⁷ Come, let us^(A) go down^(B) and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”^(C)

⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit^(A) and began to speak in other tongues^[a](B) as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing^(C) Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. ⁷ Utterly amazed,^(D) they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?^{(E) 8} Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,^(F) Pontus^(G) and Asia,^{[b](H) 10} Phrygia^(I) and Pamphylia,^(J) Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene;^(K) visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

²³ So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?^(A)

² For anyone who speaks in a tongue^[a](A) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;^(B) they utter mysteries^(C) by the Spirit. ³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^(D) encouraging^(E) and comfort. ⁴ Anyone who speaks in a tongue^(F) edifies^(G) themselves, but the one who prophesies^(H) edifies the church. ⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,^[b] but I would rather have you prophesy.^(I) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,^[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.^(J)

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation^(K) or knowledge^(L) or prophecy or word of instruction?^{(M) 7} Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? ⁸ Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?^{(N) 9} So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. ¹¹ If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.^(O)