Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:11

Prophecy and Tongues · 1 Corinthians 14:1–25
Read 1 Corinthians 14

Translations

Modern
If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
Traditional
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Literal
Therefore unless I know the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me.
Latin
Si ergo nesciero virtutem vocis, ero ei, cui loquor, barbarus: et qui loquitur, mihi barbarus.

Original

Greek
English
If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:7–12

A message must be clear to communicate well.

1 Corinthians 14:1–25

After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Barbarian Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Mystery Prophecy Spirit of God

Topics

Barbarian: A Foreigner Interpretation of Foreign Tongues Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Language: The Term Barbarian Applied to Those Who Spoke a Strange Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians