New International VersionIf then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.
New Living TranslationBut if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me.
English Standard Versionbut if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.
Berean Standard BibleIf, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore unless I know the power of the sound, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me.
King James BibleTherefore 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.
New King James VersionTherefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
New American Standard BibleSo if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be unintelligible to the one who speaks, and the one who speaks will be unintelligible to me.
NASB 1995If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
NASB 1977If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
Legacy Standard BibleIf then I do not know the meaning of the sound, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
Amplified BibleBut if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will [appear to] be a foreigner to the one who is speaking [since he knows exactly what he is saying], and the one who is speaking will [appear to] be a foreigner to me.
Christian Standard BibleTherefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.
Holman Christian Standard BibleTherefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.
American Standard VersionIf then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
Contemporary English VersionBut if I don't understand the language that someone is using, we will be like foreigners to each other.
English Revised VersionIf then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf I don't know what a language means, I will be a foreigner to the person who speaks it and that person will be a foreigner to me.
Good News TranslationBut if I do not know the language being spoken, those who use it will be foreigners to me and I will be a foreigner to them.
International Standard VersionIf I don't know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker will be a foreigner to me.
NET BibleIf then I do not know the meaning of a language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.
New Heart English BibleIf then I do not 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.
Webster's Bible TranslationTherefore, if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian to me.
Weymouth New TestamentIf, however, I do not know the meaning of the particular language, I shall seem to the speaker of it, and he to me, to be merely talking some foreign tongue. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
World English BibleIf then I don’t know the meaning of the language, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf, then, I do not know the power of the voice, I will be a foreigner to him who is speaking, and he who is speaking is a foreigner to me;
Berean Literal BibleTherefore unless I know the power of the sound, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me.
Young's Literal Translation if, then, I do not know the power of the voice, I shall be to him who is speaking a foreigner, and he who is speaking, is to me a foreigner;
Smith's Literal TranslationIf therefore I know not the power of the voice, I shall be to him speaking a foreigner, and he speaking a foreigner to me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf then I know not the power of the voice, I shall be to him to whom I speak a barbarian; and he that speaketh, a barbarian to me.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, if I do not understand the nature of the voice, then I shall be like a foreigner to the one with whom I am speaking; and he who is speaking will be like a foreigner to me.
New American Biblebut if I do not know the meaning of a language, I shall be a foreigner to one who speaks it, and one who speaks it a foreigner to me.
New Revised Standard VersionIf then I do not know the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo if I do not understand the utterance, I shall be as a barbarian to the speaker, and the speaker shall be as a barbarian to me.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd if I do not know the import of the sound, I am a foreigner to him who speaks, and also he who speaks is a foreigner to me. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIf, then, I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian; and he that speaks will be a barbarian to me.
Godbey New Testament
if then I do not understand the power of the voice, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking will be a barbarian to me.
Haweis New Testament
If therefore I know not the force of the expression, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
Mace New Testament
therefore if I don't know the meaning of the language, with respect to him that speaks, I shall be a barbarian; and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me.
Weymouth New Testament
If, however, I do not know the meaning of the particular language, I shall seem to the speaker of it, and he to me, to be merely talking some foreign tongue.
Worrell New Testament
If, then, I know not the meaning of the voice, I will be to him who is speaking a barbarian; and he that is speaking, a barbarian to me.
Worsley New Testament
But if I know not the force of the words, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speakethwill be a barbarian to me.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Prophecy and Tongues… 10Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If,then,I do not knowthemeaningof someone’slanguage,I ama foreignerto thespeaker,andhe isa foreignertome.12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.…
Cross References Genesis 11:7-9Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” / So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city. / That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth.
Acts 2:6-8And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? / How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language?
Isaiah 28:11Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people
Deuteronomy 28:49The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,
Jeremiah 5:15Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.
Isaiah 33:19You will no longer see the insolent, a people whose speech is unintelligible, who stammer in a language you cannot understand.
Ezekiel 3:5-6For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel— / not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.
Acts 22:2When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,
Acts 10:46For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
Acts 19:6And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Romans 15:19by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 13:1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed.
