In completing the full armor of God, Paul writes “pray in the spirit (pneuma) at all times” (Ephesians 6:18). Elsewhere in 1 Corinthians 14:14, Paul equates praying in tongues (glossa – a spiritual gift aka pneumatikos) with praying in the spirit (pneuma).

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:14 BSB

To pray in the spirit (pneuma) is to pray with the breath (pneuma) of God. Where in 1 Corinthians 14:14 Paul says his mind is not fruitful (does not comprehend) when he prays in the spirit (pneuma), is confirmation of 1 Corinthians 2:14 where Paul writes natural (carnal) man can not receive (understand) the things of the spirit (pneuma) nor understand the mind (nous) of God. Thus Paul remedies the disparity between the spirit and his mind by praying in the spirit (pneuma) and also with his own natural mind (nous).

Paul also differentiates between speaking in tongues, which is the function of tongues in the public assembly of believers, subject to order and interpretation, and praying in tongues which is done in private and for which Paul has no understanding (interpretation). That in 1 Corinthians 12:30 Paul asks “do all speak with tongues” is to be understood in context of the assembly for building up the body. IF Paul had meant the spiritual gift of tongues, he’d have written “do all have the gift of tongues”. In using the word “speak”, Paul means the public use of tongues during the assembly of believers. Indeed, in v27-v28 Paul sets the context for v30 as the body of Christ and the Church – which is the assembly. It’s important to note also that the Greek word here rendered “speak” also means to “preach” which means a congregation is assembled.

About the differing instructions for the gift of tongues in the assembly vs private use in prayer, Jesus Himself cited prayer as a private matter, to be done in one’s prayer closet (Matthew 6:5-8). Case in point, since in 1 Corinthians 14:14 Paul states that he prays in tongues but his mind is unfruitful absent interpretation, did Paul ignore his own rule to remain silent when there is no interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)? Is Paul suggesting that only someone with the gift of tongues AND the gift of interpretation can pray in tongues? Of course not; there are simply limitations placed on public use of tongues that do not apply to private use.

I’m certain Paul did not mean some receive the gift of tongues and some don’t. In truth, 1 Corinthians 12:7 says God gives the manifestation of the spirit to EVERY man, then goes on to list the 9 manifestations in verses 8-10 (tongues, interpretation of tongues, discernment of spirits, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, prophecy, faith, healing, miracles). The preponderance of evidence throughout the NT suggests that tongues is the initial spiritual gift when a believer receives the Holy Spirit. Such makes practical sense to me; giving voice to the believer to speak to God by the spirit, lest every prayer a saint makes originate in the flesh (which is repugnant to God Romans 7:18) and man’s understanding (which is spiritually ignorant 1 Corinthians 2:14). Likewise, tongues is given to release the voice of God’s Spirit in the believer’s life to declare His living word purely and unspoiled by the flesh of men and yeast of religion.

I can see potential for applying the principle of the talents here; the Father gives us a single gift that is useful to edify ourselves, build ourselves up and learn obedience. He then gives more and greater gifts to serve the body as we mature unto perfection as men of God / sons (1 Corinthians 13). But again, that’s just my musing concerning the ways and intentions of the Father. If a person resists the spirit because of fear or potential embarrassment, I can see the case for God to withhold the baptism with the spirit and His gifts altogether. I mean that in context of our dance of intimacy with God – to resist the Holy Spirit is to resist God and shun intimacy with Him. Sadly many believers are determined to control and limit their relationship with God, thus He holds Himself back (Isaiah 55:6). In my own experience and of the spiritual testimonies I’ve heard, a person must be “all in” to receive the fullness of the spirit.

Conversely, shunning intimacy with God is what “man’s church” is all about – insisting on our way in the relationship – setting boundaries with God – holding Him at arms length. I do not say that as accusation, just observation, for I once lived that way and felt like the biggest fool in the world when finally I did receive His spirit and spiritual gifts. Thereafter I could only confess through tears of joy: “I can’t believe I ever feared You.”

Scriptures and Definitions for study below.

