1 Corinthians 14:7

Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to correct their chaotic use of spiritual gifts by drawing an analogy to musical instruments.

The words — ἄψυχα (apsucha) translates to "lifeless things," referring to inanimate objects like the flute (αὐλὸς) that produce a sound (φωνὴν) without breath or life.

The thread — This comparison to indistinct sound runs through 1 Corinthians 13:1 regarding a ringing gong without love and 1 Corinthians 14:8 regarding a muffled trumpet call.

Why it lands — The text states that a melody cannot be recognized without distinct notes, requiring spiritual speech to be clear enough to be understood.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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?

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 14:8 Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?
Numbers 10:2 “Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out.
Matthew 11:17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
Luke 7:32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’