1 Corinthians 14:11

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me.

Therefore {G3767} if {G3362} I know {G1492} not {G3362} the meaning {G1411} of the voice {G5456}, I shall be {G2071} unto him that speaketh {G2980} a barbarian {G915}, and {G2532} he that speaketh {G2980} shall be a barbarian {G915} unto {G1722} me {G1698}.

but if I don’t know what a person’s sounds mean, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.

If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

If 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.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:11 (KJV) provides a crucial insight into the importance of intelligibility in communication, especially concerning spiritual gifts within the early church at Corinth. Paul highlights that if the speaker's message is not understood by the hearer, the communication breaks down entirely, rendering both parties as foreigners to each other.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extensive discussion in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 regarding spiritual gifts, their proper use, and their purpose. The Corinthian church was experiencing issues with the chaotic and unedifying exercise of certain gifts, particularly speaking in tongues without interpretation. Paul consistently emphasizes that all gifts should be used to build up, or "edify," the entire congregation, not merely for individual display. This verse follows his analogy of musical instruments in 1 Corinthians 14:7-8, where he explains that a trumpet must give a distinct sound for a soldier to prepare for battle; similarly, words must be intelligible to be useful.

Key Themes

  • The Primacy of Understanding: The core message is that communication, particularly in a spiritual context, is only effective if it is comprehended by the listener. A "voice" without "meaning" fails to achieve its purpose.
  • Edification of the Church: Paul's overarching concern throughout 1 Corinthians 14 is that all spiritual expressions should contribute to the collective spiritual growth and strength of the community. If no one understands, no one is edified or built up.
  • Barrier to Fellowship: Lack of shared understanding creates a significant barrier, turning people into "barbarians" to each other, fostering alienation rather than unity and mutual benefit within the body of Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The term "barbarian" comes from the Greek word barbaros (βάρβαρος). Originally, it was an onomatopoeic word used by Greeks to describe anyone who did not speak Greek, whose speech sounded like "bar-bar" to their ears. It simply signified someone speaking an unintelligible foreign language, not necessarily implying a savage or uncivilized person. In this context, Paul uses it to powerfully illustrate the complete breakdown of communication when one person's "voice" (language or message) is not understood by another, emphasizing the futility of such interaction.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul further stresses the need for clarity by stating he would rather speak five words with understanding than ten thousand in an unknown tongue.
  • This principle aligns with the idea that spiritual gifts are given for the common good of the church, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7.
  • The importance of interpretation for tongues is highlighted in 1 Corinthians 14:5, where Paul prefers prophecy (understood speech) unless tongues are interpreted.

Practical Application

This verse holds timeless relevance for effective communication in all areas of life, especially within the church. It underscores the vital importance of clarity in preaching, teaching, and worship so that all attendees can comprehend, learn, and be spiritually nourished. For believers, it encourages humility and consideration for others, ensuring our words build up rather than confuse or alienate. Whether in the exercise of spiritual gifts or in everyday conversation, the goal is always mutual understanding and edification, preventing us from becoming "barbarians" to one another in our interactions.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Acts 28:2

    And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:21

    ¶ In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

  • Acts 28:4

    And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

  • Romans 1:14

    I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

  • Colossians 3:11

    Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.
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