Ephesians 6:18 BSB Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18 KJV+ Praying^G4336 always^{G1223 G3956 G2540} with^G1722 all^G3956 prayer^G4335 and^G2532 supplication^G1162 in^G1722 the Spirit,^G4151 and^G2532 watching^G69 thereunto^{G1519 G846 G5124} with^G1722 all^G3956 perseverance^G4343 and^G2532 supplication^G1162 for^G4012 all^G3956 saints;^G40

Defininition of Spirit (pneuma)

G4151 (Mounce Greek Dictionary)

πνεῦμα

pneuma

379x: wind, air in motion, Jhn_3:8; breath, 2Th_2:8; the substance spirit, Jhn_3:6; a spirit, spiritual being, Jhn_4:24; Act_23:8-9; Heb_1:14; a bodiless spirit, specter, Luk_24:37; a foul spirit, δαιμόνιον, Mat_8:16; Luk_10:20; spirit, as a vital principle, Jhn_6:63; 1Co_15:45; the human spirit, the soul, Mat_26:41; Mat_27:50; Act_7:59; 1Co_7:34; Jas_2:26; the spirit as the seat of thought and feeling, the mind, Mrk_8:12; Act_19:21; spirit, mental frame, 1Co_4:21; 1Pe_3:4; a characteristic spirit, an influential principle, Luk_9:55; 1Co_2:12; 2Ti_1:7; a pervading influence, Rom_11:8; spirit, frame of mind, as distinguished from outward circumstances and action, Mat_5:3; spirit as distinguished from outward show and form. Jhn_4:23; spirit, a divinely bestowed spiritual frame, characteristic of true believers, Rom_8:4; Jud_1:19; spirit, latent spiritual import, spiritual significance, as distinguished from the mere letter, Rom_2:29; Rom_7:6; 2Co_3:6; 2Co_3:17; spirit, as a term for a process superior to a merely natural or carnal course of things, by the operation of the Divine Spirit, Rom_8:4; Gal_4:29; a spiritual dispensation, or a sealing energy of the Holy Spirit, Heb_9:14; the Holy Spirit, Mat_3:16; Mat_12:31; Jhn_1:32-33; a gift of the Holy Spirit, Jhn_7:39; Act_19:2; 1Co_14:12; an operation or influence of the Holy Spirit, 1Co_12:3; a spiritual influence, an inspiration, Mat_22:43; Luk_2:27; Eph_1:17; a professedly divine communication, or, a professed possessor of a spiritual communication, 1Co_12:10; 2Th_2:2; 1Jn_4:1-3.

G4151 (Strong Greek Dictionary)

πνεῦμα

pneuma

pnyoo’-mah

From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: – ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.

Total KJV occurrences: 385

G4151 (Thayer Greek Dictionary)

πνεῦμα

pneuma

Thayer Definition:

1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son

1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the \\Holy\\ Spirit)

1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work and power (the Spirit of \\Truth\\)

1c) never referred to as a depersonalised force

2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated

2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides

2b) the soul

3) a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting

3a) a life giving spirit

3b) a human soul that has left the body

3c) a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel

3c1) used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men

3c2) the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ

4) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one

4a) the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.

5) a movement of air (a gentle blast)

5a) of the wind, hence the wind itself

5b) breath of nostrils or mouth

Part of Speech: noun neuter

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4154

1 Corinthians 14:1 BSB Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV+ Follow after^G1377 charity,^G26 and^G1161 desire^G2206spiritual^G4152gifts, but^G1161 rather^G3123 that^G2443 ye may prophesy.^G4395

Defininition of Spiritual (pneumatikos)

G4152 (Mounce Greek Dictionary)

πνευματικός

pneumatikos

26x: spiritual, pertaining to the soul, as distinguished from what concerns the body, Rom_15:27; 1Co_9:11; spiritual, pertaining to the nature of spirits, 1Co_15:44; τὰ πνευματικά; τῆς πονηρίας, i.q. τὰ πνεύματα τὰ πονηρά, evil spirits, Eph_6:12; spiritual, pertaining or relating to the influences of the Holy Spirit, of things, Rom_1:11; Rom_7:14; τὰ πνευματικά, spiritual gifts, 1Co_12:1; 1Co_14:1; superior in process to the natural course of things, miraculous, 1Co_10:3; of persons, gifted with a spiritual frame of mind, spiritually affected, 1Co_2:13; 1Co_2:15; endowed with spiritual gifts, inspired, 1Co_14:37.

