Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:6

"But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?" — 1 Corinthians 14:6 (ASV)

At this point Paul draws a conclusion. Since tongues without interpretation do not edify, what good would it do the Corinthians if Paul came speaking in tongues unless the message he brought were understandable? The four kinds of messages he lists may be put into two categories: (1) supernatural revelation (cf. Galatians 2:2) and prophecy, and (2) natural tools of communication—knowledge and teaching (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8–10). The conditions are stated here as possible, not factual. Paul is not saying that he will come to them speaking in tongues, but only that if he were to do so, it would be futile unless he brought an understandable message.