Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:9

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

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
Literal
So also you, unless you give intelligible speech through the tongue, how will it be known what is being spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
Latin
Ita et vos per linguam nisi manifestum sermonem dederitis: quomodo scietur id quod dicitur? eritis enim in aëra loquentes.

Original

Greek
English
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.

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

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

Topics

Interpretation of Foreign Tongues Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians Words of the Teacher, should be Plain