1 Corinthians 14:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐὰν
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
οὖν
Therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#4
εἰδῶ
I know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
δύναμιν
the meaning
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#7
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φωνῆς
of the voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#9
ἔσομαι
I shall be
will be
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
λαλῶν
he that speaketh
to talk, i.e., utter words
#12
βάρβαρος
a barbarian
a foreigner (i.e., non-greek)
#13
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λαλῶν
he that speaketh
to talk, i.e., utter words
#16
ἐν
unto
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
ἐμοὶ
me
to me
#18
βάρβαρος
a barbarian
a foreigner (i.e., non-greek)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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