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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 and sisters,[a] if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I help you unless I speak to you with a revelation or with knowledge or prophecy or teaching? It is similar for lifeless things that make a sound, like a flute or harp. Unless they make a distinction in the notes, how can what is played on the flute or harp be understood? If, for example, the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will get ready for battle? It is the same for you. If you do not speak clearly with your tongue, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are probably many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning. 11 If 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. 12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit,[b] seek to abound in order to strengthen the church.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 14:6 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:10.
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:12 tn Grk “eager for spirits.” The plural is probably a shorthand for the Spirit’s gifts, especially in this context, tongues.