1 Corinthians 14:21

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} the law {G3551} it is written {G1125},{G3754} With {G1722} men of other tongues {G2084} and {G2532} other {G1722}{G2087} lips {G5491} will I speak {G2980} unto this {G5129} people {G2992}; and {G2532} yet for all {G3779} that will they {G1522} not {G3761} hear {G1522} me {G3450}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the Torah it is written,

“By other tongues,
by the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people.
But even then they will not listen to me,”
says Adonai.

Berean Standard Bible

It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

American Standard Version

In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 14:21, the Apostle Paul strategically quotes from the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 28:11-12, to illuminate the true purpose and historical precedent of speaking in tongues within the Corinthian church. This verse serves as a crucial theological anchor, demonstrating that the phenomenon of foreign languages, or "other tongues," was intended by God as a sign—often one of judgment—to a disobedient people, rather than primarily as a means of edification for believers without interpretation. It underscores the tragic reality that even when God speaks in extraordinary ways, human hearts can remain hardened and unwilling to hear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's discussion in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") is a direct response to the chaotic and unedifying practices of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, within the Corinthian assembly. Having established love as the "most excellent way" in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"), Paul now applies this principle to the exercise of spiritual gifts. He consistently prioritizes prophecy over uninterpreted tongues, arguing that prophecy directly edifies the church through understandable communication ([1 Corinthians 14:3-5](/1_corinthians/14-3-5 "1 Corinthians 14:3-5 - Prophecy Edifies the Church")). Verse 21 is pivotal because it provides scriptural justification for Paul's assertion in [1 Corinthians 14:22](/1_corinthians/14-22 "1 Corinthians 14:22 - Tongues as a Sign to Unbelievers") that "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." By quoting Isaiah, Paul grounds his argument in the continuity of God's dealings with His people, demonstrating that the sign-value of foreign speech is not a new concept but has a rich Old Testament precedent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, grappling with issues of division, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. In a culture that valued rhetorical eloquence and ecstatic experiences, the Corinthians likely elevated the gift of tongues, perhaps viewing it as a superior manifestation of spirituality, without proper regard for its purpose or the edification of the whole body. Paul's quotation from [Isaiah 28:11-12](/isaiah/28-11-12 "Isaiah 28:11-12 - The Prophecy of Stammering Lips") draws on a specific historical context in ancient Israel. In Isaiah's time, the northern kingdom of Israel had rejected God's clear, simple instruction through His prophets. As a consequence, God threatened to speak to them through the "stammering lips and another tongue" of the invading Assyrians, signifying judgment and foreign domination. This historical precedent established foreign speech as a sign of divine displeasure and impending judgment for a rebellious people. Paul applies this principle to the New Testament context, implying that the miraculous speaking in foreign languages, as seen at Pentecost ([Acts 2:4-11](/acts/2-4-11 "Acts 2:4-11 - The Outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost")), served as a sign to unbelieving Jews, demonstrating God's new work and the judgment on their unbelief.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it develops the theme of **Tongues as a Sign**, clarifying that while the gift is legitimate, its primary function is often as a miraculous sign to unbelievers, particularly those who are resistant to God's clear word. This contrasts sharply with prophecy, which is for edification. Secondly, it highlights **God's Persistent Communication**, illustrating His unwavering desire to reach humanity, even when His people are disobedient. He employs various means, including extraordinary ones like "other tongues," to convey His message. Lastly, the verse powerfully underscores the tragic theme of **Human Resistance to Divine Truth**. Despite God's clear signs and diverse methods of communication, the phrase "and yet for all that will they not hear me" reveals the profound stubbornness and unbelief of the human heart, a theme echoed throughout biblical history from the wilderness generation to the rejection of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** This term refers to the Mosaic Law, or more broadly, the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul's use here indicates that the principle he is drawing upon is firmly rooted in God's revealed word, demonstrating continuity between God's actions in the Old Covenant and His dealings in the New. It signifies the authority and enduring relevance of the prophetic word.
* **other tongues (Greek, _heteróglōssos'_):** Derived from "other" (_héteros_) and "tongue" (_glōssa_), this compound word literally means "other-tongued" or "foreign-tongued." It specifically refers to foreign languages, emphasizing that the speech is not native or easily understandable to the audience. In the context of Isaiah, it pointed to the foreign language of the Assyrian invaders. In 1 Corinthians, it points to the miraculous ability to speak in actual human languages previously unknown to the speaker, serving as a sign.
* **hear (Greek, _eisakoúō'_):** This verb, meaning "to listen to" or "to hear," carries the connotation of not just perceiving sound, but of heeding, obeying, or responding to what is heard. The negative "will they not hear me" therefore implies a deliberate refusal to listen and obey, highlighting human stubbornness and spiritual deafness in the face of God's clear communication, whether direct or through a sign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the law it is written":** This introductory phrase establishes the authoritative basis for Paul's argument. By quoting from "the law" (referring to the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 28:11-12), Paul grounds his teaching on the purpose of tongues in divine revelation, not merely his own opinion. It signals to his Jewish-Christian audience, and indeed all believers, that this phenomenon has a precedent and a divinely ordained purpose.
* **"With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people;":** This clause, a direct quotation from Isaiah, describes God's method of communication. The "other tongues and other lips" refer to foreign languages spoken by foreign people. In Isaiah's original context, it was the language of the Assyrian invaders, a sign of judgment on disobedient Israel. Paul applies this principle to the miraculous gift of tongues, indicating that God uses foreign speech as a sign to "this people," referring to unbelieving Israel, and by extension, to unbelievers in general, to get their attention or to signify a new work of God.
* **"and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.":** This concluding phrase reveals the tragic outcome of God's extraordinary communication. Despite God's clear, albeit unusual, efforts to speak to His people, they stubbornly refuse to listen or obey. The phrase "saith the Lord" reaffirms the divine origin of this statement and underscores the weight of their disobedience. It highlights the persistent human problem of spiritual deafness, even in the face of miraculous signs, which ultimately leads to judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of **Quotation** is the most prominent literary device in this verse. By directly quoting [Isaiah 28:11-12](/isaiah/28-11-12 "Isaiah 28:11-12 - The Prophecy of Stammering Lips"), Paul lends immense authority to his argument regarding the function of tongues. This is not merely an opinion but a principle established in God's prior dealings with His people. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of **Allusion** to Israel's history of disobedience. The Isaiah passage itself is an allusion to God's judgment on a rebellious nation. Paul's application of this prophecy to the Corinthian context (and the broader purpose of tongues) serves as a subtle warning: even miraculous signs can be a harbinger of judgment for those who refuse to hear. Finally, the verse contains a profound **Irony**: God speaks in an extraordinary, attention-grabbing manner ("other tongues and other lips"), yet the very people He is addressing "will they not hear me." This highlights the tragic paradox of human stubbornness, where even divine intervention can be met with profound spiritual deafness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 1 Corinthians 14:21 extends beyond the specific debate about spiritual gifts in Corinth, touching upon the very nature of God's communication and human responsibility. It reveals a God who persistently seeks to engage with humanity, even when His people are resistant. His methods may vary, from clear prophetic utterance to miraculous signs, but His aim is always to draw people to Himself and to reveal His will. The verse also underscores the profound truth that divine signs, while powerful, do not inherently guarantee belief or obedience. They serve as a witness, a call to attention, but ultimately, the human heart retains the capacity to harden itself against God's voice. This passage, therefore, serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of rejecting God's word, whether spoken plainly or manifested miraculously, and emphasizes the ongoing need for humility and responsiveness to divine truth.

