1 Corinthians 14:7
What does 1 Corinthians 14:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 14:7 means
Paul illustrates with music: even lifeless instruments must produce distinct notes to make a recognizable tune. If sounds are jumbled, no one can identify the song or benefit from it. By analogy, speech in the church must have discernible meaning to accomplish its purpose. A tongue without interpretation is like an instrument playing random noise—real sound, but without edifying effect. The example is homely and persuasive: everyone knows the difference between melody and chaos. Paul appeals to common sense to show that loving ministry requires clarity. God’s gifts are not meant to astonish ears but to convey truth to minds and hearts in ways that can be understood and responded to.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even things without life, having a voice, such as a music-pipe or other instrument, if they do not give out different sounds, who may be certain what is being played?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862yet the things without life giving sound--whether pipe or harp--if a difference in the sounds they may not give, how shall be known that which is piped or that which is harped?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Even lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not distinction to the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
Context
Following his personal hypothetical in verse 6, Paul broadens the point through everyday illustrations. This verse presents the first: instruments must communicate through distinct sounds. The coming verse sharpens the analogy with a military trumpet, where confusion has serious consequences. Together, these pictures support Paul’s insistence that understanding is essential for edification. They build the case for limiting uninterpreted tongues in the assembly and preferring prophetic, intelligible speech. After these analogies, Paul will directly apply the lesson: without clear words, speakers are merely talking into the air. The consistent emphasis on clarity readies the reader for the practical rules to follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:17
and say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
- Luke 7:32
They are like unto children that sit in the marketplace, and call one to another; who say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not weep.
- 1 Corinthians 14:8
For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?
- Numbers 10:2
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of beaten work shalt thou make them: and thou shalt use them for the calling of the congregation, and for the journeying of the camps.
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