1 Corinthians 14:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ

G2532

likewise

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

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

διὰ

G1223

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

τῆς

G3588

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

γλώσσης

G1100

the tongue

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

ἐὰν

G1437

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

μὴ

G3361

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

εὔσημον

G2154

easy to be understood

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

#10

λόγον

G3056

words

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

#11

δῶτε

G1325

ye utter

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

#12

πῶς

G4459

how

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

#13

γνωσθήσεται

G1097

shall it be known

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

#14

τὸ

G3588

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

#15

λαλοῦντες

G2980

speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

#16

ἔσεσθε

G2071

ye shall

will be

#17

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#18

εἰς

G1519

into

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

#19

ἀέρα

G109

the air

"air" (as naturally circumambient)

#20

λαλοῦντες

G2980

speak

to talk, i.e., utter words

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
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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