* [Isaiah 28:11-12](/isaiah/28-11-12 "Isaiah 28:11-12 - The Prophecy of Stammering Lips and Another Tongue")
* [Acts 2:4-11](/acts/2-4-11 "Acts 2:4-11 - The Outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts as in the Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:21 challenges contemporary believers to critically examine the purpose and practice of spiritual gifts within their own communities. It reminds us that while God is sovereign in bestowing gifts, their exercise must always be governed by the principles of love and edification. Are our worship services and spiritual expressions truly understandable and beneficial to all, especially those who are new to faith or are unbelievers? The verse serves as a powerful call to prioritize clarity and order in our communication of the Gospel and in our corporate worship, ensuring that everything we do points people to Christ and builds up the body. Furthermore, the tragic reality that "they will not hear me" serves as a somber warning against spiritual apathy and hardened hearts. It prompts us to cultivate a spirit of humility and responsiveness to God's voice, recognizing that even the most profound manifestations of His presence can be ignored. We are called to pray not only for the effective communication of the Gospel but also for open hearts to receive it, both our own and those of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church today?**
* **In what ways might I, or my church, be "speaking in other tongues" (metaphorically or literally) that hinder clear communication of the Gospel to unbelievers or new believers?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more receptive and responsive to God's voice, even when it comes in unexpected ways?**
* **How does the persistent resistance to God's voice, highlighted in this verse, inform my prayers for evangelism and spiritual awakening?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul quote Isaiah 28:11-12 in this context?**