1 Corinthians 14:21It 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.”
Treasury of Scripture Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me. I shall. 1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, Withmen 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. Acts 28:2,4 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold… Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Jump to Previous BarbarianClearCountryForeignForeignerGraspHoweverLanguageMeaningMerelyParticularPowerSeemSenseSomeoneSoundSpeakerSpeakethSpeakingSpeaksStrangeTalkingTongueVoiceJump to Next BarbarianClearCountryForeignForeignerGraspHoweverLanguageMeaningMerelyParticularPowerSeemSenseSomeoneSoundSpeakerSpeakethSpeakingSpeaksStrangeTalkingTongueVoice1 Corinthians 14 1.Prophecy is commended,2.and preferred before speaking in tongues,6.by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.12.Both must be referred to edification,22.as to their true and proper end.26.The true use of each is taught,27.and the abuse rebuked.34.Women in the churches.If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s languageThis phrase highlights the importance of understanding in communication, especially within the church. In the context of 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. The emphasis is on edification and clarity. Without understanding, the gift of tongues becomes unfruitful for the congregation. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God is not a God of confusion but of peace ( 1 Corinthians 14:33). The Tower of Babel ( Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a historical backdrop where language barriers were introduced, emphasizing the need for clear communication. I am a foreigner to the speaker
The term "foreigner" here implies a lack of shared understanding and connection. In the ancient world, being a foreigner often meant being an outsider, lacking the rights and privileges of citizenship. This metaphor underscores the alienation that occurs when language is not understood. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to unity and mutual edification (Ephesians 4:11-13). The use of spiritual gifts should foster inclusion and understanding, not division or exclusion. and he is a foreigner to me
This reciprocal relationship highlights mutual incomprehension. In the early church, diverse backgrounds and languages were common, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Corinth. The church was a melting pot of Jews, Greeks, and other ethnicities. Paul’s teaching here encourages believers to seek gifts that build up the church, such as prophecy, which is understandable and edifying to all (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). The ultimate goal is to reflect the unity and love of Christ, breaking down barriers (Galatians 3:28). Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth about the use of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues. 2. The Church in CorinthA diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and misunderstanding in worship practices. 3. Spiritual GiftsSpecifically, the gift of tongues and its proper use within the church for edification and understanding. 4. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its cultural diversity and as a hub of trade and communication. 5. ForeignersUsed metaphorically by Paul to describe the disconnect and lack of edification when language is not understood. Teaching Points The Importance of UnderstandingSpiritual gifts, including tongues, should be used in a way that promotes understanding and edification within the church. Without understanding, communication is ineffective, much like being a foreigner. Unity in DiversityThe church, like Corinth, is diverse. Spiritual gifts should foster unity and mutual edification, not division or confusion. Purpose of Spiritual GiftsGifts are given for the common good. They should be exercised in love and with the intent to build up the body of Christ. Order in WorshipPaul emphasizes orderly worship where all can participate and be edified. This requires clear communication and understanding. Role of InterpretationWhen tongues are spoken, interpretation is necessary to ensure that the message is understood and beneficial to all. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14
Should you not flee from temptation and idolatry?
Is God the author of confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33 vs. Genesis 11:7-9)
1 Corinthians 12:10 - Does the practice of speaking in tongues have any verifiable linguistic basis, or is it purely psychological?
What does the Bible say about interfaith weddings?(11) Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice.--Language is useless unless we know what meaning is attached to each word uttered. The hearer is a foreigner (or barbarian) , then, in the estimation of the speaker, and the speaker a foreigner in the estimation of the hearer. Thus the truth that sounds of tongues are useless unless they convey definite ideas to the hearers, is illustrated (1) by different instruments of music, (2) by different sounds of an instrument, (3) by different words and languages of living men--in all of which cases the conveyance of distinct ideas is the sign and test of their utility. Verse 11. - A barbarian; in other words, unintelligible, according to the definition of the word by Ovid — "Barbarus hic ego sum, quia non intelligor ulli."Unto me; rather,in my eyes.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek If,ἐὰν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.then,οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.I do not knowεἰδῶ(eidō)Verb - Perfect Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.meaningδύναμιν(dynamin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411:From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.of someone’sτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.language,φωνῆς(phōnēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456:Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.I amἔσομαι(esomai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.a foreignerβάρβαρος(barbaros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 915:A foreigner, one who speaks neither Greek nor Latin; as adj: foreign. Of uncertain derivation; a foreigner.to theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.speaker,λαλοῦντι(lalounti)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[he is]λαλῶν(lalōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.a foreignerβάρβαρος(barbaros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 915:A foreigner, one who speaks neither Greek nor Latin; as adj: foreign. Of uncertain derivation; a foreigner.toἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.me.ἐμοὶ(emoi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
Links 1 Corinthians 14:11 NIV1 Corinthians 14:11 NLT1 Corinthians 14:11 ESV1 Corinthians 14:11 NASB1 Corinthians 14:11 KJV
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:11 If then I don't know the meaning (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
