14:9 14:9

1 Corinthians 14:10

14:11 14:11

Bible Versions

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.
{G1487} There are {G2076}, it may be {G5177}, so many {G5118} kinds {G1085} of voices {G5456} in {G1722} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} none of them {G3762} is without signification {G880}{G846}.
There are undoubtedly all kinds of sounds in the world, and none is altogether meaningless;
Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification.

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:10

In 1 Corinthians chapter 14, the Apostle Paul is addressing issues related to the proper use and prioritization of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church, particularly focusing on speaking in tongues and prophecy. His primary concern is that all activities in the church assembly should lead to edification and understanding. He contrasts speaking in tongues, which requires interpretation to be intelligible to others, with prophecy, which directly speaks to the understanding of the hearers.

Verse 10 serves as an illustrative point in Paul's argument. He is building the case for the necessity of intelligibility in speech, especially in public worship. Before directly stating that one must speak intelligibly (as in 1 Corinthians 14:9), he first establishes a general principle about communication in the world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Nature of Communication: Paul observes that the world is filled with an immense variety of sounds, languages, and forms of communication. This highlights the natural diversity present in creation.
  • Inherent Meaning in Sounds: The core message of this verse is that every distinct "voice" or sound, no matter how foreign or unintelligible it may seem to one person, carries an inherent meaning or purpose for those who understand it. There is no sound or language truly "without signification" (meaningless) in itself.
  • Foundation for Intelligibility: By establishing that all voices have meaning, Paul sets the stage for his subsequent argument: if a sound or voice has meaning, then for it to be beneficial in a communal setting, that meaning must be conveyed and understood by the hearers. This underscores the importance of clear, understandable communication, particularly in the context of church edification.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "kinds of voices" translates the Greek word phōnai (φωναί), which literally means "sounds" or "voices," but in this context, it broadly refers to different languages or utterances. It encompasses any distinct sound that conveys information.

The phrase "without signification" comes from the Greek aphōnos (ἄφωνος), which literally means "voiceless" or "mute." Paul uses the negative in combination with this word to assert that none of these diverse sounds are truly without meaning or purpose. The implied meaning is "without an intelligible message for those who hear it." This subtle linguistic point reinforces that every sound has a source and a potential message, even if we don't immediately grasp it.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 14:10 offers several timeless applications:

  • Value of Clear Communication: This verse underscores the fundamental importance of intelligible communication, not just in church, but in all aspects of life. For our words to be effective and build up, they must be understood by the intended audience.
  • Respect for Diversity: It acknowledges and implicitly respects the vast diversity of human languages and expressions. Every culture and language has its own unique ways of conveying meaning.
  • Seeking Understanding: Rather than dismissing what we don't understand as meaningless, this verse encourages us to recognize that meaning exists, even if we need an interpreter or further effort to grasp it. This applies to cross-cultural communication, intergenerational dialogue, and even understanding different perspectives within the Christian faith.
  • Purposeful Speech: For believers, it's a reminder that our words, especially when speaking about spiritual truths, should be purposeful and aimed at conveying clear meaning, leading to edification and understanding among others, as Paul emphasizes throughout 1 Corinthians 14.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.

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