1 Corinthians 14:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} likewise {G2532} ye {G5210}, except {G3362} ye utter {G1325} by {G1223} the tongue {G1100} words {G3056} easy to be understood {G2154}, how {G4459} shall it be known {G1097} what is spoken {G2980}? for {G1063} ye shall {G2071} speak {G2980} into {G1519} the air {G109}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It’s the same with you: how will anyone know what you are saying unless you use your tongue to produce intelligible speech? You will be talking to the air!

Berean Standard Bible

So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 14:9, the Apostle Paul continues his instruction to the Corinthian church on the proper and orderly use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He underscores the paramount importance of intelligibility in congregational worship and teaching, arguing that if spoken words are not easily understood by the hearers, they fail to communicate meaning and therefore serve no edifying purpose, being effectively wasted effort. This verse serves as a foundational principle for all communication within the body of Christ, emphasizing clarity for the sake of mutual understanding and spiritual growth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extensive discourse on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1_corinthians/12-14 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Love"). Following his profound exposition on the supremacy of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), Paul transitions into practical guidelines for exercising gifts within the church assembly. Specifically, [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") addresses the issues surrounding speaking in tongues and prophecy, contrasting their benefits and proper application. Paul has just used analogies of musical instruments (flute, harp, trumpet in [1 Corinthians 14:7-8](/1_corinthians/14-7-8 "1 Corinthians 14:7-8 - The Need for Clear Sounds")) to illustrate that sounds must be distinct and convey meaning for their purpose to be achieved. Verse 9 directly applies this principle to human speech, particularly in the context of spiritual utterances in the church, emphasizing that unintelligible speech is as useless as an indistinct musical note.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was a vibrant but problematic community, characterized by spiritual enthusiasm, yet also by divisions, moral laxity, and disorder in worship. Speaking in tongues (glossolalia) was a prominent spiritual manifestation, but it was often exercised without interpretation, leading to confusion rather than edification. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and clear communication were highly valued, especially in public discourse. Paul's emphasis on "words easy to be understood" would resonate with this cultural appreciation for clarity, even as he reorients it toward the spiritual purpose of building up the community. The Corinthian church, meeting in house churches, would have experienced firsthand the chaos of multiple uninterpreted tongues speakers, making Paul's instructions both timely and necessary for fostering genuine spiritual growth and order.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") is the **edification of the church**. Paul consistently argues that all spiritual gifts, including tongues and prophecy, must be exercised for the common good and the building up of believers (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy for Edification") and [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Everything for Edification")). This verse highlights the theme of **intelligibility and clarity in communication**, positing it as a prerequisite for edification. Unintelligible speech, whether in tongues or any other form, is deemed ineffective because it fails to convey meaning and thus cannot build up the hearer. This leads to the theme of **orderly worship**, where the pursuit of understanding and the benefit of others takes precedence over individual spiritual expression, especially when that expression is private or incomprehensible to the assembly. Paul's broader argument throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") is that Christian freedom should always be tempered by love and consideration for others, a principle powerfully applied here to the use of spiritual gifts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **easy to be understood (Greek, _eúsēmos'_):** This word (G2154) is derived from _eu_ (well) and a root meaning "to signify" or "to indicate." It literally means "well-indicated" or "significant," conveying the idea of being clear, intelligible, or distinct. In the context of speech, it emphasizes that the words spoken must be capable of conveying meaning clearly to the listener, enabling comprehension and avoiding ambiguity. This is crucial for the purpose of communication, especially in a public setting where the goal is to impart knowledge or spiritual truth.
* **tongue (Greek, _glōssa'_):** This term (G1100) primarily refers to the physical organ of the mouth, but by implication, it also denotes a language or dialect, especially one naturally unacquired, as in the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul uses it predominantly in this latter sense. The verse's argument hinges on the fact that even if one speaks in a "tongue," if that language is not understood by the hearers, its purpose in a communal setting is lost.
* **air (Greek, _aḗr'_):** This word (G109) refers to the atmosphere or the circumambient air. In the idiom "speak into the air," it signifies an action that is futile, wasted, or without effect, much like striking the air in a boxing match without hitting an opponent (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:26](/1_corinthians/9-26 "1 Corinthians 9:26 - Paul's Discipline")). It powerfully conveys the idea that unintelligible speech dissipates without impact, failing to achieve its communicative goal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So likewise ye,"**: This phrase (Greek: _Hoútō kai hymeis_) serves as a direct application of the preceding analogies involving musical instruments (flute, harp, trumpet). Just as musical sounds must be distinct to convey a tune or a call, so too must human speech be clear. "Ye" (Greek: _hymeîs_) specifically refers to the Corinthian believers, particularly those exercising spiritual gifts in the assembly.
* **"except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood,"**: This is the conditional clause. "Utter" (Greek: _dídōmi_ and _laléō_) means to give forth or speak. The core requirement is that the "words" (Greek: _lógos_) spoken "by the tongue" (Greek: _diá tēs glōssēs_) must be "easy to be understood" (Greek: _eúsēmos_). This directly addresses the issue of uninterpreted tongues, stating that if the language or message is not intelligible to the audience, the communication breaks down.
* **"how shall it be known what is spoken?"**: This is a rhetorical question that highlights the logical consequence of unintelligible speech. If the words are not clear, how can their content ("what is spoken," Greek: _laléō_) be "known" (Greek: _ginṓskō_) or comprehended by the listeners? The implied answer is that it cannot be known, rendering the speech ineffective and pointless for the community.
* **"for ye shall speak into the air."**: This concluding clause provides the reason (Greek: _gár_) and the vivid consequence. To "speak into the air" (Greek: _eis ton aéra laléō_) is an idiom for speaking in vain, without purpose, or without reaching the intended recipient. It emphasizes the futility of communication that fails to connect with its audience, reinforcing Paul's argument for clarity and interpretation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective **literary devices** in this concise verse to drive home his point. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "how shall it be known what is spoken?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the obvious and illogical nature of speaking unintelligibly in a public setting. It forces the reader to confront the futility of such an act. Following this, Paul uses a powerful **Idiom** and **Metaphor**: "for ye shall speak into the air." This vivid phrase, also seen in [1 Corinthians 9:26](/1_corinthians/9-26 "1 Corinthians 9:26 - Paul's Analogy of Fighting the Air"), metaphorically depicts wasted effort or speech that has no impact, much like a boxer punching empty space. It underscores the complete lack of benefit derived from incomprehensible utterances. Furthermore, the opening phrase "So likewise ye" functions as a **Comparison** or **Analogy**, directly linking the principle of intelligible sound from musical instruments (as discussed in the preceding verses) to the necessity of intelligible speech in the Christian assembly, thereby reinforcing the logical consistency of his argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of the purpose of spiritual gifts and communal worship. Theologically, it asserts that divine revelation and spiritual communication are intended to be understood and to build up the body of Christ. God, in His wisdom, gifts His people not for chaotic self-expression, but for mutual edification and the clear proclamation of truth. The principle of intelligibility underscores the communal nature of the church, where individual gifts are to serve the whole, fostering unity and understanding rather than confusion or division. It implies that genuine spiritual power is not found in esoteric utterances, but in communication that effectively conveys God's message, transforming hearts and minds.

