King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:11 in the King James Version says “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh sh...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore 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.

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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

  1. How does uninterpreted speech create 'barbarians' in the church?
  2. What's the theological significance of contrasting Corinth's chaos with Pentecost's clarity?
  3. What other practices might create barriers ('barbarians') rather than build community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐὰν1 of 18
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

οὖν2 of 18

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

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”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν5 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δύναμιν6 of 18

“the meaning”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

τῆς7 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωνῆς8 of 18

“of the voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἔσομαι9 of 18

“I shall be”

G2071

will be

τῷ10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαλῶν11 of 18

“he that speaketh”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

βάρβαρος12 of 18

“a barbarian”

G915

a foreigner (i.e., non-greek)

καὶ13 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ14 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαλῶν15 of 18

“he that speaketh”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἐν16 of 18

“unto”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοὶ17 of 18

“me”

G1698

to me

βάρβαρος18 of 18

“a barbarian”

G915

a foreigner (i.e., non-greek)

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

Acts 28:2Colossians 3:111 Corinthians 14:21Acts 28:4Romans 1:14

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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