G4152 (Strong Greek Dictionary)

πνευματικός

pneumatikos

phyoo-mat-ik-os’

From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious: – spiritual. Compare G5591.

Total KJV occurrences: 26

G4152 (Thayer Greek Dictionary)

πνευματικός

pneumatikos

Thayer Definition:

1) relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ

1a) that which possesses the nature of the rational soul

2) belonging to a spirit, or a being higher than man but inferior to God

3) belonging to the Divine Spirit

3a) of God the Holy Spirit

3b) one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God

4) pertaining to the wind or breath; windy, exposed to the wind, blowing

Part of Speech: adjective

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4151

1 Corinthians 14:14 BSB For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:14 KJV+ For^G1063 if^G1437 I pray^G4336 in an unknown tongue,^G1100 my^G3450spirit^G4151 prayeth,^G4336 but^G1161 my^G3450 understanding^G3563 is^G2076 unfruitful.^G175

Defininition of Tongue(s) (glōssa)

G1100 (Mounce Greek Dictionary)

γλῶσσα

glōssa

50x: the tongue, Mrk_7:33; Mrk_7:35, et al.; meton. speech, talk, 1Jn_3:18; a tongue, language, Act_2:11; 1Co_13:1, et al.; meton. a language not proper to a speaker, a gift or faculty of such language, Mrk_16:17; 1Co_14:13-14; 1Co_14:26, et al.; from Hebrew, a nation, as defined by its language, Rev_5:9, et al.; lit. a tongue-shaped flail, Act_2:3.

G1100 (Strong Greek Dictionary)

γλῶσσα

glōssa

gloce’-sah

Of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired): – tongue.

Total KJV occurrences: 50

G1100 (Thayer Greek Dictionary)

γλῶσσα

glōssa

Thayer Definition:

1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech

2) a tongue

1a) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations

Part of Speech: noun feminine

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of uncertain affinity

Defininition of Mind/Understanding (nous)

G3563 (Mounce Greek Dictionary)

νοῦς

nous

24x: the mind, intellect, 1Co_14:15; 1Co_14:19; understanding, intelligent faculty, Luk_24:45; intellect, judgment, Rom_7:23; Rom_7:25; opinion, sentiment, Rom_14:5; 1Co_1:10; mind, thought, conception, Rom_11:34; 1Co_2:16; Php_4:7; settled state of mind, 2Th_2:2; frame of mind, Rom_1:28; Rom_12:2; Col_2:18; Eph_4:23; 1Ti_6:5; 2Ti_3:8; Tit_1:15.

G3563 (Strong Greek Dictionary)

νοῦς

nous

nooce

Probably from the base of G1097; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: – mind, understanding. Compare G5590.

Total KJV occurrences: 24

G3563 (Thayer Greek Dictionary)

νοῦς

nous

Thayer Definition:

1) the mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining

1a) the intellectual faculty, the understanding

1b) reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognising goodness and of hating evil

1c) the power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially

2) a particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts, feelings, purposes, desires

Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: probably from the base of G1097

