16Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,14:16 The Greek word for inquirer is a technical term for someone not fully initiated into a religion; also in verses 23 and 24. say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?
16For otherwise, if you bless God14:16 Or with thein the spirit only, how will the one who occupies the place of the 14:16 Lit private personoutsider know to say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you are saying?
16Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?
16Otherwise if you bless [and give thanks to God] in the spirit only, how will any outsider or someone who is not gifted [in spiritual matters] say the “Amen” [of agreement] to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? [1 Chr 16:36; Ps 106:48]
16Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit,14:16 Or in the Spirit how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?
16Suppose you are praising God in the Spirit. And suppose there are visitors among you who want to know what’s going on. How can they say “Amen” when you give thanks? They don’t know what you are saying.