taking the words in their order the passage reads, *Seek (these gifts) with a view to the edification of the church, in order that ye may excel.' The former explanation is the more natural. The end or object to be sought is not that they might excel ; that is not the ultimate object, but the edifica- tion of the church. The words ^rp-elre Iva, kt\., therefore, naturally go together. ' Seek that ye may abound unto the edification of the church,' i. e. that ye may possess in rich abundance those gifts which are useful.
13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an (un- known) tongue pray that he may interpret.
This is an inference not only from the preceding verse but from the whole preceding argument, which was designed to show how useless it is to speak in a language which no one present understands. The verse admits of two interpretations. It may mean that the speaker with tongues should pray for the gift of interpretation ; or, that he should pray with the purpose (tVa) of interpreting what he said. The principal rea- son for this latter interpretation is the assumption that the gift of tongues was exercised only in prayer and praise ; in other words, that it consisted in an ecstatic but unintelligible and unintelligent pouring out of the heart to God. It is there- fore inferred that "to speak with a tongue," v. 13, and "to pray with a tongue," v. 14, mean exactly the same thing ; the former being no more comprehensive than the latter. But this whole assumption is not only gratuitous but contrary to Scripture. The gift of tongues was, according to Acts 2, 5-11, exercised in declaring the " wonderful works of God." It is also apparent from what is said in this chapter, vs. 22-25, and V. 27, that the gift in question was not confined to acts of de- votion. The former interpretation is therefore to be preferred. ' Let him pray that (tm) he may interpret.' For this use of Lva after verbs of entreating, &c., see Robinson's Greek Lex. p. 352.
14. Por if I pray in an (unknown) tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
This is the reason why the speaker with tongues should pray for the gift of interpretation. Unless he interprets his