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1 Corinthians 14:6-12
New International Version
1 Corinthians 14:6-12
New International Version
6 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) 7 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? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?(D) 9 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. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If 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.(E) 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit,(F) try to excel in those that build up(G) the church.
1 Corinthians 14:6-12
Holman Christian Standard Bible
1 Corinthians 14:6-12
Holman Christian Standard Bible
6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in other languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation(A) or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 Even inanimate things that produce sounds—whether flute or harp(B)—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? 8 In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle?(C) 9 In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning.[a] 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner[b] to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. 12 So also you—since you are zealous(D) for spiritual gifts,[c](E) seek to excel in building up the church.
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- 1 Corinthians 14:10 Lit and none is without a sound
- 1 Corinthians 14:11 Gk barbaros = in Eng a “barbarian.” To a Gk, a barbaros was anyone who did not speak Gk.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12 Lit zealous of spirits; spirits = human spirits, spiritual powers, or the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 14:6-12
King James Version
1 Corinthians 14:6-12
King James Version
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?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 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.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 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.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
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New International Version (NIV) 
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Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
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