1 Corinthians 14:21

1 Corinthians 14:21 is a pivotal verse in Paul's discussion concerning the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, within the Corinthian church. Here, Paul quotes from the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 28:11-12, to underscore the historical and prophetic purpose of tongues as a sign.

Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 14, Paul addresses the chaotic and unedifying practices occurring in the Corinthian assemblies regarding spiritual gifts. He emphasizes that while gifts like speaking in tongues are legitimate, they must be exercised in an orderly manner and primarily for the edification of the church. He contrasts tongues with prophecy, arguing that prophecy is superior because it directly builds up believers through understandable communication. Verse 21 provides a scriptural basis for understanding that tongues, at least in one significant aspect, served as a sign to unbelievers or disobedient Israel, rather than primarily for internal church edification without interpretation. This passage reveals Paul's concern for clarity and order in Christian worship, ensuring that all activities contribute to spiritual growth and understanding.

Key Themes

• Tongues as a Sign: Paul's quotation from Isaiah highlights that the phenomenon of speaking in "other tongues" was historically a sign of God's dealings with His people, often signifying judgment or a new work when they refused to listen to His direct, understandable word. In the New Testament context, as seen at Pentecost (Acts 2:4-11), tongues served as a miraculous sign to unbelieving Jews, demonstrating God's universal message.
• God's Persistent Communication: The verse powerfully conveys God's unwavering desire to communicate with His people, even when they are resistant or disobedient. Despite using "other tongues" and "other lips," signifying a method that might seem foreign or difficult to comprehend, God's intention remains to reach them.
• Human Resistance to Divine Truth: The phrase "and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord" underscores the tragic reality of human stubbornness and unbelief. Even when God provides clear signs and speaks in various ways, people can still refuse to heed His voice. This theme is crucial for understanding the purpose of miraculous signs.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "men of other tongues and other lips" directly translates the sense of foreign languages or peoples. In the original Greek of Isaiah 28:11, the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) uses terms that convey stammering lips and another tongue. Paul's use here in 1 Corinthians points to foreign languages being spoken as a sign. This aligns with the historical context of Isaiah, where God threatened to speak to Israel through the foreign language of invading Assyrians as a judgment for their unbelief and rejection of His clear instruction. The KJV's "other tongues" (Greek: heteroglossois) emphasizes this distinction from one's native language, underscoring the miraculous and sign-oriented nature of the gift.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the true purpose of spiritual gifts: to glorify God and edify the body of Christ. It challenges us to consider whether our spiritual practices are truly understandable and beneficial to those around us, especially unbelievers. Just as God sought to communicate clearly, even through unusual means, the church is called to present the Gospel in ways that can be heard and understood. It also serves as a somber reminder that even powerful manifestations of God's presence can be ignored by a hardened heart, prompting us to pray for openness and humility in ourselves and others. Paul elaborates on this very point in the subsequent verse, stating, "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not."