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 BSB Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. (2) You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. (3) Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. (4) There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are different ministries, but the same Lord. (6) There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. (7)Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (8) To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (11) All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 KJV+ Now^G1161 concerning^G4012 spiritual^G4152 gifts, brethren,^G80 I would^G2309 not^G3756 have you^G5209 ignorant.^G50 (2) Ye know^G1492 that^G3754 ye were^G2258 Gentiles,^G1484 carried away^G520 unto^G4314 these dumb^G880 idols,^G1497 even as^G5613 ye were led.^{G71 G302} (3) Wherefore^G1352 I give you to understand,^{G1107 G5213} that^G3754 no man^G3762 speaking^G2980 by^G1722 the Spirit^G4151 of God^G2316 calleth^G3004 Jesus^G2424 accursed:^G331 and^G2532 that no man^G3762 can^G1410 say^G2036 that Jesus^G2424 is the Lord,^G2962 but^G1508 by^G1722 the Holy^G40 Ghost.^G4151 (4) Now^G1161 there are^G1526 diversities^G1243 of gifts,^G5486 but^G1161 the^G3588 same^G846 Spirit.^G4151 (5) And^G2532 there are^G1526 differences^G1243 of administrations,^G1248 but^G2532 the^G3588 same^G846 Lord.^G2962 (6) And^G2532 there are^G1526 diversities^G1243 of operations,^G1755 but^G1161 it is^G2076 the^G3588 same^G846 God^G2316 which worketh^G1754 all^G3956 in^G1722 all.^G3956 (7) But^G1161 the^G3588 manifestation^G5321 of the^G3588 Spirit^G4151 is given^G1325 to every man^G1538 to^G4314 profit^G4851 withal. (8) For^G1063 to one^{G3739 G3303} is given^G1325 by^G1223 the^G3588 Spirit^G4151 the word^G3056 of wisdom;^G4678 to^(G1161) another^G243 the word^G3056 of knowledge^G1108 by^G2596 the^G3588 same^G846 Spirit;^G4151 (9) To^(G1161) another^G2087 faith^G4102 by^G1722 the^G3588 same^G846 Spirit;^G4151 to^(G1161) another^G243 the gifts^G5486 of healing^G2386 by^G1722 the^G3588 same^G846 Spirit;^G4151 (10) To^(G1161) another^G243 the working^G1755 of miracles;^G1411 to^(G1161) another^G243 prophecy;^G4394 to^(G1161) another^G243 discerning^G1253 of spirits;^G4151 to^(G1161) another^G2087 divers kinds^G1085 of tongues;^G1100 to^(G1161) another^G243 the interpretation^G2058 of tongues:^G1100 (11) But^G1161 all^G3956 these^G5023 worketh^G1754 that one^G1520 and^G2532 the^G3588 selfsame^G846 Spirit,^G4151 dividing^G1244 to every man^G1538 severally^G2398 as^G2531 he will.^G1014

Defininition of Manifestation (phanerōsis)

G5321 (Mounce Greek Dictionary)

φανέρωσις

phanerōsis

2x: a disclosure, clear display, 2Co_4:2; an outward evidencing of a latent principle, active exhibition, 1Co_12:7.

G5321 (Strong Greek Dictionary)

φανερωσις

phanerōsis

fan-er’-o-sis

From G5319; exhibition, that is, (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment: – manifestation.

Total KJV occurrences: 2

G5321 (Thayer Greek Dictionary)

φανερωσις

phanerōsis

Thayer Definition:

1) manifestation

Part of Speech: noun feminine

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G5319

1 Corinthians 12:30 BSB Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 12:30 KJV+ ^(G3361) Have^G2192 all^G3956 the gifts^G5486 of healing?^G2386 do^(G3361) all^G3956 speak^G2980 with tongues?^G1100 do^(G3361) all^G3956 interpret?^G1329

1 Corinthians 14:13 BSB Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:13 KJV+ Wherefore^G1355 let him that speaketh^G2980 in an unknown tongue^G1100 pray^G4336 that^G2443 he may interpret.^G1329

Defininition of Speak (laleō)

G2980(Mounce Greek Dictionary)

λαλέω

laleō

296x: to make vocal utterance; to babble, to talk; in NT absol. to exercise the faculty of speech, Mat_9:33; to speak, Mat_10:20; to hold converse with, to talk with, Mat_12:46; Mrk_6:50; Rev_1:12; to discourse, to make an address, Luk_11:37; Act_11:20; Act_21:39; to make announcement, to make a declaration, Luk_1:55; to make mention, Jhn_12:41; Act_2:31; Heb_4:8; 2Pe_3:16; trans. to speak, address, preach, Mat_9:18; Jhn_3:11; Tit_2:1; to give utterance to, utter, Mrk_2:7; Jhn_3:34; to declare, announce, reveal, Luk_24:25 et al.; to disclose, 2Co_12:4.

