1 Corinthians 14:10
What does 1 Corinthians 14:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:10 means
The world teems with languages, and each has meaning to its speakers. Sounds are not random; they carry significance within a community of understanding. Paul’s observation honors linguistic diversity while pressing a point: communication requires shared sense. In worship, speech that no one else understands cannot fulfill its purpose, even if it is a true language or a Spirit-inspired utterance. The multiplicity of voices highlights the need for interpretation so that the church can participate. Paul uses this common-sense truth to encourage practices that bridge gaps, ensuring that speech in the assembly functions as a vehicle of grace to all present, not as a barrier that isolates the speaker.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification.
KJV
King James Version · 1611There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949There are, it may be, a number of different voices in the world, and no voice is without sense.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is unmeaning,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752There are, for example, so many kinds of tongues in this world: and none is without voice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.
Context
Moving from analogies to a general principle, Paul notes that every kind of human speech is meaningful within its context. This supports his argument that language without shared understanding fails in public settings. The next verse presses the relational implications—without understanding, people become foreigners to each other. Paul is showing why uninterpreted tongues do not fit corporate worship, which aims to create fellowship and mutual upbuilding. The flow remains consistent: affirm the reality of tongues while insisting on intelligibility for the gathered church. Soon he will exhort the Corinthians to channel their zeal toward edification and to pursue interpretation when tongues are present.
v.9So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air.
v.10This passage
v.11If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Submission
The Bible speaks often of submission, not as weakness but as a God-honoring posture of faith and humility within divine order.
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.