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But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of (A)revelation or of (B)knowledge or of (C)prophecy or of (D)teaching? Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? For if (E)the trumpet produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So also you, unless you utter by the tongue a word that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be (F)speaking into the air. 10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of sounds in the world, and none is without meaning. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the sound, I will be to the one who speaks a [a](G)barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a [b]barbarian [c]to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous for [d]spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the (H)edification of the church.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:11 Or foreigner
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:11 Or foreigner
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:11 Or in my estimation
  4. 1 Corinthians 14:12 Lit spirits

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. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be (E)a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

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Footnotes

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