Now, brothers,[a] if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some (A)revelation or knowledge or prophecy or (B)teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And (C)if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be (D)speaking into the air.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:6 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 26, 39

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation(A) or knowledge(B) or prophecy or word of instruction?(C) Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?(D) 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.

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