G2980(Strong Greek Dictionary)

λαλέω

laleō

lal-eh’-o

A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, that is, utter words: – preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare G3004.

Total KJV occurrences: 295

G2980(Thayer Greek Dictionary)

λαλέω

laleō

Thayer Definition:

1) to utter a voice or emit a sound

2) to speak

2a) to use the tongue or the faculty of speech

2b) to utter articulate sounds

3) to talk

4) to utter, tell

5) to use words in order to declare one’s mind and disclose one’s thoughts

5a) to speak

Part of Speech: verb

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 BSB For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. (15) What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 KJV+ For^G1063 if^G1437 I pray^G4336 in an unknown tongue,^G1100 my^G3450 spirit^G4151 prayeth,^G4336 but^G1161 my^G3450 understanding^G3563 is^G2076 unfruitful.^G175 (15) What^G5101 is^G2076 it then?^G3767 I will pray^G4336 with the^G3588 spirit,^G4151 and^G1161 I will pray^G4336 with the^G3588 understanding^G3563 also:^G2532 I will sing^G5567 with the^G3588 spirit,^G4151 and^G1161 I will sing^G5567 with the^G3588 understanding^G3563 also.^G2532

Defininition of Pray (proseuchomai)

G4336(Mounce Greek Dictionary)

προσεύχομαι

proseuchomai

85x: to pray, offer prayer, Mat_5:44; Mat_6:5-6.

G4336(Strong Greek Dictionary)

προσεύχομαι

proseuchomai

pros-yoo’-khom-ahee

From G4314 and G2172; to pray to God, that is, supplicate, worship: – pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.

Total KJV occurrences: 87

G4336(Thayer Greek Dictionary)

προσεύχομαι

proseuchomai

Thayer Definition:

1) to offer prayers, to pray

Part of Speech: verb

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4314 and G2172

Matthew 6:5-8 BSB And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. (6) But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (7) And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. (8) Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matthew 6:5-8 KJV+ And^G2532 when^G3752 thou prayest,^G4336 thou shalt not^G3756 be^G2071 as^G5618 the^G3588 hypocrites^G5273 are: for^G3754 they love^G5368 to pray^G4336 standing^G2476 in^G1722 the^G3588 synagogues^G4864 and^G2532 in^G1722 the^G3588 corners^G1137 of the^G3588 streets,^G4113 that^G3704 they may be seen^{G5316 G302} of men.^G444 Verily^G281 I say^G3004 unto you,^G5213 They have^G568 their^G848 reward.^G3408 (6) But^G1161 thou, ^G4771 when ^G3752 thou prayest, ^G4336 enter ^G1525 into ^G1519 thy ^G4675 closet, ^G5009 and ^G2532 when thou hast shut ^G2808 thy^G4675 door,^G2374 pray^G4336 to thy^G4675 Father^G3962 which^G3588 is in^G1722 secret;^G2927 and^G2532 thy^G4675 Father^G3962 which seeth^G991 in^G1722 secret^G2927 shall reward^G591 thee^G4671 openly.^{G1722 G5318} (7) But^G1161 when ye pray,^G4336 use not vain repetitions,^{G945 G3361} as^G5618 the^G3588 heathen^G1482 do: for^G1063 they think^G1380 that^G3754 they shall be heard^G1522 for^G1722 their^G848 much speaking.^G4180 (8) Be not^G3361 ye therefore^G3767 like unto^G3666 them:^G846 for^G1063 your^G5216 Father^G3962 knoweth^G1492 what things^G3739 ye have^G2192 need^G5532 of, before^G4253 ye^G5209 ask^G154 him.^G846