King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 14:9 Mean?

1 Corinthians 14:9 in the King James Version says “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 14:9 · KJV

Context

7

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? sounds: or, tunes

8

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood—Greek eusēmos logos (εὔσημος λόγος, "intelligible word/clear speech") makes the principle explicit. How shall it be known what is spoken? The rhetorical question repeats the pattern (vv. 7, 8), driving home the point. For ye shall speak into the air—speaking eis aera (εἰς ἀέρα, "into the air") means speaking to no one, achieving nothing.

Paul's cumulative argument: music without distinction (v. 7), trumpets without clarity (v. 8), speech without intelligibility (v. 9)—all fail their purpose. The phrase "into the air" is withering: uninterpreted tongues accomplish exactly nothing in corporate worship. The edification principle demands intelligibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In a culture valuing rhetoric and persuasion, Paul's charge that unclear speech is literally pointless would resonate. Corinthian Christians were wasting their breath—and the church's time—with unintelligible speech.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'speak into the air' in modern worship contexts?
  2. How does Paul's three-fold analogy (music, military, speech) build his case?
  3. Why is intelligibility so central to Paul's vision of Spirit-filled worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
οὕτως1 of 20

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 20

“likewise”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς3 of 20

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

διὰ4 of 20

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς5 of 20
G3588

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

γλώσσης6 of 20

“the tongue”

G1100

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

ἐὰν7 of 20
G1437

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

μὴ8 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εὔσημον9 of 20

“easy to be understood”

G2154

well indicated, i.e., (figuratively) significant

λόγον10 of 20

“words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

δῶτε11 of 20

“ye utter”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πῶς12 of 20

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

γνωσθήσεται13 of 20

“shall it be known”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὸ14 of 20
G3588

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

λαλοῦντες15 of 20

“speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἔσεσθε16 of 20

“ye shall”

G2071

will be

γὰρ17 of 20

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰς18 of 20

“into”

G1519

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

ἀέρα19 of 20

“the air”

G109

"air" (as naturally circumambient)

λαλοῦντες20 of 20

“speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter 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 14:9 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 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:26

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 14 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes