King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:22 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:22 in the King James Version says “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not fo...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 14:22 · KJV

Faith

Context

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?

24

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not—Greek hōste hai glōssai eis sēmeion eisin (ὥστε αἱ γλῶσσαι εἰς σημεῖον εἰσιν, "so tongues are for a sign"), but for tois apistois (τοῖς ἀπίστοις, "the unbelieving"), not tois pisteuousin (τοῖς πιστεύουσιν, "the believing"). But prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe—the chiastic reversal.

The "sign" is ambiguous (see v. 21's judgment context): tongues serve as a sign to unbelievers—but what kind? Verse 23 clarifies: unbelievers hearing tongues think Christians are mad, hardly a positive witness. Paul's point: tongues don't convert unbelievers (they confuse them), while prophecy edifies believers. The Corinthians had it backwards, prizing tongues in believer-gatherings where prophecy should dominate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians apparently thought tongues would impress unbelievers, demonstrating the Spirit's presence. Paul argues the opposite: tongues confuse outsiders, while prophecy convicts them (v. 24-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what sense are tongues a 'sign' for unbelievers?
  2. Why don't tongues serve evangelistic purposes according to Paul?
  3. How should the distinction between believers and unbelievers shape our corporate worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὥστε1 of 21

“Wherefore”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

αἱ2 of 21
G3588

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

γλῶσσαι3 of 21

“tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

εἰς4 of 21

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σημεῖόν5 of 21

“a sign”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

εἰσιν6 of 21

“are”

G1526

they are

οὐ7 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τοῖς8 of 21
G3588

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

πιστεύουσιν9 of 21

“for them which believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἀλλὰ10 of 21

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοῖς11 of 21
G3588

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

ἀπίστοις12 of 21

“for them that believe not”

G571

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

ἡ13 of 21
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 21

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

προφητεία15 of 21

“prophesying”

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

οὐ16 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τοῖς17 of 21
G3588

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

ἀπίστοις18 of 21

“for them that believe not”

G571

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

ἀλλὰ19 of 21

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοῖς20 of 21
G3588

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

πιστεύουσιν21 of 21

“for them which believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 14:22 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 14:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:6-12Mark 16:171 Timothy 1:91 Corinthians 14:1Acts 2:32-36

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