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
International Standard Version
6 Indeed, brothers, if I come to you speaking in foreign languages, what good will I be to you unless I speak to you in some revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching? 7 In the same way, lifeless instruments like the flute or harp produce sounds. But if there’s no difference in the notes, how can a person tell what tune is being played? 8 For example, if a bugle doesn’t sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 In the same way, unless you speak an intelligible message with your language, how will anyone know what is being said? You’ll be talking into the air!
10 There are, I suppose, many different languages[a] in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If I don’t know the meaning of the language,[b] I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. 12 In the same way, since you’re so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for building up the church.
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- 1 Corinthians 14:10 Or sounds
- 1 Corinthians 14:11 Or sound
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