1 Corinthians 14:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

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

τῷ

G3588

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

νόμῳ

G3551

the law

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

γέγραπται

G1125

it is written

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

ὅτι

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν

G1722

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

ἑτερογλώσσοις

G2084

men of other tongues

other- tongued, i.e., a foreigner

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἐν

G1722

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

#10

χείλεσιν

G5491

lips

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

#11

ἑτέροις

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

#12

λαλήσω

G2980

will I speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

#13

τῷ

G3588

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

#14

λαῷ

G2992

people

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

#15

τούτῳ

G5129

unto this

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

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

οὐδ᾽

G3761

not

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

#18

οὕτως

G3779

yet for all

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#19

εἰσακούσονταί

G1522

hear

to listen to

#20

μου

G3450

of me

#21

λέγει

G3004

saith

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

#22

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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