1 Corinthians 14:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
likewise
G2532
καὶ
likewise
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλώσσης
the tongue
G1100
γλώσσης
the tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
6 of 20
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
7 of 20
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εὔσημον
easy to be understood
G2154
εὔσημον
easy to be understood
Strong's:
G2154
Word #:
9 of 20
well indicated, i.e., (figuratively) significant
λόγον
words
G3056
λόγον
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
δῶτε
ye utter
G1325
δῶτε
ye utter
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
11 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
12 of 20
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
γνωσθήσεται
shall it be known
G1097
γνωσθήσεται
shall it be known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
13 of 20
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Historical Context
In a culture valuing rhetoric and persuasion, Paul's charge that unclear speech is literally pointless would resonate. Corinthian Christians were wasting their breath—and the church's time—with unintelligible speech.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'speak into the air' in modern worship contexts?
- How does Paul's three-fold analogy (music, military, speech) build his case?
- Why is intelligibility so central to Paul's vision of Spirit-filled worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood—Greek eusēmos logos (εὔσημος λόγος, "intelligible word/clear speech") makes the principle explicit. How shall it be known what is spoken? The rhetorical question repeats the pattern (vv. 7, 8), driving home the point. For ye shall speak into the air—speaking eis aera (εἰς ἀέρα, "into the air") means speaking to no one, achieving nothing.
Paul's cumulative argument: music without distinction (v. 7), trumpets without clarity (v. 8), speech without intelligibility (v. 9)—all fail their purpose. The phrase "into the air" is withering: uninterpreted tongues accomplish exactly nothing in corporate worship. The edification principle demands intelligibility.