1 Corinthians 14:22

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

Wherefore

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

αἱ

G3588

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

γλῶσσαι

G1100

tongues

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

εἰς

G1519

for

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

σημεῖόν

G4592

a sign

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

εἰσιν

G1526

are

they are

οὐ

G3756

not

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

τοῖς

G3588

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

πιστεύουσιν

G4100

for them which believe

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

#10

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

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

#11

τοῖς

G3588

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

#12

ἀπίστοις

G571

for them that believe not

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

#13

ἡ

G3588

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

#14

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#15

προφητεία

G4394

prophesying

prediction (scriptural or other)

#16

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#17

τοῖς

G3588

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

#18

ἀπίστοις

G571

for them that believe not

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

#19

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

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

#20

τοῖς

G3588

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

#21

πιστεύουσιν

G4100

for them which believe

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

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

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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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