stresses this is plain even for the individual: what good does it do, Paul asks, to speak in a language you do not know you are talking about? Some may answer that God understands, but Les notes the Book does not say God does that; being omniscient, God certainly can if He wants to, but nothing in the text indicates God expects people to do this. In verse 15 Paul says he will pray with the Spirit—his own innermost being, a small spirit—and also with understanding. Les applies it by asking what good it would be to talk to God in something you do not know what you are talking about, even if God could discern it but you cannot.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
More Questions
What does 'unknown tongue' mean in 1 Corinthians 14:14?
In 1 Corinthians 14:14 the 'unknown tongue' is singular, a sound that cannot be reduced to a phonetic sound or reduced to writing.
What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 14:14 that his spirit prays but his understanding is unfruitful?
In 1 Corinthians 14:14 Paul says that if he prays in an unknown tongue, his spirit prays but his understanding is unfruitful.
What does Les mean when he says the unknown tongue is singular?
The 'unknown tongue' Paul refers to is singular, a sound that cannot be reduced to a phonetic sound or reduced to writing.