Answer: Paul quotes [Isaiah 28:11-12](/isaiah/28-11-12 "Isaiah 28:11-12 - The Prophecy of Stammering Lips") to provide an Old Testament precedent and authoritative basis for his argument regarding the purpose of tongues. In Isaiah's original context, God threatened to speak to disobedient Israel through the foreign language of the invading Assyrians as a sign of judgment. Paul applies this principle to the New Testament gift of tongues, indicating that it functions primarily as a sign to unbelievers, particularly those who are resistant to God's clear word, rather than solely for the edification of believers without interpretation. It demonstrates that God has historically used foreign speech as a sign, often one of judgment, for a rebellious people.

**What does "In the law it is written" refer to?**

Answer: "The law" in this context refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically the book of Isaiah from which Paul is quoting. Paul's phrase "In the law it is written" (Greek: *En tō nomō gegraptai*) is a common formula used by New Testament writers to introduce an authoritative Old Testament passage. It signifies that the principle being discussed is not a new idea but is rooted in God's long-standing revelation to His people, underscoring the continuity of divine truth.

**Does this verse mean that speaking in tongues is only for unbelievers?**

Answer: Not exclusively, but it clarifies a primary purpose. Paul states in [1 Corinthians 14:22](/1_corinthians/14-22 "1 Corinthians 14:22 - Tongues as a Sign to Unbelievers"), immediately following this verse, that "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." This indicates that a significant, if not primary, function of tongues is as a miraculous sign to unbelievers, particularly those who are hardened against the Gospel. While tongues can also be a form of private prayer or worship ([1 Corinthians 14:2](/1_corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues to God")), Paul's emphasis in the public assembly is that uninterpreted tongues are unedifying for believers and primarily serve as a sign to those outside the faith, or as a sign of judgment for those who refuse to believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth embedded in 1 Corinthians 14:21, that God speaks in diverse ways yet humanity often refuses to hear, finds its ultimate fulfillment and tragic culmination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very **Word of God made flesh** ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the clearest and most direct communication from God to humanity. The Old Testament prophecy of God speaking through "other tongues and other lips" to a disobedient people foreshadows the ultimate divine communication in Christ, who came to His own, yet "His own received Him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). God, who "at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Yet, just as Israel refused to hear the prophets, so too did many reject Christ, despite His miraculous signs and clear teachings. The "not hearing" of Isaiah's prophecy reaches its apex in the rejection of Jesus, the ultimate divine sign and speaker. His parables, His miracles, and His very presence were signs, yet many remained spiritually deaf. Thus, 1 Corinthians 14:21 not only explains the purpose of tongues but also points to the persistent human rebellion against God's voice, a rebellion that finds its most grievous expression in the world's refusal to hear and believe in the Son of God, who alone offers salvation. The judgment implied in Isaiah's "other tongues" is fully realized for those who, even after Christ's coming, "reject Me and do not receive My words" ([John 12:48](/john/12-48 "John 12:48 - Rejecting Jesus' Words")).

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 28:11

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Isaiah 28:12

To whom he said, This [is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Jeremiah 5:15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

John 10:34

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.