1 Corinthians 14:19

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλ'

G235

Yet

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

ἐν

G1722

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ

G1577

the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

θέλω

G2309

I had rather

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

πέντε

G4002

five

"five"

λόγους

G3056

words

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

διὰ

G1223

with

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

τοῦ

G3588

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

νοός

G3563

understanding

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

#10

μου

G3450

of me

#11

λαλῆσαι

G2980

speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

#12

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#13

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#14

ἄλλους

G243

others

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#15

κατηχήσω

G2727

by my voice I might teach

to sound down into the ears, i.e., (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of

#16

ἢ

G2228

than

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#17

μυρίους

G3463

ten thousand

ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many

#18

λόγους

G3056

words

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

#19

ἐν

G1722

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

#20

γλώσσῃ

G1100

an unknown tongue

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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