Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 14:9
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while regulating the use of spiritual gifts in their assembly. He follows his trumpet analogy to specify the practical requirement for vocal worship.
The words — γλώσσης (glōssēs) means "tongue," and οὕτως (houtōs) means "so" or "in this manner," directly linking the instruction to the preceding military analogy.
The thread — The motif of empty vocalization appears in 1 Corinthians 9:26, where Paul contrasts purposeful labor with fighting "like one beating the air." The surrounding context in 1 Corinthians 14:8 and 1 Corinthians 14:10 establishes that sound and speech must carry identifiable meaning to function.
Why it lands — The text requires that spoken communication convey clear information rather than operate as isolated noise. A reader must acknowledge that unintelligible speech fails to instruct, warn, or edify a listener.
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
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.