# spoke in tongues

Here "tongues" represents languages. Alternate translation: "had the ability to speak different languages" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# The one who prophesies is greater

Paul is emphasizing that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of speaking in tongues. Alternate translation: "The one who prophesies has a greater gift" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

# interprets

This means to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying.