1 Corinthians 14:11 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“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.”

1 Corinthians 14:11

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

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. {easy...: Gr. significant}

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them {is} without signification.

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.

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual {gifts}, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. {of spiritual gifts: Gr. of spirits}

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an {unknown} tongue pray that he may interpret.

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From This Chapter

1 Corinthians 14:1

"Follow after charity, and desire spiritual {gifts}, but rather that ye may prophesy."

1 Corinthians 14:2

"For he that speaketh in an {unknown} tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth {him}; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. {understandeth: Gr. heareth}"

1 Corinthians 14:3

"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men {to} edification, and exhortation, and comfort."

1 Corinthians 14:4

"He that speaketh in an {unknown} tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church."

1 Corinthians 14:5

"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater {is} he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

1 Corinthians 14:6

"Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?"

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