King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 14:11 Mean?
“Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.”
1 Corinthians 14:11 · KJV
Context
9
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. easy: Gr. significant
10
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification .
11
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. of spiritual gifts: Gr. of spirits
13
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTherefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian—Greek barbaros (βάρβαρος) originally meant a non-Greek speaker (from "bar-bar," the sound of incomprehensible speech). And he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me—the mutual incomprehension makes both parties "barbarians" to each other.
Paul's point: uninterpreted tongues create the same alienation as a language barrier. The term barbaros isn't ethnic slur but linguistic description—without shared language, we're foreigners to each other. In the church, called to unity (12:13, "one body"), creating linguistic barriers through uninterpreted tongues contradicts the gospel's reconciling power. Pentecost gave intelligible speech (Acts 2:6, "every man heard them speak in his own language"); Corinth's tongues without interpretation creates Babel.
Paul's point: uninterpreted tongues create the same alienation as a language barrier. The term barbaros isn't ethnic slur but linguistic description—without shared language, we're foreigners to each other. In the church, called to unity (12:13, "one body"), creating linguistic barriers through uninterpreted tongues contradicts the gospel's reconciling power. Pentecost gave intelligible speech (Acts 2:6, "every man heard them speak in his own language"); Corinth's tongues without interpretation creates Babel.
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Historical & Cultural Context
In the Roman Empire, language barriers were real obstacles. Paul uses this common experience to show how uninterpreted tongues fracture rather than build Christian community.
Reflection Questions
- How does uninterpreted speech create 'barbarians' in the church?
- What's the theological significance of contrasting Corinth's chaos with Pentecost's clarity?
- What other practices might create barriers ('barbarians') rather than build community?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsἐὰν1 of 18
G1437a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ3 of 18
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰδῶ4 of 18
“I know”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
δύναμιν6 of 18
“the meaning”
G1411force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
φωνῆς8 of 18
“of the voice”
G5456a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
καὶ13 of 18
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Corinthians 14:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Corinthians 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge