1 Corinthians 14:9

1 Corinthians 14:9

7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?

8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?

9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without¹ significance.

11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a¹ foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.

12 Even so you, since you are¹ zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the² edification of the church that you seek to excel.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may ^ainterpret.

Commentaries:

Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)

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1 Corinthians 14:10 >>

Unless ye utter speech easy to be understood (ean mh eushmon logon dwte). Condition of third class again (ean and aorist subjunctive). Eushmon (eu, well, shma, sign) is old word, here only in N.T., well-marked, distinct, clear. Good enunciation, a hint for speakers.

Ye will be speaking into the air (esesqe eiv aera lalountev). Periphrastic future indicative (linear action). Cf. aera derwn (beating the air) in I Corinthians 9:26. Cf. our talking to the wind. This was before the days of radio.

**Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 Corinthians 14:9:**

Luke 1:4
Acts 2:4
Acts 10:46

<< 1 Corinthians 14:8

1 Corinthians 14:10 >>

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