1 corinthians 14:11 - If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me.
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What does "1 corinthians 14:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:11, is part of Paul's discussion on the importance of understandable communication within the church, particularly when speaking in tongues. Let's break down the meaning:
"If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound...": Paul is referring to speaking in tongues (glossolalia) without interpretation. If the speaker is using a language (either a real, unknown language or a divinely inspired, non-earthly language) that the listener doesn't understand...
"...I would be to him who speaks a foreigner...": The listener would perceive the speaker as someone using a language they don't comprehend. They would treat them as if they were from a foreign country, unable to connect meaningfully.
"...and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me.": Conversely, the speaker would also see the listener as a foreigner because the listener wouldn't understand the language being spoken. There's a mutual lack of understanding and connection.
In essence, Paul is highlighting the problem of unintelligibility. If a speaker uses a language no one understands, it creates a barrier to communication. It's as if they're speaking a foreign language to each other, leading to confusion and failing to edify (build up) the church.
The main point is about the need for meaningful communication. Paul argues that speaking in tongues is only beneficial if it's interpreted so that everyone can understand and learn. If it's just a jumble of sounds, it's no better than two foreigners trying to have a conversation. He prioritizes understanding and building up the community over the spectacle of speaking in tongues for its own sake. In the context of a church service, intelligibility is key for instruction, encouragement, and growth.
1 corinthians 14:11 - If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me.
What does "1 corinthians 14:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 14:11, is part of Paul's discussion on the importance of understandable communication within the church, particularly when speaking in tongues. Let's break down the meaning:
"If then I don’t know the meaning of the sound...": Paul is referring to speaking in tongues (glossolalia) without interpretation. If the speaker is using a language (either a real, unknown language or a divinely inspired, non-earthly language) that the listener doesn't understand...
"...I would be to him who speaks a foreigner...": The listener would perceive the speaker as someone using a language they don't comprehend. They would treat them as if they were from a foreign country, unable to connect meaningfully.
"...and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me.": Conversely, the speaker would also see the listener as a foreigner because the listener wouldn't understand the language being spoken. There's a mutual lack of understanding and connection.
In essence, Paul is highlighting the problem of unintelligibility. If a speaker uses a language no one understands, it creates a barrier to communication. It's as if they're speaking a foreign language to each other, leading to confusion and failing to edify (build up) the church.
The main point is about the need for meaningful communication. Paul argues that speaking in tongues is only beneficial if it's interpreted so that everyone can understand and learn. If it's just a jumble of sounds, it's no better than two foreigners trying to have a conversation. He prioritizes understanding and building up the community over the spectacle of speaking in tongues for its own sake. In the context of a church service, intelligibility is key for instruction, encouragement, and growth.