King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:21 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:21 in the King James Version says “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that w... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:21 · KJV


Context

19

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age

21

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people—Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11-12, a judgment oracle against unbelieving Israel. God said He'd speak through foreign invaders' languages (Assyrian), a sign of judgment for rejecting His clear prophetic word. And yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord—even judgment-tongues wouldn't produce faith.

Paul's exegesis: tongues functioned in Isaiah as a sign of judgment for unbelief, not a blessing for believers. The citation prepares for verse 22: tongues are a sign for unbelievers (a negative sign, indicating judgment), while prophecy serves believers (building them up). The OT citation grounds Paul's argument in redemptive history: God's use of incomprehensible speech signaled judgment, not favor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 28:11-12 addressed Israel's drunken leaders who mocked his clear preaching. God warned He'd speak through foreign tongues (Assyrian invaders)—a sign of judgment. Paul applies this typologically to tongues in Corinth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's use of Isaiah 28:11-12 shape his view of tongues?
  2. What does it mean for tongues to be a 'sign' of judgment for unbelievers?
  3. How does this OT background help us understand tongues in the NT church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἐν1 of 22

In

G1722

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

τῷ2 of 22
G3588

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

νόμῳ3 of 22

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

γέγραπται4 of 22

it is written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὅτι5 of 22
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν6 of 22

In

G1722

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

ἑτερογλώσσοις7 of 22

men of other tongues

G2084

other- tongued, i.e., a foreigner

καὶ8 of 22

and

G2532

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

ἐν9 of 22

In

G1722

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

χείλεσιν10 of 22

lips

G5491

a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)

ἑτέροις11 of 22
G2087

(an-, the) other or different

λαλήσω12 of 22

will I speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τῷ13 of 22
G3588

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

λαῷ14 of 22

people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

τούτῳ15 of 22

unto this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

καὶ16 of 22

and

G2532

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

οὐδ᾽17 of 22

not

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

οὕτως18 of 22

yet for all

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

εἰσακούσονταί19 of 22

hear

G1522

to listen to

μου20 of 22

me

G3450

of me

λέγει21 of 22

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

κύριος22 of 22

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)


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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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