* [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Everything for Edification"): "Let all things be done unto edifying." This verse encapsulates the overarching purpose that 1 Corinthians 14:9 serves – all actions in the church must build up the community.
* [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Nehemiah 8:8 - Ezra's Clear Teaching"): "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." This Old Testament example highlights the ancient recognition of the importance of clear, interpreted teaching for God's people.
* [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Speech with Grace"): "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." While broader in scope, this verse emphasizes the intentionality and effectiveness required in all Christian speech, aligning with the call for intelligibility.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:9 offers a timeless and universally applicable principle for all forms of communication, especially within the church and in our witness to the world. It challenges us to consider not only *what* we say, but *how* we say it, ensuring that our words are not merely expressed but truly understood by our audience. This applies to preaching, teaching, leading Bible studies, sharing personal testimonies, or even engaging in everyday conversations about faith. If our language is filled with inaccessible theological jargon, cultural idioms unknown to our listeners, or simply delivered in an unclear manner, we risk speaking "into the air"—our efforts, however well-intentioned, become futile. The call is for humble clarity, adapting our message to the understanding of those we seek to reach, always prioritizing the edification of others over our own eloquence or spiritual display. Our aim should be to build bridges of understanding, allowing the truth of God's Word to penetrate hearts and minds, fostering genuine growth and connection within the body of Christ and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my communication, both within and outside the church, might I be "speaking into the air" due to a lack of clarity or consideration for my audience?**
* **How can I intentionally simplify my language and explain complex spiritual concepts in a way that is "easy to be understood" by those I am trying to reach?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my participation in corporate worship or ministry contributes to the edification and understanding of others, rather than causing confusion?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that speaking in tongues is wrong or forbidden?**

Answer: No, this verse does not forbid speaking in tongues. Instead, it provides a crucial guideline for its proper use in a public, congregational setting. Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") is that while speaking in tongues is a valid spiritual gift, its exercise in a church assembly must be accompanied by interpretation so that everyone present can understand and be edified. If there is no interpreter, Paul advises the tongue-speaker to remain silent or to speak to themselves and to God ([1 Corinthians 14:28](/1_corinthians/14-28 "1 Corinthians 14:28 - Speaking in Tongues with Interpretation")). The issue is not the gift itself, but its use without regard for the understanding and spiritual benefit of the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 14:9, with its emphasis on intelligible communication, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very **Word of God** made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In a world shrouded in spiritual darkness and confusion, God did not speak "into the air" but sent His Son, the perfect and comprehensible revelation of His nature and will. Jesus, as the divine Logos, perfectly communicated God's truth, making the invisible God known ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). His teachings were often profound, yet delivered with remarkable clarity, using parables and direct statements that resonated with common people ([Matthew 13:34](/matthew/13-34 "Matthew 13:34 - Jesus Taught in Parables")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ provided the clearest and most effective message of salvation, a message that is "easy to be understood" by faith. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, empowers believers to proclaim the Gospel in a way that transcends linguistic barriers and enables understanding, as seen at Pentecost where diverse languages were understood by all ([Acts 2:4-11](/acts/2-4-11 "Acts 2:4-11 - The Day of Pentecost")). Thus, Christ Himself embodies the principle of clear, impactful, and redemptive communication, ensuring that God's message of love and salvation is never spoken "into the air" but pierces the heart and transforms lives.

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

1 Corinthians 9:26

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: