Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:9

What does 1 Corinthians 14:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 14:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 14:9 means

Paul applies the analogies directly: unless believers speak words that can be grasped, the church gains nothing. Unintelligible speech may be sincere and even spiritual, but it does not communicate content; it merely fills the air. The purpose of gathered worship is not to showcase unusual experiences but to convey God’s truth in ways that can be received, believed, and obeyed. Therefore, speech must be accessible. Love moves the speaker to adjust to the listener. This verse underscores that spiritual fervor without understandable expression misses the mark. The measure of faithfulness in public speech is whether hearers can tell what was said and be built up by it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So if you, in using a strange tongue, say words which have no sense, how will anyone take in what you are saying? for you will be talking to the air.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so also ye, if through the tongue, speech easily understood ye may not give--how shall that which is spoken be known? for ye shall be speaking to air.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said? For you shall be speaking into the air.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thus also ye with the tongue, unless ye give a distinct speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking to the air.

Context

Paul turns from illustration to direct exhortation, drawing the conclusion that unclear speech is purposeless in the assembly. The earlier verses set this up with examples from music and war; now the focus squarely rests on the Corinthians’ practice. Next, Paul will widen the frame to the diversity of human languages and the need for shared meaning, showing that unintelligibility creates social distance rather than fellowship. The argument continues to press toward concrete application, urging the church to prioritize edification. This prepares for his call that zeal for gifts must be channeled toward building up the body through speech others can actually understand.

v.8For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?

v.9This passage

v.10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26

    I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air:

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